Engineers in Private Practice?

Question

Is it a good idea for a civil/environmental engineer to go into private practice and offer, say, hourly consulting services etc. or is it better to work long hours for a company?

Answer 1

Well, I think if you are just coming out of school, get your feet wet in a company first, learn from some more experienced people then try to move out onto your own. Get into a company first to learn where the competition is and how it works and get your own ideas for a competitive strategy before you head out on your own. Honestly, this probably applies to more jobs than just engineering.

Answer 2

You have to make the decision of whether its a good or bad idea. However, the main differences are that for the Professional Engineer (Private Practice or consulting work) you must have passed the Principles of Engineering (PE) exam and "logged" a minimum 4 years of engineering experience with an engineering firm, and then passed the Professional Engineering exam.

The hours you put in when you're on your own are most likely going to be longer because you alone are responsible for the correct-ness of the engineering work. You can get sued if something goes wrong and you can go to jail if someone actually dies from an error in your design (and a court finds that you made the error)

You don't have any benefits, paid vacation, pension, 401k, etc. You're on your own.

You will need to find a network of practicing engineers in your field to help with all the challenges that you will face. As a practicing engineer for a firm, I find there is a wealth of knowledge in my co-workers as they may have seen similar issues and have time-proven solutions. You may run into proprietary issues if you try to get someone in a firm to help you out.

But many people choose to go this route. It is all up to you and what you want to do. I'd also suggest looking up some online discusssion forums and see if you can make a contact. You may even find someone else that is looking for a partner.

Good luck!

Answer 3

i will inform you that a private prepare will likely continuously earn the least. Even the perfect plastic surgeons in cali make about 5-10 Million in accordance to three hundred and sixty 5 days. comparing that to particular regulation companies and engineering companies who's owners can make 1000's of tens of millions in accordance to three hundred and sixty 5 days. Realistically speaking, making that a lot money in regulation or engineering is like prevailing the lottery. on the different hand being a sturdy plastic health care professional in simple terms calls for dissimilar dedication and also you're a millionaire. in case you want to get into the authentic money, flow into organisation.

Answer 4

Dear Captian 1

It is good thinking of being your own boss n do pvt. Engineering practice.Only thing this thought is best when you have intencive work experience in most of the engineering fields, like estimation n costing,actual shop floor,then sr.management.This will take atleast 20yr.

Now to start with u can start with working on some Projects at the initial stages on asignment basis with working on Bill Of Materials,Working out quantities of Materials. Or take asignment of Quality Inspection,Making Quality Assurance Plans etc. and gain ample confidence to work on your own.

Answer 5

tT be in private practice requires being licensed in the state you practice. That requires passing the fundamentals exam, then 4 years of progressively responsible work in engineering then the PE exam. The 4 years normally comes from working those long hours for a firm....it's called paying your dues, we PEs have all had to do it....but it's worth it. Besides, with the comany you are not open to lawsuits from making mistakes as a private consultant.

The PE puts his/her license stamp on the plans......that is an awesome responsibility...it used to keep me awake at night.

Answer 6

try it on the side . like with me for example i need help building a magnetic motor ... no fossil fuels needed in its fuction Please respond Sincerly dave @ [e-mail]