What I Did with My Degree: Civil Engineering

I majored in civil engineering at a midsized state school in Ohio, graduating at the top of my class in June 1982. I chose my major because I wanted a challenging course of study and I wanted to design and build large projects such as roads, bridges and buildings. I had a particular interest in water and water-treatment projects. I planned to initially work for a large consulting company, build my skills and project portfolio, and earn a master's degree, which at the time could typically be done in less than a year, with all or most tuition and fees waived as part of a readily available scholarship or adjunct teaching arrangement.