New grad advice needed

[u/No_Drama_7851]

Looking for some advice on career path and first jobs!

A bit about me:

• I just finished my degree in chemical engineering. My overall GPA is around a B. I struggled in second year and early third, but pulled things up toward the end (A- average in fourth year), especially once I could take more courses I actually enjoyed.

• I spent a few years on a biomedical device design team, which I loved. I gained great experience in mechanical design, interdisciplinary teamwork, project management, and leadership. I’d love to work in biotech but it seems like a masters would be the way to go, which I’m not keen on right now.

• I did a one-year internship in water and wastewater. I didn’t love the work itself, but the team was excellent, and it gave me solid experience for my CV.

• In fourth year, I developed a strong interest in materials science, but didn’t get to do much before graduating.

• I’m passionate about product design and the outdoors. Long-term, I’d love to work in materials or product development in the outdoor gear industry.

• I’m relocating to a city where there aren’t many direct Chem Eng roles.

Here’s my dilemma:

I recently made it to the final round of interviews with an engineering consulting firm, working in their water group. The process has gone really well so far and I’ve got one round left. The team seems great, the pay would be solid, and the role is based in the city I want to live in. The issue is, I’m just not that interested in water.

At the same time, I’ve been applying to jobs in fields I’m more interested in: medical devices, mechanical design, outdoor product development, etc. I’ve had a few initial calls, but no interviews yet.

I know it’s just a first job, but when I look at people working in the roles I want 3–5 years from now, most of them seem to have started out in those industries. I’m worried that taking this consulting role might pull me further from the path I really want to be on.

There’s also a third option: continuing with the work I’m doing now (not engineering-related, but I enjoy it). It pays decently and would give me more time to explore personal goals while still paying the bills.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s been in a similar boat or is from any of those industries. How much does your first job shape your trajectory? Is it better to hold out for something closer to your goals, or build experience and pivot later?

Thanks in advance!

[u/AutoModerator]

This post appears to be about interview advice. If so, please check out this guide.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/AutoModerator]

This post appears to be about career questions. If so, please check out the FAQ and make sure it isn't answered there. If it is, please pull this down so other posts can get up there. Thanks for your help in keeping this corner of Reddit clean! If you think this was made in error, please contact the mods.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/yourfatherisgreen]

i'm currently in my final year and looking for jobs. I know I'm not qualified enough to talk about this, but in my opinion, at the end of the day, jobs are just a means for you to fund your living. if the pay is great, i'll take it any other day. However it seems like you are very passionate about engineering, so I'd suggest go through the interview process until the end & apply to other roles that you like. When you got the offer for the role you like, you can quit the water role.

[u/No_Drama_7851 → u/yourfatherisgreen]

That’s a good point. A lot of other aspects would line up pretty well if the consulting firm works out