I graduated 1.5 years ago and I've been doing general consulting work (all civil disiplines except structural) for a very small firm. I'm thinking of going to a larger firm and concentrating on Transportation (my emphasis in school). What do you think? Good idea to specialize or stay general??
2006-08-23 10:31:44 · 6 answers · asked by Lisa 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I would definitely specialize. I don't necessarily agree with some of the other posters about government work being the best -- it depends what's most important to you (e.g., stability and a predictable 40-hr week in government vs. risk and financial upside as a consultant).
The advice about the P.E. is all good. You should definitely pursue that.
Best of luck to you!
2006-08-24 17:58:46 · answer #1 · answered by Jim A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely specialize in whatever you want. Consulting jobs are absolute hell, that goes for pretty much anything in the private sector. If you want to do transportation and have fun doing it the I would suggest applying to the government agencies. I spent two years in private consulting and one year in government with the Illinois Department of Transportation. After doing the government thing I will never go back into private consulting ever again. You are much better off in the government sector if you are CE. Since you have been out of school for 1.5 years you still have at least 2.5 years before you can even take your PE so I wouldn't fret about that anytime soon. Make sure you have your EIT in hand and look for something that will make you happy.
2006-08-24 16:19:25 · answer #2 · answered by aadams_22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That mostly depends on your future goals. Contract/consulting work can be lucrative but on an uncertain schedule and often has no health/vacation benefits. (And for that you'd likely want to be general, so as to expand your opportunities.) Working for a large firm would likely require specialization and get you good benefits but might not pay as well as consulting work, and there's always that prospect of downsizing/outsourcing eliminating your job. Working for the government (municipal and county governments often have need for transportation engineers) would likely have the greatest job security and good benefits but the lowest salaries. If you intend on settling down and raising a family, the last option might be best...if you'd rather be footloose and fancy-free then go with general contract work. It all really depends on what kind of a person you are and what environment you do best in. My discipline is not civil (rather mechanical) but I enjoy the security and benefits of working for the government.
2006-08-23 11:06:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what you prefer. Specializing is good, especially when the field, Transportation, will always be around so there will always be a need for transportation engineering.
Transporters, like those used on Star Trek Enterprise, are not even on the drawing boards yet.
In the area of Public Transportation, federal and state governments subsidize the public transit service, so there will always be money to pay salaries.
2006-08-23 10:39:06 · answer #4 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best job for civil engineer would be to work for the state. You will need to get your PE to move up to better pay scale either for public or private sector. I were you, my 1st goal is to pass the PE (professional engineer) exam. After you have received the PE, you can start to emphasis in your field of interest.
2006-08-23 10:40:40 · answer #5 · answered by galactic_man_of_leisure 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get your MBA and get out.
2006-08-23 10:38:43 · answer #6 · answered by bflo73 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋