Mary, Manila, Philippines asked Alicia Bailey, Sain Associates AddedFriday, January 20, 2017 at 1:43 AM I want to follow my heart's calling... Good day, Engr. Alicia. I have already graduated with a degree that is far related from civil engineering. I followed my parents' decision for me at that time. But now that I'm making my own money, I want to follow my heart's calling. I have always wanted to be a civil engineer. My mum is an engineer, as well and she didn't think I would survive engineering classes because I am not that good at maths and physics. But when I look at the buildings, bridges, tunnels, and contemplate how those are made, the passion I have burns inside. My question is, would you advise me to still take up engineering even if I'm already in my mid-twenties and even if I do not excel that much in physics and maths? Do you think my maths skills can still be improved? I would love to hear your opinion about this matter. It would be a big help. Thank you. Related to Civil, Self Doubt, Unique Challenges Reset Sort By Default Alicia Bailey , Sain Associates Answered Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 11:55 AM Thank you for your question. First off, your age should not matter in terms of going back to college. There were several people in my engineering classes who had either done the military or a different career prior to engineering school so there were plenty of instances of people in the their mid-late twenties in engineering school. They got offered the same jobs as the rest of the younger engineering students, but in my experience they excelled quicker as they had other real life experience, communication skills, and leadership skills that helped them shine more than their younger competition. Engineering school is heavy on the math. However, I would not think it impossible to pass just because math isn’t your strong subject. With you being in your mid-twenties, I’m guessing you are much more mature and focused than when you were in high school. Colleges offers lots of opportunities for tutoring and assistance for classes and I know my professors were always helpful. I always thought of college as a “weeding out” process. You have to get through them in order to reap the benefits of an engineering career. Since you know math is a weak spot for you, you will have to stay focused and work really hard at it. Also, I would like to point out that having a job that you enjoy doing offers a much more fulfilling career. If you have a passion for engineering, you will most likely enjoy your job a lot more than working in a field that you do not find that interesting. I wish you the best of luck.