is this normal? 1

Hi
I graduated 2 years ago and started working for this small company. I don't know and to be quite honest, I have the feeling I don't know anything about structural engineering, is that normal?

 

[Ingenuity]

AmericanEIT,

Is this "small company" a consulting engineering firm? and if so, does it specialize in a certain area? I take it that the area within which it provides services is not heavily based on structural engineering.

I have seen many an engineer that undertook a undergrad degree, passed the structural courses BUT worked for consultancy's that say specialised in hydrology...they had no practical structural engineering appreciation...which sort of makes sense.

If you are indeed working for a structural engineering consultancy and have not been "let loose" on any real design that is extraondinary IMHO.

Maybe it is time to look for a more challenging employer.

HTH

 

[JAE]

If you can, why don't you elaborate more on your degree, type of firm, etc.

 

[dlew]

AmericanEIT,

Are you the only structural engineer in the company?
or are there other structural engineers with whom you can talk about your work?

I had been on companies under both conditions, and believe me it makes a heck of difference!

When I got out of college and start working, I had the same feeling of not being sure whether what I was doing was the correct way. Talking to other engineers gave me confidence on myself.

AEF

 

[DMWWEngr]

I "think" I can relate to how you feel AmericanEIT....at least if you are the only structural engineer.

I work at a company where I'm the only structural engineer. I've been out of school for about 5 months now (I'm also finishing a Masters in Structural Engr....only 2/3 of my thesis left). When I first started, way back in the day , I felt as though I had learned little in my schooling, especially reading the posts on this site. Now after being out a few months and talking to the other (non-structural) engineers I work with, I realize how much more I know about structures than they do. I just take it for granted!!

I also realize that my learning curve will be rather steep w/o having a structural engineering "mentor". I use my major professor from my masters and this forum for ALOT of professional insight.

If I wouldn't have went on to (almost) get my Master's I can only imagine how much further behind I would be. If you are the only structural engineer in the firm then, in my estimation, what you feel is normal. The learning curve is steeper but that just means we need work a little harder to keep up.

As dlew indicated, it all really comes down to confidence in yourself. The key is to NEVER stop learning!!

Carpe Diem!!

 

[ishvaaag]

The ironic thing is that when you learn more and more you realize how debatable the practiced procedures are. So be prepared to learn structral things your whole life if such is your dedication, for the present trend is to generate a lot of structural design information continuously being in change. In amounts, by the way, that no single individual masters.

 

[deejay]

Welcome to the club. If you are in a small structural firm, it is never the same kind of projects. Every project is a new experience. It helps to network with engineers of other firms and offices for quick help. But you are on your own most of the time.

Large companies have the luxury of keeping you trained in a single type of work. But I dont think I want my career to be as monotonous as that.

 

[Ron]

AmericanEIT....consider your glass to be half-full. You have an opportunity and YOU can control its outcome.

I've been in practice over 25 years. I'm pleased to say that I still learn something from my peers almost every day...the only days I don't learn something are those when I'M not trying hard enough!

If you have no "in-house" mentor, develop one through networking and getting involved with your profession. Chances are, you'll get a job offer from one of your targeted mentors! To a great degree, you control the depth and breadth of your knowledge, experience and capability. Working in a small firm has distinct advantages and distinct disadvantages...just as with a medium size firm...just as with a large firm. One is not necessarily better than the other...just different and it is up to you to develop yourself in the context of where you are at the time.

Good luck. The fact that you question what you know (or don't know) is a healthy and mature attitude that will serve you well.

 

Hi Everybody, I'd like to appreciate my gratitude to everybody that contributed to this forum. I think I'm in better shape now than I was before. I think the key is keep learning new things as much as we can.
I'd like offer special thanks to Ron and DMWWEng, your contributions were very valuable to me, keep up the good work you guys do here, it has certainly helped a lot of engineers.
AmericanEIT

 

[StephenEd]

I would be worried about you if you just started out and thought you knew everything!! Hopefully you can find yourself a mentor because it's tough to teach yourself structural engineering.

If you don't know what you don't know, it can be very dangerous indeed.

 

[khmir]

Hi American EIT,I think there is difference between elementary design studied during academic period.There may be some sub consultants working for your firm giving you an oppurtunity to learn from them.I was the only structural engineer in a consulting firm and felt that i had come to know many things in practical structural design more than two years inspite of consultation with sub consultants.I think it would have been better had i worked with a structural firm having my seniors to learn from .It may enhance one's pace of learning.A structural engineer learns the whole life and it especially true if you have someone to guide you.Based on my personal experince i would recommend for you to join a structural firm having structural setup.After some experince from there you'll gain confidence combined with good and correct design for rest of your carrier.And your approach to further learning would be improved much.

 

[haynewp]

I think you should stay until you know the basics. Be able to put a building together on your own. I think it is normal to be frustrated in the beginning, I certainly was. Later, find a company that interests you and has real ambition for design. Research new companies thoroughly, don't be lured in by a few extra bucks and some empty promises. In general, I think small companies will bring small projects. But large companies can be even less in quality design experience if you are not careful in your choice. Unfortunately, I have had to learn this from experience and have changed jobs too many times.

 

[haynewp]

Additionally, try to get your masters if at all possible. Some of the serious companies require engineers to have it.

 

[sc]

G'day American EIT,

One way to help you with the learning curve is to suggest that you get out in the field and see how builders and others put buildings together. Follow up your design during construction find out if your solutions were used and worked.

Ask dumb questions of builders, they love the idea of being able to teach an engineer something and who knows you may learn something. This also has the added benefit of building strong relationships with builders and clients.

Good luck and enjoy the experience.

Regards
SC