Changing career path from Buildings

[beaverwood]

Hello,

I am contemplating a move from designing buildings to ports/marine or oil and gas / industrial structures.

Can anyone who has made this move before comment on what they liked or disliked about making this change?

Did you find that the type of work was more or less interesting?

Was it difficult to adjust from designing buildings?

Was there a significant increase / decrease in salary?

Any comments are much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[hokie66]

I've gone back and forth a bit, but industrial structures work has the benefit of not having to contend with the whims of architects.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Done both. On the industrial side you end dealing with a bunch of engineers who can't make up their minds or ask so many questions in order to CYA!!!

And as noted - Architects and owners can be a real PIA.

Both have their ups/downs.

Industrial usually pays better??

 

[delagina]

I've been in Oil and Gas almost all of my career life.

Pay is better compared to building or bridge. I've worked with those that came from building and they said there is no money there.

Piping Dept can be PIA in Oil and Gas for Structural.

 

[infinitestupidity]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the forum and had a query about the oil and gas industry as well. I was going to post to a new thread but figured since this one was going I would add my query to it since it is essentially in the same vein (apologies if this is hijacking the thread, not sure if this is proper forum etiquette!) I am hoping someone could offer their wisdom and experience regarding the role of a pipelay analysis engineer.

My educational background is in both architecture and engineering and I have worked both in an architectural design firm (2 years) and, more recently, in an engineering consultancy functioning as a structural analysis engineer (1 year). Until recently I pressumed that I would stay in structural engineering (building design); however, I have recently been offered a position in the oil and gas sector as a pipelay analysis engineer. I will be the first to admit I know very little about this industry, the regulations that govern it, or the day-to-day functions of a pipelay analysis engineer.

So, following from the above, my questions are:

1. If you have experience as pipelay analysis engineer would you recommend it as a career choice (i.e. technically challenging, financially rewarding, and overall job satisfaction)?

2. If you have made a similar move yourself at some point in your career what would a present day you tell your past self? Would you recommend it or, armed with hindsight, would you continue on your previous career path?

3. Is the role so specific (i.e. essentially the same analysis day-in and day-out with the same material) that reverting back to a structural design role in the future would be a challenge (i.e. would the pipelay analysis experience stand to someone when looking for a position as a structural engineer)?

Apologies for the broad questions but wanted the opinion of someone who has experience in this role (all of the engineers I know are in the building design sector so relatively little input from that end). Thanks for your time...

 

[delagina]

When you say pipelay analysis you probably meant Pipe Stress instead of piping design.

Anyway, Piping department get better pay than Structural in O&G, so yeah I would probably take it if given the chance.

I'd take it if i were you, in about 5 years you can command 6 figures salary if O&G is still in demand.

 

[infinitestupidity]

Yes, the position would be stress analysis rather than a design role. I have heard that oil and gas pay more but have never been a fan of the limited locations often available in regards to work. Like I said this is a brand new sector so still researching it all. Thank you for your input Delagina!