Dual BS in Arch/CE and want to become a Structural Engineer

[enjkrw]

Hello everyone, just discovered this wonderful website. I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a lot of time here. I'm graduating this May with a BS in Arch and a BS in CE. I've done some research on this site and I haven't come across anyone else in my situation. I was curious on the masses opinion regarding the marketability of this degree if I want to become a Structural Engineer in Texas. From my research, it seems that I need to concentrate on smaller firms since larger ones usually require a Masters with structural emphasis. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to pursue a structural internship or try my luck at finding a full time job from the start. Is my Architecture experience enough to make me stand out from other graduates?

 

[a2mfk]

Having worked in an A and E office and having many close friends who are architects, I think in the long run your education was a good one. It will allow you a lot of lateral movement in the business. Some companies may give you some due credit for your work ethic and quest for knowledge. In the short run, most companies may view you as any other college kid right out of school, you are going to need a LOT of on the job training (which is fine and normal).

Now long term if you can get enough experience in an A and E office to get both AIA and PE licenses, you'd be golden!

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Great idea - just persevere - it may not be that easy but definitely doable. The AE/SE's I have met are generally great to work with.

They understand both sides of the problems.

 

[enjkrw]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am planning on obtaining my PE license as soon as possible. One problem that I do have is finding companies to apply for. My research keeps popping up the same companies over and over again. I cant help but feel as if I'm passing up a lot of opportunities since I didn't even know a company existed. I've tried looking through members of certain builders associations but so far those lists have been underwhelming. Any tips for finding a large directory that has lists of companies operating within a city?

 

[sam74]

Yellow pages in your phone book.

Probably hard to find anyone hiring unless your in Texas or DC area from my experience.

If I were you I'd get enough experience to get your PE then get enough experience to become a registered architect (probably quite along time, maybe 10 yrs total? and a long hard road with all the testing involved) and then pimp yourself out as a self employed consultant.

 

[DerPumpeMeister]

One problem that I do have is finding companies to apply for. My research keeps popping up the same companies over and over again. I cant help but feel as if I'm passing up a lot of opportunities since I didn't even know a company existed. I've tried looking through members of certain builders associations but so far those lists have been underwhelming. Any tips for finding a large directory that has lists of companies operating within a city?

Not all companies spend much effort in advertising to the general public (phone book, etc.). But many do advertise to their specific group of potential customers. One of my favorite resources is a trade magazine. You can find advertisements, articles and references to all kinds of companies that you never heard of. A web search will help you find different publications for structural, civil and architectural magazines. I use <

http://engnetglobal.tradepub.com/>

from time to time.


How to Find, Get and Keep an Engineering Job

http://www.EngineeringGuideBook.com

 

[cvg]

not all spend the money on trade magazines either. Reputation and word of mouth are good enough for a lot of companies. But you can get lists from ASCE, ACEC, AIA, APWA etc. and join and go to the monthly lunch meetings or join a technical committee, you can meet a lot of people that way.

 

[enjkrw]

Can't believe I didn't think of a yellow book... I've already found six new companies that seem to be a good fit. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I'm an overly paranoid person when it comes to landing a job and this economy is not calming my nerves. I was thinking about selling myself as a cheap hire. Something along the lines of, I know you're taking a gamble hiring in this economy so I will work for minimum pay until you feel confident enough in me. This way I'd gain experience and not risk having a gap in my employment. Is this a flawed way of approaching things? Does it give a bad impression?

 

[crossframe]

Your school should be able to tell you whether your curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for the PE and AIA. My university offered an "Architectural Engineering" major that provided the educational requirements for both. Hopefully yours does, too.

 

[B16A2]

I think your degree makes you a jack of both trades and master of neither.

I think you're going to have to pick either structural engineering or architecture and pursue either one and become good at it, and then decide whether or not you want to begin at the bottom again as the other.