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Should I go for civil engineering or finance?
Hi, I’m in my final year of Alevel but haven’t applied to university and am taking a gap year instead, I’m confused on what degree I should pursue, I do maths physics and economics but I wouldn’t call myself a naturally smart person when it comes to physics. I’m confused if I should do economics and finance just because I live in London and it makes “more money” or I should go with civil engineering because I’m interested in structural engineering. I’m really unsure because on the internet all the civil engineering are wishing they worked in finance and the pay for civil engineering is low in the uk. Economics and finance is a good option but I’m not particularly excited about it, however it may also be in the next ten year I very much regret this decision.
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6 answers
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
Choosing a career path is one of the biggest decisions you'll face, and it's completely normal to feel torn between following a genuine interest and seeking financial security. It sounds like you have a real spark for structural engineering, and while the internet can be a loud place for venting about salaries, it's important to remember that a career in civil engineering offers a tangible sense of accomplishment that's hard to find elsewhere. You don't need to be a physics genius to succeed as long as you're willing to put in the work, and your background in maths and economics actually gives you a fantastic foundation for either path. Finance can certainly be lucrative, but spending decades in a field that doesn't excite you can lead to a different kind of regret that money can't always fix, whereas an engineering degree is highly respected and offers plenty of pivot points into the corporate world later if you change your mind. Since you're taking a gap year, you've got a wonderful opportunity to perhaps shadow professionals in both fields or look into degree apprenticeships that might give you the best of both worlds. Trust your instincts and remember that your first choice doesn't have to be your final destination, so focus on what will make you feel most engaged during those university years. You've got a bright future ahead of you regardless of which path you choose, and I'm sure you'll make the right call for your own happiness. Good luck.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Mae
Updated
Evgeny’s Answer
Understanding the "Pay Gap" in the UK: It's true that the UK doesn't pay engineers as much as the US or Germany. However, working in London has its own perks that people often overlook.
In Civil or Structural Engineering, starting salaries range from £28k to £35k. Progress can be slow, but once you become a Chartered Engineer (CEng), your worth increases significantly. Experienced structural engineers in London working on big projects can earn £70k to £90k or more.
In Economics or Finance, starting salaries for roles like Investment Banking can be £50k to £70k, plus bonuses. These jobs pay well but often come with long hours and high stress. Many engineers switch to finance later because finance companies value the problem-solving skills engineers have. If you start in Civil Engineering, you can still move into Finance later. However, if you begin in Economics, switching back to Engineering is tougher.
If you're worried about Physics, remember that Structural Engineering is like an advanced version of Physics, focusing on things like forces and loads. If you enjoy these parts of Physics, you'll likely do well. Economics, on the other hand, involves more statistics and abstract thinking. Some find it less satisfying because you don't see the physical results of your work.
I hope this helps!
In Civil or Structural Engineering, starting salaries range from £28k to £35k. Progress can be slow, but once you become a Chartered Engineer (CEng), your worth increases significantly. Experienced structural engineers in London working on big projects can earn £70k to £90k or more.
In Economics or Finance, starting salaries for roles like Investment Banking can be £50k to £70k, plus bonuses. These jobs pay well but often come with long hours and high stress. Many engineers switch to finance later because finance companies value the problem-solving skills engineers have. If you start in Civil Engineering, you can still move into Finance later. However, if you begin in Economics, switching back to Engineering is tougher.
If you're worried about Physics, remember that Structural Engineering is like an advanced version of Physics, focusing on things like forces and loads. If you enjoy these parts of Physics, you'll likely do well. Economics, on the other hand, involves more statistics and abstract thinking. Some find it less satisfying because you don't see the physical results of your work.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Vicky’s Answer
Hello there,
It is great that you are considering taking a gap year to properly assess your field of study rather than rushing into a decision. Let me spend some thoughts as someone who has spent years working in finance.
Yes, some finance careers pay well, but, if you are considering finance as a career path, be aware that as any career path, entry level positions require long hours and can be grueling, most starting career are.
You mentioned being "interested in structural engineering" but only seeing economics/finance as practical. Here's what I learned managing client portfolios: the people who excel and build sustainable careers are those genuinely engaged with their work. Choosing something solely for money often leads to dissatisfaction, and ironically, you may not even maximize your earning potential because you're not fully engaged.
Here is what I would recommend you consider during your gap year:
1. Shadow or interview professionals in both field: Meet finance and engineering professionals and ask questions about their careers, get the full picture.
2. Research beyond starting salaries: Research “potential mid-career paths.” For example, Civil engineers can move into project management, consulting, or specialize in high-demand areas. Finance roles are very diverse (investment banking vs. financial planning vs. treasury management).
3. Get a job/ Internship at an Engineering firm or Financial Institution: This will allow you to have hands-on experience and also discover career options that you would not consider.
4. Continue on growing your technical skills during your gap year - use this time to grow both personally and professionally
5. Test your assumptions - You said you're "not naturally smart at physics" but you're taking A-level Physics. That's significant. Civil engineering is applied physics—would working on real-world projects engage you differently than theoretical courses.
My recommendation is to be flexible in seeking for a career path, be ready to engage with professionals, explore university degrees that offer engineering programs with business/finance minors or economic programs with technical electives.
Make a list about What specific aspects of structural engineering interest you? And what do you think you'd actually be doing day-to-day in economics/finance?
Seek connections in engineering & finance
Job/internship in engineering and finance
Working hard is good so is having a little fun, if you can travel and discover new places
It is great that you are considering taking a gap year to properly assess your field of study rather than rushing into a decision. Let me spend some thoughts as someone who has spent years working in finance.
Yes, some finance careers pay well, but, if you are considering finance as a career path, be aware that as any career path, entry level positions require long hours and can be grueling, most starting career are.
You mentioned being "interested in structural engineering" but only seeing economics/finance as practical. Here's what I learned managing client portfolios: the people who excel and build sustainable careers are those genuinely engaged with their work. Choosing something solely for money often leads to dissatisfaction, and ironically, you may not even maximize your earning potential because you're not fully engaged.
Here is what I would recommend you consider during your gap year:
1. Shadow or interview professionals in both field: Meet finance and engineering professionals and ask questions about their careers, get the full picture.
2. Research beyond starting salaries: Research “potential mid-career paths.” For example, Civil engineers can move into project management, consulting, or specialize in high-demand areas. Finance roles are very diverse (investment banking vs. financial planning vs. treasury management).
3. Get a job/ Internship at an Engineering firm or Financial Institution: This will allow you to have hands-on experience and also discover career options that you would not consider.
4. Continue on growing your technical skills during your gap year - use this time to grow both personally and professionally
5. Test your assumptions - You said you're "not naturally smart at physics" but you're taking A-level Physics. That's significant. Civil engineering is applied physics—would working on real-world projects engage you differently than theoretical courses.
My recommendation is to be flexible in seeking for a career path, be ready to engage with professionals, explore university degrees that offer engineering programs with business/finance minors or economic programs with technical electives.
Vicky recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Mae
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
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Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Don't you worry! After ten years most everyone regrets their decision. They lack versatility, adventure, cause.
What makes you happy? Take that year off and think about that.
Don't use money as a direction because financial structures change at a moment's notice (unless you hold gold & silver), governments come & go so what is legal today may be illegal tomorrow.
just sit down for a spot of tea and just day dream (yes I said it!) about your perfect future world (life, position, finance, sport, hobbie) in about twenty years time.
Close your eyes and actually visualize you, standing at that very point in life where it all just falls together.
At that same point, in your future self, reminisce of the paths you had to take, even those had to make, to arrive at that very point.
Some paths easy, some paths hard, many with as well as without a tear, but still a path well traveled to the footing you now stand rested on.
Visualize with genuine intent, asking Gods blessing as well as Angels protection.
What makes you happy? Take that year off and think about that.
Don't use money as a direction because financial structures change at a moment's notice (unless you hold gold & silver), governments come & go so what is legal today may be illegal tomorrow.
just sit down for a spot of tea and just day dream (yes I said it!) about your perfect future world (life, position, finance, sport, hobbie) in about twenty years time.
Close your eyes and actually visualize you, standing at that very point in life where it all just falls together.
At that same point, in your future self, reminisce of the paths you had to take, even those had to make, to arrive at that very point.
Some paths easy, some paths hard, many with as well as without a tear, but still a path well traveled to the footing you now stand rested on.
Visualize with genuine intent, asking Gods blessing as well as Angels protection.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Mae
Updated
Roel’s Answer
If you're really passionate about civil engineering, don't let online talk about salaries discourage you. If finance seems unfulfilling, the money might not bring happiness. Use your gap year to explore both fields, try them out, and chat with people who work in them.
Success isn't about being "naturally smart." It's about being curious, staying persistent, and choosing a path that excites you. Whatever you decide, you can learn and thrive. Believe in yourself, and know that you can succeed in either direction!
Success isn't about being "naturally smart." It's about being curious, staying persistent, and choosing a path that excites you. Whatever you decide, you can learn and thrive. Believe in yourself, and know that you can succeed in either direction!
Thanks for the advice.
Mae
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You're asking a great question at the perfect time. This decision is about more than just a degree; it's about the kind of challenges you want to tackle throughout your life.
Let's clarify a few things.
Finance jobs in London can offer higher salaries, especially in investment banking or top roles. However, not everyone in finance earns a fortune. Many find themselves in decent but average-paying jobs with long hours and stress. The internet often highlights only the big success stories.
While civil engineering in the UK may not pay as much as finance at the top end, it provides stability, a clear career path, and the chance to make a real impact. It's not a low-income field; it just doesn't match hedge fund earnings.
Here's what really matters.
You mentioned an interest in structural engineering and not much excitement for economics and finance.
This is more important than salary.
Engineering is challenging, and structural engineering demands hard work in areas like mechanics and materials. Few people are naturally gifted in physics, but most engineers succeed through practice and persistence. Hard work is more important than natural talent.
Ask yourself this:
If both careers paid the same, which would you choose?
If your honest answer is structural engineering, that's a strong indication.
Think long term. You can transition from engineering to finance later, especially into areas like infrastructure investment or project management. Many engineers do this. But moving from finance to structural engineering is tougher without more schooling.
Consider regret, too.
People rarely regret following their true interests. They often regret chasing money alone.
You'll spend years working. If finance doesn't excite you now, don't assume a higher salary will bring fulfillment later.
If you love markets, business, and economics, finance might be right for you. But if you're fascinated by how buildings stand and bridges hold up, that curiosity is valuable.
One practical tip: during your gap year, try to gain some experience. Shadow a civil engineer or talk to someone in finance. Try a short internship or online course in each field. Real-world exposure is better than online opinions.
Your decision doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to reflect who you are right now.
Choose the field whose challenges you wouldn't mind tackling late into the night.
That's usually the right path.
Let's clarify a few things.
Finance jobs in London can offer higher salaries, especially in investment banking or top roles. However, not everyone in finance earns a fortune. Many find themselves in decent but average-paying jobs with long hours and stress. The internet often highlights only the big success stories.
While civil engineering in the UK may not pay as much as finance at the top end, it provides stability, a clear career path, and the chance to make a real impact. It's not a low-income field; it just doesn't match hedge fund earnings.
Here's what really matters.
You mentioned an interest in structural engineering and not much excitement for economics and finance.
This is more important than salary.
Engineering is challenging, and structural engineering demands hard work in areas like mechanics and materials. Few people are naturally gifted in physics, but most engineers succeed through practice and persistence. Hard work is more important than natural talent.
Ask yourself this:
If both careers paid the same, which would you choose?
If your honest answer is structural engineering, that's a strong indication.
Think long term. You can transition from engineering to finance later, especially into areas like infrastructure investment or project management. Many engineers do this. But moving from finance to structural engineering is tougher without more schooling.
Consider regret, too.
People rarely regret following their true interests. They often regret chasing money alone.
You'll spend years working. If finance doesn't excite you now, don't assume a higher salary will bring fulfillment later.
If you love markets, business, and economics, finance might be right for you. But if you're fascinated by how buildings stand and bridges hold up, that curiosity is valuable.
One practical tip: during your gap year, try to gain some experience. Shadow a civil engineer or talk to someone in finance. Try a short internship or online course in each field. Real-world exposure is better than online opinions.
Your decision doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to reflect who you are right now.
Choose the field whose challenges you wouldn't mind tackling late into the night.
That's usually the right path.