Experience doing one type of project well or 5 types of projects OK (MEP/commissioning/energy)

[jus688]

Hi, I am new to this forum because I'm looking for advice on my career.

Started a job 6 months ago as an "Energy Analyst" at an MEP firm that also does FP, commissioning, energy audits, etc etc. I have an unusual background, basically my first job in the industry) and I was interested in energy modeling, audits and sustainability in general (28 yo).

Now my problem is that I've been here 6 months and I'm not sure I've really learned anything. I am new to the industry and I have high hopes for my career (i'm ambitious). I have been working on commissioning, energy modeling, feasibility studies, CFD, controls redesign projects, and more. I have design and energy audits coming my way. I don't get to work on anything long enough to really feel like I'm becoming good at it. (I'm good at the CFD and feasibility studies but that's because I have previous experience).

So, I'm not sure whether it's a good thing that I'm getting such a variety of work or a bad thing because when I apply for my next job they will most likely be looking for someone who is an experienced designer, or modeler, or whatever, and I might have several years of experience but only a few months of real experience in any given area. Thoughts?

 

[jayrod12]

I've always been told that showing proficiency (not expertise) in multiple areas when younger was an attractive asset as it showed an ability and willingness to adapt and learn. As you work longer you will develop your own expertise (it will probably be in multiple areas) and your broad experience will continue to be an asset.

 

[IRstuff]

You ought to have both to be reasonably successful. Seeing the "big picture" is not something that every engineer does. Some level of depth in at least a few things is highly desirable, particularly given the current work environment.

As for the "next" interview, that's too dependent on the particular company, and the particular people within the company. One company might want someone that can drill down from power consumption to details about the sources of the power generation, while another would want someone who can assimilate data on a variety of user and consumption types.

TTFN
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Of course I can. I can do anything. I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

 

[brandonbw]

I would learn as much as you can at the one company. And realize that the next place you interview for will most likely do similar work. I started working on huge residential subdivisions, and then went to somewhere that did single custom homes. Same concept but very different work flow. Your eventual specialization will just happen, and you will understand the big picture.

B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer

http://bwengr.com

 

[desertfox]

Hi
Well to be honest if you've only been there six months that's very little time to gain new experience in anything.
If you try to move now employers might wonder why you want to leave after only six months, my advice is keep going where you are and give it time.