[cmdkeen]

I don't think University shifts you into "engineer" mode at all, you learn that when you go and do it for real in "industry". And not by doing indie projects or realistically at small start-ups. See patio11's comments re what he learned in Japan.

University is about enquiry and learning to think critically. It doesn't matter if you never use the specific constructs they cover but you do come out with a much more flexible mindset.

The other thing is that the OP might actually become a really talented academic and have the potential to do great things in the field.