What does a Materials Engineer have to offer a group of civil engineers?

Question

What does a Materials Engineer have to offer a group of civil engineers?

Please help me...I am going for a job interview tom and I KNOw this question will come up, yet I can't make a good argument for myself.

Answer 1

Civil engineers use concrete, steel, lumber, ect. to build large-scale structures. All of these materials must work together to create a safe and functional building.

Materials engineers would be helpful in better selecting materials for different applications as either a cost-saving measure or increased safety measure. Compression testing (concrete), tensile testing (steel), and other sampling of raw materials will ensure that the civil engineer's plans won't be hindered by shoddy product.

Unless it is a company full of old stiffs who are in the "this is how we've been doing it for 100 years we're not changing" camp, then you could also be useful in studying and researching new materials to make buildings and roads stronger than ever before.

Answer 2

First off, if they called you in for an interview, they probably have ideas about how they would utilize your background. What kind of Civil firm is it?

Steel and composites and their use in roadways, dams, and buildings come to mind. Civils tend to think of them as having fixed properties, but Mat'l Engs would have a more sophisicated understanding of how refining, processing, storage, aging, and environmental conditions all effect materials properties.

Or they could be a more research/development oriented firm that is looking at more cutting edge approaches or are trying to develop new products. Then the Mat'l Eng has obvious input on selection and processing of materials of construction.

In general, it bodes well of a work place, I think, when they look to bring in other specialists. It suggests they realize that they don't know all the answers (no one does) and that they will value the different input and perspective that you will offer.

Answer 3

A materials engineers knows which materials are suitable for a given construction project. The mat'l eng'r knows the mechanical strength, resistance to weather/water, and many other properties of many materials that a civil eng'r might not know about.

Answer 4

Materials Engineers can offer their expertise in the areas of Fatigue and Failure of materials of construction...Civil Engineers might know how to construct it, but eventually they need advice on the strength of materials.

Answer 5

Well, you can make their coffee, fetch lunch, and don't forget to mention you can always carry their breifcase!

Answer 6

a pizzapie??