Other job opportunities for a geotech
Other job opportunities for a geotech
(OP)
I'm really not very satisfied in my current career in geotechnical engineering. I work for a small consulting firm doing typical geotechnical work, and no longer look forward to dealing with contractors. I was curious what other kinds of career opportunities there might be in which a civil engineering degree would be useful. I do have interests in technology, but no programing experience. Thank you.





RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
Maybe you're just going through a slump. Don't do anything hasty.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
You should be able to do almost any job that isn't extremely technically oriented. I know people with engineering degrees who work in the financial sector and a civil engineer who manages an IT group for an insurance company. Once you get mid-career, it's more about getting an interview in something you may find interesting than doing the work once you get the job.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
Also, some day to be able to look back with pride, think about being self employed. Even then, the drudgery, miserable situations are there, but rewards can be great.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
Being that this food chain is not in my area, I didn't remember Dave. However, This fellow has written some books on personal achievement methods that everyone might take a look at. So I did a search.
It may be possible to find them via his site. Famous Dave's. Try a Google search.
http://www.famousbbq.com/bbqcontact.html
As to other CE jobs, I have hired a number of civil engineers and other specialties and have let a few go. It always helps to have left a firm with a record such as: "Gosh we hated to loose her/him". Rather than, "Does the job reluctantly". In my area CE jobs are not that easy to find, given the slow economy. I'd be reluctant to hire someone that could not get along with contractors. The word gets out even without making a statement to the prospective boss. Contractors have to argue and can be troublesome. A fact of life.
One statement way back that still sticks with a CE that didn't leave a good impression was: "I was not hired to do that". He never went far.
As a geotech, my first job was helper on a drill rig. Valuable experience that helped down the road.
A CE classmate of mine left a good job due to an argument with the boss. He never was able to get a CE job after that, his whole working life!!!
I'd do some serious thinking about the potential consequences of any change. Your current gripe very likely is well known. See what Dave says. Good Luck.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
It will apparently come as a shock to you, but I'm actually very good at what I do, and I get along great with contractors, clients, associates, and supervisors. I also started out on a drill rig and in a lab, even before college. I am definitely the "gosh, we hated to lose him" type. I would just like to be excited about going into work in the mornings. Therefore, I thought it would be productive to more fully explore the possible career avenues that may be available to me. Especially those that would not expose me to being involved in million dollar lawsuits on a weekly basis.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
In reply to your question at the start, and noting your last note, well, you ought to be able to answer that yourself, considering your experiences so far.
Getting this book will help also. Good stuff
http://www.amazon.com/Famous-Daves-LifeSkills-Succ...
Since you are doing so well, you probably are a candidate for self employment some day. Dave gives good advice toward that.
Enuff said. Have a great career.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
The original question was "what other kinds of career opportunities are there in which a civil engineering degree would be useful?" I'm not sure how BBQ sauce became the best answer to this question, but then again, you are pretty old.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
A common characteristic of firms heavy in geotech is an expansion into related fields, materials testing, surveying, site development, highway design and structures.
If you would take the time to read the reviews of Dave's book, you will see it is not about barbeques, but useful for anyone. I just ordered one for a grand child graduating in ME.
I've mentored for a few CE's and still feel obligated to assist where I can. Take it or leave it. Yup, I'm old at 85, but still out there on occasion.
One more thing, the witness box in court mentioned earlier is where you are the expert witness, not being sued. That can be fun at times.
RE: Other job opportunities for a geotech
Really Arizona?
"We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us." -WSC