How to gain Structural Engineering Experience (career advice)
How to gain Structural Engineering Experience (career advice)
(OP)
Hello I recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering in Canada. My past work experience have been mostly materials testing, geotechnical and transportation. I dabbed into those career paths and i know could continue doing that kind of work and be content, however I really think I'd like to get into structural design work.
I'm applying for structural positions and frankly i haven't had one response. My contract is going to expire shortly (6 months) and i have an opportunity to switch my career path. In today's economy being unemployed is just not an option. I'd like to secure a position asap. What can i do now to make me more appealing to companies who are interested in hiring structural engineers.
I was thinking maybe contacting the local university and introducing myself as someone who'd like to gain some additional structural engineering experience and see what kind of projects some professors are undertaking and if i could assist them. I was also thinking about purchasing some structural engineering topic textbooks, and possibly learn some structural analysis/design software.
In general, what do companies look for in a structural engineer? (from a technical standpoint) I'd really like any advice anyone has to offer.
I'm applying for structural positions and frankly i haven't had one response. My contract is going to expire shortly (6 months) and i have an opportunity to switch my career path. In today's economy being unemployed is just not an option. I'd like to secure a position asap. What can i do now to make me more appealing to companies who are interested in hiring structural engineers.
I was thinking maybe contacting the local university and introducing myself as someone who'd like to gain some additional structural engineering experience and see what kind of projects some professors are undertaking and if i could assist them. I was also thinking about purchasing some structural engineering topic textbooks, and possibly learn some structural analysis/design software.
In general, what do companies look for in a structural engineer? (from a technical standpoint) I'd really like any advice anyone has to offer.





RE: How to gain Structural Engineering Experience (career advice)
If you didn't take any technical electives for your BS, then consider taking structural seminars - seminars that offer a course number and PDHs. This will be quick and cheaper than college courses. the alternative is to do just that take more structural courses via the university. And if you're going to go teh route of taking more courses you should just get a masters in structural engineering. Many firms look for a masters degree in this discipline.
Regards,
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RE: How to gain Structural Engineering Experience (career advice)
RE: How to gain Structural Engineering Experience (career advice)
You are less likely to get pigeon holed in a small consultancy.
RE: How to gain Structural Engineering Experience (career advice)
Not to be fecetious, but at a local large aircraft production firm here, you would be put in a hole to design pigeons and forgotten about.
The diversity you will see in a small firm is what you need.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: How to gain Structural Engineering Experience (career advice)