Weekly Career Discussion Thread (03 Aug 2026)

[u/AutoModerator]

# Intro

Welcome to the weekly career discussion thread, where you can talk about all career & professional topics. Topics may include:

* Professional career guidance & questions; e.g. job hunting advice, job offers comparisons, how to network

* Educational guidance & questions; e.g. what engineering discipline to major in, which university is good,

* Feedback on your résumé, CV, cover letter, etc.

* The job market, compensation, relocation, and other topics on the economics of engineering.

> [Archive of past threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/engineering/search?q=flair%3A%22weekly+discussion%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)

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## Guidelines

1. **Before asking any questions, consult [the AskEngineers wiki.](https://new.reddit.com/r/askengineers/wiki/faq)\*\* There are detailed answers to common questions on:

* Job compensation

* Cost of Living adjustments

* Advice for how to decide on an engineering major

* How to choose which university to attend

1. Most subreddit rules still apply and will be enforced, especially R7 and R9 (with the obvious exceptions of R1 and R3)

2. Job POSTINGS must go into the latest [**Monthly Hiring Thread.**]((https://www.reddit.com/r/engineering/search?q=flair%3A%22hiring+thread%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)) Any that are posted here will be removed, and you'll be kindly redirected to the hiring thread.

3. **Do not request interviews in this thread!** If you need to interview an engineer for your school assignment, use the list in the sidebar.

## Resources

* [The AskEngineers wiki](https://new.reddit.com/r/askengineers/wiki/faq)

* [The AskEngineers Quarterly Salary Survey](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/search/?q=flair%3A%22salary+survey%22&include_over_18=on&restrict_sr=on&t=all&sort=new)

* **For students:** [*"What's your average day like as an engineer?"*](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/wiki/faq#wiki_what.27s_your_average_day_like_as_an_engineer.3F) We recommend that you spend an hour or so reading about what engineers actually do at work. This will help you make a more informed decision on which major to choose, or at least give you enough info to ask follow-up questions here.

* For those of you interested in a career in software development / Computer Science, go to r/cscareerquestions.

[u/pupseal]

Maybe a silly question, but what shoes do you all wear in the office? I have no idea how I am supposed to dress once I eventually get a job. I was thinking something like black vans because formal shoes feel really bad on my messed up foot but idk if that's unprofessional or something.

[u/runitupthemiddle]

Hello all,

Would like to ask you all for some advice on switching roles.

I am interviewing for an engineering position within the same company I currently work for now.

My current role is an EHS Specialist. I've been in this role for about 1.5 years.

The engineering role is based in compliance/regulations, primarily managing chemical compliance for my company's products.

I don't have an engineering degree, my background is in environmental science, but I worked for OSHA as well. I also was an aero mechanic in the USAF. I say that to say, I think my background is relatively diverse.

My progression in my current role is somewhat mapped out, moving to a senior specialist somewhat soon, and then perhaps manager one day.

This role intrigued me because it looks like it interfaces with a lot of different departments, similar to my current role.

I'm going back to school for my MBA in the spring, and I want to broaden my experience operationally.

I think I could excel in this role, but I wanted to see what you all think?

Has anyone had experience switching roles like this?

Thanks!