Entry Level Civil Engineer
Entry Level Civil Engineer
(OP)
I wanted to find out where employment opportunities stand for entry level Civil engineers. I will be going into my senior year for a BSCE, but before deciding on a Professional Elective track for either Structural, Water Resources, or Geotechnical I went ahead and looked into job opportunities for those fields.
I've found Geotechnical courses the most enjoyable, however it seems that an overwhelming majority of
Geotechnical jobs available require years of experience, and/or PE. Any thoughts on what track for a
BSCE - Structural, Water Resources, or Geotechnical will be best suited for an entry level engineer over the next five years?
I've found Geotechnical courses the most enjoyable, however it seems that an overwhelming majority of
Geotechnical jobs available require years of experience, and/or PE. Any thoughts on what track for a
BSCE - Structural, Water Resources, or Geotechnical will be best suited for an entry level engineer over the next five years?





RE: Entry Level Civil Engineer
Good luck.
RE: Entry Level Civil Engineer
How much longer do you have in school? You could use your summers to try out different jobs.
Hg
RE: Entry Level Civil Engineer
I have a BSCE with a structural major and geotechnical minor. I hired into a large facility in a large corporation as a project/design engineer. A few years later I was tired of project work (just didn't suit me) so I put in for a transfer into the Inspection Department (aka Fixed Equipment Reliability, aka Pressure Equipment Integrity, aka ..., aka ...). I have been working in this group for several years now and don't wish to leave. One interesting thing is that I no longer perform Civil Engineering work but mostly work considered "Mechanical" in nature.
Point being, I had (and have) opportunities here that don't exist in other companies.
So... regardless of the track you take, keep your mind open when considering what jobs/companies/locations you apply for.
-InspEngr
RE: Entry Level Civil Engineer
First look at what geotech’s do. They get to play in the mud a lot; they are in the field a lot and get to see a lot of jobs in the starting phases and manage earthworks portions of projects.
Structural guys are in the office a lot and only manage the structural portion of projects if and when they get let out of the office.
Water types will do a lot of studies and some interesting fieldwork and work on dam construction operation and rehabilitation works.
I know that this is painting in broad strokes but if you like geotech as something to study and like the work after graduation then take that one.
Remember you will be spending the next 40 years doing this stuff. There is always entry level work for someone willing to start at the bottom and learn the profession.
Do not worry about the pay, it will always be enough to live on. If you are in this for the money switch to commerce or law.
Good luck
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com