Career Choices as a Civil PE
Career Choices as a Civil PE
(OP)
I recently obtained my PE and am trying to investigate what opportunities exist for me once I get licensed. I have been working as a civil engineering consultant for the last 5 years and frankly, I am getting bored. Sitting behind a desk is not what I intended by getting a civil degree. Although I have had the opportunity to work in the field it has not been to the extent I would like.
The question I am getting at is, has anyone obtained their PE and then made a career choice (off the beaten path, risky) that has given them a lot of satisfaction? I feel that a civil degree is a versatile one that presents a lot of opportunities, I just can't figure out what they are outside of the consulting business or working for the government. I am interested in starting a business at some point, and I have a curiosity when it comes to real estate and development. I'm young with few responsibilites, so I'm ready to make the sacrificies that will provide me with a satisfying career. Any input from someone who was once in a similar spot would be much appreciated.
The question I am getting at is, has anyone obtained their PE and then made a career choice (off the beaten path, risky) that has given them a lot of satisfaction? I feel that a civil degree is a versatile one that presents a lot of opportunities, I just can't figure out what they are outside of the consulting business or working for the government. I am interested in starting a business at some point, and I have a curiosity when it comes to real estate and development. I'm young with few responsibilites, so I'm ready to make the sacrificies that will provide me with a satisfying career. Any input from someone who was once in a similar spot would be much appreciated.





RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
Telecommunications surveying and tower design
Road integrity inspection
Construction management
Construction inspection
Structural and subsidence surveys
Facilities management (e.g roads,bridges,drainage).
I will try and think of some more.
csd
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
I believe construction management could be an avenue to explore, although I haven never been real keen on the idea of spending a long period of time on a construction project. I have worked for a large contractor before as a PM assistant, and I saw the hell the PM went through for 2 years being stuck on a job that just wouldn't end.
Bottom line I think there a number of avenues to explore that a lot of newly registered PEs don't explore, they just get stuck doing consultant work. I appreciate the ideas, keep them coming.
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
"Resident engineer" type positions involve more direct involvement with the project, day-to-day real-world problem solving rather than putting something down on paper once and never thinking about it again. Typically, though, it means working directly for the facility owner (say, a DOT), unless you can find a consultant who provides these services. It also does mean being around for the entire life of the project.
My job is working for a DOT handling fabrication problems with bridge girders. My balance of office and field work is pretty much up to me. I deal with multiple projects at a time.
You could also try to hook up with a firm that does some kind of retrofit or remediation work. That will necessarily involve site visits and get you out of the office.
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
http://www.swijetty.com
Sea Water Intake and Jetty Construction
RE: Career Choices as a Civil PE
Sounds like you have a good background for subsidence/underpinning surveys. Lots of time out in the field and some detective work in finding causes.
Look up some companies that specialise in this type of work.
csd