u/Fuzzy_String_1644

I’m looking for some general career advice.

I already work in the underground utility/construction industry on the engineering side, but my state requires documented field experience (typically as a foreman or in a supervisory field role) before I can qualify for the contractor license.

The problem is that it’s difficult to get that experience without leaving a stable engineering job. I’m not looking to fake or shortcut anything -I want to earn the experience the right way.

For those who have been in this situation:

• How did you transition from engineering or office work into field experience?
• Are there companies willing to let someone work weekends, part-time, or in a hybrid role to gain qualifying experience?
• Would small utility contractors be more open to this than larger companies?
• Any advice on networking or finding opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised?

I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who’s gone through this or who hires people in the underground utility industry. Thanks.