I have a degree in chem Eng from a world renowned university. I was required among other math related courses to take a course called ‘Higher Math for Engineers and Physicists’. In my many years of industrial work I came away with the idea that there is certainly a a place/purpose for having the reasoning capability of the higher math. However, there is probably just as many places/purposes where a much lower level of math by some ‘technician’ is needed to get a project successfully completed. There is no substitute for coordinated levels of mathematical capabilities.
Did you have t-shirt that read-
“Chem Es Do It In Packed Beds”
That was my personal favorite college t-shirt back in the 70’s.