The Long Road to My Degree
Why the Scenic Route Was Worth It
Wherever we are in our careers, there’s always further to go, right? Most of us don’t end up where we thought we would, but sometimes the long way is the best way—or at least the most interesting. It can take us to places we never dreamed of, like rock bottom, CEO, or, in my case, the inside of a car engine and eventually a civil engineering graduation ceremony.
The Not-So-Direct Route
Let’s rewind. At 16, I left school with big dreams of becoming an Architect. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an apprenticeship in my area, so I did what any ambitious teenager would do: I pivoted to Plan B and followed my passion for cars.
From Grease to Paperwork
What’s the polar opposite of fixing cars? Paperwork, of course! I dove into Business Administration, learning how to type, answer phones, write letters, and file paper—skills that, as it turns out, many people already had. The job market was tough, and apparently, my shiny new qualification didn’t make me the unicorn I’d hoped to be.
In a bid to escape the house (and the constant chorus of “Mum!”), I took a job at a petrol station. The friendships were fantastic, the job satisfaction… less so. When management changed and the winds of opportunity started blowing, I realised it was time to aim higher.
Back to School (Sort Of)
At 25, I enrolled in a part-time HNC course in Civil Engineering. I even negotiated a day off work to attend classes, feeling very professional and slightly rebellious. Then, along came my youngest daughter, Raine, and I took a much-needed gap for maternity leave. When it was time to return to work, I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy, so I applied for a full-time maternity cover job at a housing association. What started as a temporary gig turned into a permanent position, and I was finally putting my Business Administration skills to use. Was it fate, or just good timing?
I bounced around a few departments (I can’t help myself—I love learning new things) and eventually landed in Marketing and Communications. The 18 months I spent there, especially the time with the marketing manager, were some of the most inspiring of my career. I learned so much and gained confidence I never knew I had.
The Final Push
A year later, the itch to finish my HNC returned. I went back to university, juggling a 37.5-hour workweek at the housing association (squeezed into four days), one full day at uni, and a 16-hour part-time job. Exhausting? Absolutely. But it was what needed to be done. The downside? Not much time left for my kids, which was tough.
On a whim, I applied for an engineering job at a local authority. To my surprise, I got it! Not only did they pay for the remainder of my HNC, but my salary increased, allowing me to quit the part-time job and count my university time toward my regular hours. Things were finally looking up. I graduated in July 2019 with an HNC in Civil Engineering.
The Degree Dream Come True
After a short time at the local authority, I was offered a degree apprenticeship. I didn’t hesitate for a second! Three and a half years later, in 2023, I graduated with a First Degree, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Honours. The following year, I achieved chartered status with the ICE, becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Looking Back (and Forward)
It took years, lots of detours, and a few unexpected pit stops, but I finally made it. The journey wasn’t straightforward, but it was mine—and I wouldn’t change a thing. If you’re on your own winding path, just remember: sometimes the long way round is the best way home.
So here’s to all the career pivots, the late-night study sessions, the supportive friends, and the endless cups of coffee. If you’re still working toward your goal, keep going. The view from the finish line is worth every step.
You might be wondering why I’m sharing all this—well, this degree has been a long-held goal of mine that I’ve been eager to finally check off my list for years.
