For a long time I thought I should be a civil engineer…
“For a long time I thought I should be a civil engineer. That seemed to be the only thing worth doing, and I chose the wrong subjects at A-level. I read all the sciences to start with, and then had to admit, 'This isn't what I want to do' and changed course.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker reflects on early career expectations in engineering, realizing a mismatch with personal interests, and ultimately changing direction after exploring broader sciences.
In simple terms: He thought engineering was his only path, but later chose a different career.
Key Takeaway
Explore varied interests before committing to a single career path.
Themes
career choice
self‑discovery
education
personal growth
Mood
reflective
encouraging
Type
motivational
practical
When to use this quote
- university studies
- career counseling
- skill development
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
identity
decision‑making
career change
exploration
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicated the original path was unsuitable?
- How can you assess when to pivot in your career?
A Different Perspective
Changing direction can be risky and may involve financial or social costs.