Should I prioritize job security, salary, or interest when choosing an engineering career?
There is no single factor that everyone should prioritize. Consider whether you need to place greater weight on income and employment stability, and how much you want to value interest in the work and opportunities for growth. Choose a balance that fits your circumstances and future plans. Actual duties, working style, location, and how readily you can use your expertise are also useful comparison points.
Key points
- The appropriate priority among interest, salary, and security depends on your needs and values.
- Look beyond starting salary to raises, benefits, location, and the balance with living costs.
- Security can be considered in terms of the industry and employer, as well as the need to update your skills and future mobility.
Things to check
- Salary and employment stability vary by field, employer, region, and economic conditions.
- When choosing a university or department, check official information from each institution about matters such as the curriculum and career support.