Other job opportunities for a geotech 2

[Arizona3106]

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.

 

[JedClampett]

If you think that staying away from contractors will keep you from dealing with a-holes, you're going to be changing jobs again.
Maybe you're just going through a slump. Don't do anything hasty.

 

[FixedEarth]

You can go for a design position doing liquefaction, slope stability, pile design, etc. This may take you to CA. You will be cranking out reports and will have limited field visits- you can find out how much time is office vs field during the job interview. You may also try working for design-build contractor and advise them on geotechnical properties for projects involving ground improvements, piles, soils nails, micropiles, shoring etc. You may also try as a construction engineer or resident engineer position with larger A/E or contractor.

 

[77JQX]

I know several geological engineers that work as ordinary civil engineers and are good at it. You may be able to find a civil niche that doesn't deal with contractors.

 

[jgailla]

I started out in geotech and transitioned pretty easily into civil site development. I now work in asset management.
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.

 

[oldestguy]

I suggest you look into the work advice info put out by a fellow who has a national restaurant chain, something like "Steves Barbeque" (I can't recall his name). Saw him on PBS. However, he has a great pitch on how individuals can get ahead in any field. A lot has to do with being a self starter, shoot for perfection, etc. Evidently you are not many years into the work place. You must realize that those in charge there probably have gone through some drudgery jobs as they proceeded up the ladder. If you think things are not so rosy now and you don't change your approach to things, the next job is likely also to have not so nice features. Hey, if you don't like contractors, wait until you find yourself on the witness stand and an opposing attorney is quizzing you about how you did your job. Almost any civil engineer of experience is likely to find some nerve racking experiences. Hey life is hard. I'd stick it out and think about how to improve your approach to the job. By the way, this advice comes from some 57 years of dealing with contractors, attorneys and bosses as well.

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.

 

[Arizona3106]

@oldestguy - I'm not sure why you are thinking that only people new in the workplace would become dissatisfied with their specific profession? I did not think it was unusual for someone to decide that the job they trained for in college did not end up being a good fit for themselves. Thanks for letting me know that it will easily get allot worse when I get sued. I would have thought that with your experience you would of had some more ingenious suggestions on how else to use my engineering degree, other than to stick it out. Thanks anyway.

 

[oldestguy]

Hello again:

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.

 

[Arizona3106]

@oldestguy - Thank you for the link to the BBQ sauce guy.

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.

 

[oldestguy]

I'm back.

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-Success-Achieving/dp/0966854810

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.

 

[Arizona3106]

@oldestguy - I am amazed that you would take someone who is dissatisfied with their career, and tell them they should start their own firm. That is some really terrible career advice.

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.

 

[oldestguy]

No point in being nasty. Running your own business is challenging and a rare step for CE's. Part way along it generally starts as being a partner where you have been for a while. Also, you need many contacts out there.

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.

 

[MJB315]

"...but then again, you are pretty old."

Really Arizona?



"We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us." -WSC