Why all the negativity?

Long time lurker, first time poster in this sub. Last week I attended a career fair at a local state university (about 40,000 undergrads). Of about 100 people that came to our booth, only 7 were civil / environmental engineering students. The other 90-some people that stopped by were computer science, information systems, and data science students.

The large company I am at has about 30 civil-related job openings for interns and entry level positions in the DMV area. With these numbers, it is much easier to find an entry level position than about 6 years ago when graduated. The probability of getting a civil engineering position is higher than it has been in the last few decades. Every software, aerospace, mechanical engineering booth had lines 25 people deep.

Most of the issues with lower pay in HCOL areas that I see in this sub are not exclusive to civil engineering. Many career fields entry level salaries are similar in these areas, however, have a larger application pool of people trying to get their foot in the door. Yes, the first couple years of a civil engineering job will not allow you to go on amazing trips, buy a house, and get a luxury apartment. After a few years in though, once you start to gain experience, these goals become accomplishable.

I am not absolving this industry of any negatives, I admit I still have some issues regarding benefits, PTO, billable hours, etc. However, this career has opportunities for advancement and a fairly easy barrier of entry. For just an undergrad degree from any ABET accredited university, passing two tests, and putting in mostly 40-hour weeks you can have a very comfortable life. Sometimes, I think we have to put this into perspective in the sub.

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