I need some career path advice, or at least, I need to be pointed in the right direction to start figuring this out.
I've been in the same job since I graduated with degrees in Mechanical Engineer (Nuclear Engineering concentration) and Physics (Math minor) in 2013. I now have 3 years of experience doing code compliance work, preparing engineering evaluations, and performing fire modeling for the commercial nuclear industry. My plan was to work for 2-3 years while I figure out what I really want to do. That time is coming to an end and I've had several realizations that come from my limited work experience in my current position:
-I'm not happy sitting in my cubical everyday from 9-5. It might be that my current job is not particularly exciting, but I just don't feel engaged. I feel like the only challenge I face is meeting unrealistic deadlines.
-I got a couple of misdemeanors one drunken night several years ago and there is a possibility that they will be a constant problem in such a regulated industry.
-I miss doing work with my hands and being out in the field.
-The part of my job I enjoy the most is when I get to problem solve and design solutions.
-Working for a small family owned company allows more flexibility, but navigating the family/friendship ties and nepotism is challenging. Also, the small scope of projects doesn't provide much room for advancement.
With all of that in mind, I think it's the right time for me to switch jobs. Which is great because my girlfriend will be moving to one of 6 cities depending on where she gets into grad school, so I want to follow her. (Seattle, Berkeley, Denver, Philadelphia, New Haven, or Charlotte)
That being said, I'm starting to question what's next:
1) All of my relevant experience is in stuff that I don't want to keep doing. If I shift in my field, do I have to start over as if I don't have experience?
2) Other than googling and online job postings, how do I explore what opportunities are available find something that excites me?
3) Did I have an illusion that engineering would be fun/exciting? Is it really just manipulating Excel and writing reports?
4) Should I even stay in engineering? But if I do something else, is that a waste of the 5 years I spent earning my degrees and the thousands of dollars paid to the university?
I know it's a lot of text, but I have no idea how to start figuring out whats next. So any advice would be awesome.
I've been in the same job since I graduated with degrees in Mechanical Engineer (Nuclear Engineering concentration) and Physics (Math minor) in 2013. I now have 3 years of experience doing code compliance work, preparing engineering evaluations, and performing fire modeling for the commercial nuclear industry. My plan was to work for 2-3 years while I figure out what I really want to do. That time is coming to an end and I've had several realizations that come from my limited work experience in my current position:
-I'm not happy sitting in my cubical everyday from 9-5. It might be that my current job is not particularly exciting, but I just don't feel engaged. I feel like the only challenge I face is meeting unrealistic deadlines.
-I got a couple of misdemeanors one drunken night several years ago and there is a possibility that they will be a constant problem in such a regulated industry.
-I miss doing work with my hands and being out in the field.
-The part of my job I enjoy the most is when I get to problem solve and design solutions.
-Working for a small family owned company allows more flexibility, but navigating the family/friendship ties and nepotism is challenging. Also, the small scope of projects doesn't provide much room for advancement.
With all of that in mind, I think it's the right time for me to switch jobs. Which is great because my girlfriend will be moving to one of 6 cities depending on where she gets into grad school, so I want to follow her. (Seattle, Berkeley, Denver, Philadelphia, New Haven, or Charlotte)
That being said, I'm starting to question what's next:
1) All of my relevant experience is in stuff that I don't want to keep doing. If I shift in my field, do I have to start over as if I don't have experience?
2) Other than googling and online job postings, how do I explore what opportunities are available find something that excites me?
3) Did I have an illusion that engineering would be fun/exciting? Is it really just manipulating Excel and writing reports?
4) Should I even stay in engineering? But if I do something else, is that a waste of the 5 years I spent earning my degrees and the thousands of dollars paid to the university?
I know it's a lot of text, but I have no idea how to start figuring out whats next. So any advice would be awesome.
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