Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
(OP)
Hello everyone, just discovered this wonderful website. I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a lot of time here. I'm graduating this May with a BS in Arch and a BS in CE. I've done some research on this site and I haven't come across anyone else in my situation. I was curious on the masses opinion regarding the marketability of this degree if I want to become a Structural Engineer in Texas. From my research, it seems that I need to concentrate on smaller firms since larger ones usually require a Masters with structural emphasis. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to pursue a structural internship or try my luck at finding a full time job from the start. Is my Architecture experience enough to make me stand out from other graduates?





RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
Now long term if you can get enough experience in an A and E office to get both AIA and PE licenses, you'd be golden!
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
They understand both sides of the problems.
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
Probably hard to find anyone hiring unless your in Texas or DC area from my experience.
If I were you I'd get enough experience to get your PE then get enough experience to become a registered architect (probably quite along time, maybe 10 yrs total? and a long hard road with all the testing involved) and then pimp yourself out as a self employed consultant.
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
Not all companies spend much effort in advertising to the general public (phone book, etc.). But many do advertise to their specific group of potential customers. One of my favorite resources is a trade magazine. You can find advertisements, articles and references to all kinds of companies that you never heard of. A web search will help you find different publications for structural, civil and architectural magazines. I use <http://engnetglobal.tradepub.com/> from time to time.
How to Find, Get and Keep an Engineering Job
http://www.EngineeringGuideBook.com
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
I'm an overly paranoid person when it comes to landing a job and this economy is not calming my nerves. I was thinking about selling myself as a cheap hire. Something along the lines of, I know you're taking a gamble hiring in this economy so I will work for minimum pay until you feel confident enough in me. This way I'd gain experience and not risk having a gap in my employment. Is this a flawed way of approaching things? Does it give a bad impression?
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
RE: Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer
I think you're going to have to pick either structural engineering or architecture and pursue either one and become good at it, and then decide whether or not you want to begin at the bottom again as the other.