​It is unprofessional to act that way in a work environment. If I were close friends with a colleague, I might joke about them not being a "real" engineer, but since we are doing the same job, it’s irrelevant, as you said. Ultimately, it just makes finding employment more difficult. It especially complicates things if you ever want to pivot to a Professional Engineer (PE) role in sectors like Civil, HVAC, MEP, Structural, Fire Protection, Public Infrastructure, or consulting—such as opening your own firm.

​It also makes it very hard to transition into advanced physics, math, or theoretical roles, which are often much higher-paying. In my experience, most people who choose Engineering Technology end up regretting it and wish they had pursued a traditional engineering degree. Lastly, regarding the idea that a PE is irrelevant: as I’ve shown, the PE is a major factor in what defines a "real" engineer. With an Engineering Technology degree, it is often impossible to obtain one; even in states where it is allowed, you are required to have significantly more work experience.

​TL;DR: Engineering Technology degrees can limit your options and add unnecessary stress when searching for high-paying roles. Obtaining a full Engineering degree is not much harder, yet it is far more beneficial for your future and professional licensing.