a3a
Structural
- Jun 30, 2000
- 33
I would appreciate very much some advice so that I don't make a bad decision for my first career move. Please excuse me if this question is inappropriate for this forum.<br><br>I have just graduated with a CE degree and at this point have no engineering work experience. I was offered a job with a small post-tensioning consulting firm that focuses primarily on the design of the floor slabs and foundations for parking garages, apartments, and condos. The firm is basically composed of the owner (P.E.) and 2 draftsmen--making me the only other engineer (EIT) if I was to accept. The designs usually do not include other components of the structures (trusses, columns, etc.) or other building materials. Other duties would include drafting, take-offs, preliminary designs, and inspections.<br><br>My question...Do you think this job is too specialized for me if I would like to pass the P.E. exam in the future. It seems like I would be happy with this firm and their willingness to train, so I think my 4 years as and EIT will go by just as fast a college did. I'm concerned of the exam already because I don't see myself applying the other civil engineering disciplines (traffic, "water", environmental) very much in the future and I would be doing very specialized concrete work to top it off. I believe my state only has the general civil engineering P.E. license and not a specific Structural P.E. as other states do.<br><br>I'm often given the advice from my non-engineering friends and family of, "Work there for awhile and then move onto something else." This seems the most logical since I lack experience, but I'd like maintain my integrity by staying with the firm for awhile since I know darn well they want to hire someone permanently. I know it is my decision whether I keep my integrity and loyalty with the firm, or do as many of my classmates do (quit shortly after they become productive). I'm not asking you if I should lie to possible employers-just curious what those in the profession would have to say. <br><br>Thank you<br>