How to get into a different field 1

[That1Guy]

I am searching for advice on an employment topic. I want to change my professional emphasis to another area of Mechanical Engineering. I would like to work at a process facility (Refinery/Petrochem/Chemical etc) as I find them to be extremely interesting. It’s one of those areas for me that I would work there regardless of the pay. Every time I drive by a chemical plant or refinery, I can’t help but stare. It’s like an adult size version of those erector sets you got as a kid.

So far in my career (all eleven years of it), I’ve been exposed to many areas of engineering including marine construction (1 yr), commercial consulting (1 yr), industrial consulting (3 yrs), a small amount of oil/gas work (6 mo), and for the last six years, I’ve been designing sheetmetal parts for an electrical component manufacturer. I realize that plant jobs are not easy to get, and I’m looking for any inroads I can find to make myself more appealing to potential employers. This is where I need the advice.

I need suggestions of things that will make me more marketable to those potential employers. I just tested for and received my P.E. license at the end of 2004. I realize this doesn’t matter in this particular area, as it would fall under the industrial exemption, but it is an additional certification mark on my resume. I am also joining the local chapter of two professional organizations in order to network. Are there additional things I can do to make myself more potentially employable by these process facilities? Books I can read? Personal projects I can undertake at home? Other licenses or certifications I can get? I’ve seen how some of the other areas of mechanical engineering work in the real world, and I’ve come to realize that my professional passion is in this process area.

Any suggestions will be extremely helpful.

 

[sms]

I would apply with General Electric as a field service engineer in the power systems division. This will get you some great training, get you into the plants, and after a few years will make you highly employable with the end user companies. The nice thing is that GE is always looking for field service people...

The other approach is to go to a head hunter in the industry and let them sell you. You might be suprised, your current qualifications just might get you in the door. Management Recruiters always has process industry opeings...

 

[MortenA]

If you can get anybody to pay for them then the Campbell courses should be great for those with a mechanical background who wants to get into the process line.

Check the descriptions at:

http://www.jmcampbell.com

The offer many courses but the one called G-4 should be the "basic course" Its a two week course. Its held in many locations throughout the year.

Best regards

Morten

 

[plasgears]

Field Service Engineering;

One of my best friends was a field service engr for GE Jet Engine Div. He came back with some interesting war stories.

One was the helicopter flight test that converted to a pick up and penetration to an outlying forward base in VN. He was dressed for all outward appearances as a co-pilot. The landing approach was made in dark conditions; the lights were turned on for the last few seconds.

Another was the case of the F4 repeat engine FOD. I won't give the technique, but a VN hanger-on was caught and given a one way ride in a copter.

GE field service could be an interesting job. I applied for it while at GE but I couldn't connect.

 

[That1Guy]

Thanks for the advice, I'll look around and see what I can find.