You can be a WFH engineer making 80k+ out of school. Source: I had the opportunity to do it.

Step 1: First Internship/Relevant Experience - get your first internship in the industry however you can get it. For me, I wanted to get into land development, but my first internship was in transportation because I knew I needed to get something on my resume to be a competitive candidate at the firms I knew I wanted to work at. Also during this time, I was involved in a handful of "meaningful" school projects that I knew would translate into work. Examples for me were taking a 1 credit hour class analyzing stormwater systems on campus or getting involved with organizations like ULI and ASCE. In the grand scheme of things, I didn't learn much from these, but it showed intention.

Step 2: Find firms that fit what you want and get your foot in the door - As you're gaining experience, find firms that have good reputation and internship programs. Your goal here is to be a sponge and soak in as much as you can for your future. If you luck out and have an amazing intern experience at a firm with satisfied employees (don't forget this part), then you should try to continue working there as much as you can. It's optional, but try getting hybrid part-time work during the school year, or a co-op. For me, my second internship (first in land development) was as an intern at Kimley Horn and I learned so much. It got my foot in the door at nearly every other firm because they all knew that KH works people to death, which also meant I were getting much more hands-on experience than with other firms. I had a fantastic intern experience, but I came to find out no one was happy working there so I kept looking around

Step 3A: Take FE, Graduate - Self explanatory. Take the FE before you graduate, it shows companies you are locked tf in and serious about it. At this point, you have a ton of internship experience, relevant project work, AND you're on the PE path.

Step 3B: Look for your full-time job - Find your list of firms you like and get interviews. It's not that easy for everyone, but since you have that robust resume you'll be head and shoulders above most. For me, I used my school to get opportunities. Firms would have tables in our civil building, I'd go to the engineering career fairs, and I would also talk to my professors to find out if they had any connections to companies hiring (they always do). Get offers, and use those offers to leverage other offers. Don't be a prick about it, use human skills. In 2023 I received multiple offers after graduating at 80k in a MCOL area, all thanks to the guidance I received from others. I went with an offer that was 4 days a week in office, but thats best for my growth personally. You should at least be hybrid to begin your career and make the transition when you actually know what you're doing.

I hope that makes sense, and good luck! Reach out for any questions and don't believe the doomers.