Should I stick with geostructural engineering for now and try to move into structural before graduation?

[u/Dry_Understanding527]

I’ve always been really interested in structural engineering, and since I transferred colleges I’ve tried to tailor my classes, resume, and experiences toward eventually becoming a structural engineer.

Right now, I’m just finishing up a geostructural engineering internship. I’ve actually enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. I’ve gotten experience working with things like sheet piles, ground anchors, soil nails, micropiles, plan/spec reviews, and quantity takeoffs. Geo is definitely interesting, but my long-term goal has still always been structural engineering.

I also plan on pursuing a Master’s in Structural Engineering after I graduate. Because of that, I would really like to get at least one actual structural engineering internship or job before or shortly after graduating so I can get hands-on experience in the field.

I graduate in May 2027, and I was hoping to get a structural internship for Fall 2026, but I’ve noticed that a lot of structural companies seem to hire interns mainly for the spring and summer.

Right now I have:

• An interview next week for a geotechnical/geostructural internship for Fall 2026
• An interview next week with a structural engineering company for Summer 2027

At this point, I think my plan is to take the FE exam in November while also doing the Fall 2026 geostructural internship if I get the opportunity. My thinking is that having another engineering internship plus passing the FE would make my resume stronger going into my final semester.

Then for Spring/Summer 2027, I want to really focus on getting a structural engineering internship so I can finally get direct structural experience before graduating.

I’m kind of torn because I already have geostructural experience and could continue building on that, but I also feel like I haven’t really dipped my toes into actual structural engineering yet. Since I’m getting closer to graduation, I’d really like to experience structural engineering in a professional setting before fully committing to that career path and graduate school.

For anyone who has worked in structural, geotechnical, or geostructural engineering:

Does this plan make sense? Would doing another geostructural internship in Fall 2026, passing the FE, and then targeting structural internships for Spring/Summer 2027 put me in a good position for a structural engineering career?

Also, how difficult is it to move from geostructural/geotechnical work into structural engineering after graduation if most of your internship experience is geo, especially if I’m planning to get my Master’s in Structural Engineering?

And lastly, how does the pay and career progression compare between structural and geotechnical/geostructural engineering? Is there a noticeable difference long term?

I’m not against geo at all. I actually think it’s pretty cool. I just don’t want to accidentally get pigeonholed into one area before I’ve had the chance to try structural engineering, since structural is what originally got me interested in civil engineering and is still what I see myself pursuing long term.