Bridge to Building Design Change for Newbie 2

[1stTimeBridgeDesign]

Hi, I graduated May 2008. I've been doing structural bridge design work for the past 9 months in New York City. I really want to move to building design. I hear it's a bit more fast paced, it's more closely related to what I learned in school, and it's what I eventually plan on doing in my career. I actually feel like I'm forgetting things I learned in school at a faster pace than I am learning things here.

I don't know anyone else who is in the design field so I'm looking for an opinion on what to do. My main problem is I haven't heard any responses from companies that I sent my resume to. Is it because I haven't been working long enough? What should I do differently?

I'm very unhappy working here and I feel like I'm wasting time in a job I know I will not be continuing for very long.

If I don't find a structural design opportunity, I might take a position at a CM company like Skanska or Turner. I really like design, and that would most likely cause me to give up the dream of designing buildings. Unfortunately, I also like being in the field, which so far I have not done at this job.

Any suggestions on what career path I should take from here?

Or what are good tips when looking for a career in structural design as an entry level engineer?

Thanks...

 

[1stTimeBridgeDesign]

After reading some other threads I reallize how many people are getting laid off. I appologize if I sound ignorant for not being content with my current position.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Keep your job - but keep looking

Things will pick up

 

[KENAT]

thread731-242903 contact this guy and ask for a swap?

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484

 

[ash9144]

That one got a star Kenat. My first thought as well

 

[Ron]

If you get an opportunity for the construction side with Skanska or Turner, take it. You'll get some valuable experience that you can then take to a design firm.

With the economy being what it is, you might want to stay put for just a while....as Mike said...it will pick up.

Good luck.

 

[swivel63]

i don't think i want to live in new york, guys

thanks though

LMAO

 

[sandman21]

I would not take a job with Turner after working with them on some projects.

 

[bridgebuster]

As Mike said - keep looking. The building design market in NYC is not very good and the bridge market is even worse. Skanska has a good backlog and they do have an engineering staff, but it's a construction engineering application.

 

[RHTPE]

Amen to sandman21. Been there, done that, don't like it. But you will learn how tailor documentation for a specific end result.

Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA