What is the most promising concentration of ce graduate studies? 2

[Kesete]

I got my BSc degree in ME from Addis Ababa/Ethiopia university in 1989.
In the last 11 years I had been working as sales, support, and project engineer in Africa (limited professional experience). I find it, however, very diffucult to find a job on any those areas here in California thus decided to going to grad school to living on hopes of landing a job as a mechanical engineer.

Considering my age, 38,I decided to shift to CE though I don't have a passion as much as I have for Electrical/Computer engineering. And, so far I have applied at CSU Long Beach for civil engineering program. However, I am not sure which concentration/s of CE would hold best for future job market. Could you advise? I appreciate if you could also share with me about the reputation of the university(CSU Long Beach) and its CE program. I well come any other suggestions.

Many thanks
Kes.

 

[usjbh]

I saw this question posted without any responses and that tweeked my curiosity. I know that I cannot answer your questions as asked but I can offer an observation and perhaps a little advice based on my own 40 years of wandering through life trying to find a professional role. I am two years from retirement and could not have predicted ending my career in the RDE organization of a leading high tech company.
Based on your own brief resume that consisted of 11 years post college work of various backgrounds, it seems you have not yet found your strong suit. The fact that you have limited professional experience at age 38 is going to always be a strong negative by resume readers for professional positions. One thing that puzzles me is that you have not indicated that you have undergone career counseling during that period, yet were considering CE despite not having a passion for it. If you need to do one thing you need to do before heading off in any direction, I would suggest career counseling as a first step. Perhaps Forum members can offer some suggestions here - post a query.
If you have the skills to become successful in sales, I would strongly suggest pursuing that direction. Sales are the strength of any business or industry and it will not only offer greater flexibilty in your job, it will also return the highest rewards if you become good at it. Find a technical field or product market that plays to your strengths and pursue sales positions with one of the market leaders to get the training and experience you will need. Good sales people are hard to come by and are highly valued by all companies. If they don't value them they no longer retain their market leadership. I am not in sales but have observed how well our good sales people are treated financially and how they are respected by our customers.
Good Luck.

 

[GregLocock]

I think a 38-42 year old 'fresh' graduate will find it very hard to pick up an appropriate job.

Cheers

Greg Locock

 

[Kesete]

Firstly, I am very greatful for usjbh (Mechanical) for being considerate to respond to my long abandoned querry.
And, I thank him for figuring out the core of my dilemma and for suggesting that I undergo carrier counseling before I ever set myself into the slog of the graduate studies.Therefore, in order to see the opportunites available related to my experience, I take the suggestion of usjbh (mechanical).

As sales engineer, I had successfully worked for local companies in Africa that represented world wide reputed companies in the fields of trasportaion, construction, LPG depots, and many others. Besides of being a foot solidier in sales and successfully negotiated and concluded contracts, I prepared and participated in many international bids financed by IDA/World Bank.

Having shed some lights on my experience, I would appreciate if any member can refere me to carrier counselors that could perhaps suggest, given my experience and potential, the most feasible carrier paths.

Many thanks

Kes

 

[amorrison]

Your second post ...

"As sales engineer, I had successfully worked for local companies in Africa that represented world wide reputed companies in the fields of trasportaion, construction, LPG depots, and many others. Besides of being a foot solidier in sales and successfully negotiated and concluded contracts, I prepared and participated in many international bids financed by IDA/World Bank."

My thoughts:
You have a good start to an "International MBA" here.
The degree should be easy and rewarding.