First Job in Structural Engineering 22

[afdengo]

I'm about to start my first job in the world of structural engineering. I graduated in june of last year, and after working for a contractor for some months, I have decided that I want to try structural engineering before it's too late.

Even though it's been less than a year since I graduated, I have already forgot a lot of the more technical details of structural analysis and design. I have my EIT and I took a lot of my coursework in structures so I'm sure I can recall a lot of it with some practice.

I was just wondering if any structural engineers read this, if you put yourself in my shoes and were about to start a new job you're a bit nervous for: What would you review before starting? What knowledge is most useful or used?

I know I will be learning a lot and will probably have to ask a lot of questions, but I really don't want to appear clueless when I first arrive.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[dik]

KootK... the old one is good, but...

Dik

 

[KootK]

Huh... Amazon let me cancel the purchase. I wonder how they get it off my iPad. Interestingly, my helper was named Alexa.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[dik]

check out:

https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/61010.pdf

free, and good, housing framing book...

Dik

 

[dik]

Sorry Ron... he's the sort of guy that would have bought both editions...

Dik

 

[KootK]

You're right, I would have if they'd forced my hand. Of course, for $206, we're getting close to where I'd rather just fly down to Florida and take Ron out for lunch.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[MrHershey]

I think universities often give engineering students and fresh graduates the false impression that they know how to do the job they're about to embark on. In reality, though, what they've really done is help you learn to think.

You'll learn as much, or more, in the next four years that you learned in the previous four, so don't sweat it too much.

Agree so much with this. Important part in school is the fundamentals and general frame of mind and making sure they're second nature by graduation. Codes often change, fundamentals usually don't. I would much rather take someone who knows the fundamentals really well and teach them codes and software than have to teach a software junkie fundamentals.

To the OP, there's been a lot of good advice in this thread that I won't repeat. But will say this: please don't consider your time with the contractor to be a waste. Most structural engineers have never personally constructed anything in their life. A lot only rarely get to go to job sites and get their boots muddy. Use your brief experience to your advantage and keep your time as a contractor in mind when you design. Always think about how things will be built and all the efforts (many nonstructural) that go into it. Most engineers pay little to no thought to this, they're focused on the design drawings and construction is someone else's problem. What would have made your life as a contractor easier? What did designers do that made your life as a contractor inordinately difficult? Talk with your mentors to see if it's something that can be changed.

 

[Hokie93]

A few thoughts:
1.) Be inquisitive. Ask "why" - a lot. Many times the question should be directed at yourself so that you can find the answer on your own. Other times, it should rightly be aimed at co-workers, supervisors, and the PE you are working under.
2.) Exhibit a strong work ethic.
3.) Work some overtime (paid or unpaid). Keep a running list of topics you would like to learn more about and use some of your own time (after 5:00 PM and/or weekends) to dive deeper into those subjects.
4.) Have a good attitude. You have a lot to learn and no one expects you to know it "all" in the next few years. Having a great attitude will endear you to co-workers and the more senior engineering staff.
5.) Architecture is 100% about the aesthetic and the client cares far more about the color of the carpet than your structural system.
6.) You are embarking on a career in a very serious profession - take due time with decisions and in preparing calculations and drawings. Most structural engineers have more responsibility and liability on their shoulders than all other design disciplines combined.
7.) Check all input and output with regard to software. Computers are a wonderful tool but they are just that: a tool. Garbage in = garbage out.
8.) Invest in a good personal library. Many excellent structural engineering references can be purchased in a used format very inexpensively. Make it a goal to purchase at least four books per year (one book per quarter) and more if you can afford it.
9.) Take continuing education seriously.
10.) Find a good structural engineering mentor.
11.) Find a good mentor in the architectural department.
12.) Read the "Design!" paper by James M. Fisher. It is a summary of a presentation he gave at the 2006 North American Steel Construction Conference. It should be mandatory reading for all structural engineers, especially entry-level ones.
13.) Check back in at Eng-Tips.com from time-to-time. We would be interested to know how you are progressing.

 

[oldestguy]

It all sounds great, but there also is grunt work. Don't be surprised if you are not right in there designing right away. How good are you at preparing drawings, with knowing the sources of member sizes, etc? How about specs? That's also part of the job.

 

[mtu1972]

So many great posts above. Won’t repeat their advice. I was lucky. First job with small branch office which did Arch. and light industrial buildings. Partner/Owner was terrific mentor.

Second job was in design Dept. of heavy industrial Design Build firm. Learned project management and construction issues/concerns there. Next job was with consultant in Midwest city. We transitioned to CAD there.

Best job was with engineering department for midwest Paper Manufacturer. My previous diversity gave me the expertise to become a key Structural Project Engineer/Manager on many greenfield projects and numerous rebuilds on existing facilities.

Knowing what you don’t know, but where to find it is invaluable.

gjc

 

[oldestguy]

Looking at all the comments, those are fine remarks. However, I have a basic question. How's come your first job was "working for a contractor" and now why a change? Why start there and now looking else where? Wasn't that job checked out as to being suitable as a starter for the future? I'd say an assessment of just where you want to go needs much more evaluation before you look for the new job. There are other things to check out such as where to live, any room for advancement, etc? Salary level now should not be high priority. Jumping around from job to job early on can be a negative not easily dismissed later on.

 

[P205]

Make good use of this forum. I have found answers to so many of my questions here.

In google, type what you are looking for followed by "site:eng-tips.com"

I use this constantly and it helps find relevant threads. (I've never used the bilt-in search) You can then archive threads for future reference. I've got tons of threads saved personally.

 

[Hudhaifa]

To Hokie93
with regards to your post as shown below
Read the "Design!" paper by James M. Fisher. It is a summary of a presentation he gave at the 2006 North American Steel Construction Conference.

could you please give me a link to this paper.

Thank you.

 

[Ingenuity]

could you please give me a link to this paper.

Jim Fisher's 2006 paper "Design!" is here in Modern Steel Construction magazine: Link

 

[Hudhaifa]

Thank you.