First job not so great
First job not so great
(OP)
I graduated in Spring 07 with a BSME and started my first engineering job right after that. I am a piping engineer. The company I work for seems to be doing pretty well in their industry and they have treated me very well since day one. But, I find piping to be rather boring and it is not challenging at all. I don't use hardly anything that I learned in school. A lot of what I do is very basic data entry and making text changes on CAD drawings. My boss is very busy and it seems like he doesn't want to assign more work to me because he doesn't want to take the time to explain anything. The salary is good and I like most of the people I work with, so it's not like I need to quit right away. But I don't particularly like where I live and I would like to move closer to my family within the next couple of years. What types of industries can I get into with piping experience? I'm afraid that I won't have the kind of experience necessary to move on to a better job, since I'm not really learning anything at my current job. Or I might want to get into a completely different area of engineering, but again I won't have any experience. Any advice?





RE: First job not so great
3 things might happen:
a) He will tell you:"If you don't like it you can walk";
b) He will understand your position and try to cahnge the things
c) We will tell you that this is the nature of the job, so no much change can be done.
From his reply you will be able to gauge your possibilities and define your future moves.
One thing though: Usually when we have this kind of talk, we tend to overdo the reasons why we want change. Remember that you want to hear him talk and give you answers.
RE: First job not so great
Having said that, and I'm sure the piping engineers will beat me around the head, but how much engineering interest can you expect from piping?
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: First job not so great
RE: First job not so great
However, just be aware that if you go to a new industry, you might not make what you make now and they'll probably categorize you as entry-level, even though you have 1 year experience.
RE: First job not so great
Believe it if you need it or leave it if you dare. - Robert Hunter
RE: First job not so great
Good luck
RE: First job not so great
I would suggest that one approach is to get out of the piping design business by getting into the piping construction business. Your piping experience might be good enough to get you into an operating company as well, and then your possibilites broaden.
If you stick with your current company, ask for opportunities to work rotating machinery, or vessels, or heat exchangers. Someone fresh out of school should be able to rotate through departments to get a perspective on several disciplines.
"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?" Oddball, "Kelly's Heros" 1970
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RE: First job not so great
- Steve
RE: First job not so great
Another possibility is building construction design. My brother has been an operator in bldg plumbing/fire protection design. He consulted with me on high rise fire water tanks.
RE: First job not so great