How much experience did you have when you started your business? Career stalling where I'm at now 4

[MidwestSE]

I have been a structural engineer for roughly 4 years now and am about to take the SE exam. I relocated a year ago for family reasons and now and it appears that my professional growth is going to stall if nothing at my work changes in the near future, which I don't anticipate it will. As of now, the senior engineer spends about an hour reviewing the buildings I design, and there are never any technical redlines. As extra icing on the cake, I don't agree with my current company's attitude toward developing staff and general code of conduct as well, as I often find myself in uncomfortable situations. Long story short, it's not an atmosphere that nurtures the growth of people, both on a personal and professional level-both of which are very important to me. The first company I worked at out of college intentionally fostered both and the difference in worker attitude at the different companies is clearer than night and day.

All of my experience has been in the same subject and I think that my technical skills and understanding of structural engineering (for the stuff I've professionally grown up doing and want to continue doing) are good enough to consider starting my own engineering firm.

How far into your career were you when you felt you were ready to begin your own practice?

I am aware of the time and expenses involved with starting a business-I've been researching that aspect for several months now. I've always wanted to own my own company or be a partner with the right people; when do you think you were ready if you are/were an owner?

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[spieng89]

A company I interviewed with was started by two individuals that started the company the same year they received their PE's just 4 years removed from undergraduate studies. No MSE, no SE, just PE and 4 years of work experience. They have been in business for almost 15 years and are one of the top firms in the state. It really doesn't matter how much time you wait. What matters is do you have a plan and resources to bring in work and produce an engineering product to a high level. You won't be that much more prepared knowledge wise now than 5 years from now about how to RUN a business unless you do it IMO.

 

[HamburgerHelper]

If someone wanted to specialize in doing very specific studies, than I think four years would be enough. I don't know how you line up a lot of very specific work but maybe it works if you are able to pair up with someone who bring complimentary skills to be able to offer more. That said, I am not very impressed by a lot of consulting. Too much of the time, the consultant is only a half step ahead of the client engineer because he spent the evening before reading about whatever. I suppose if you are able to convince a client you are capable and can delivery, maybe not having a ton of experience could work.

 

[msquared48]

Structural dood...

Yep. The word will get around. Just give it time.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[CBSE]

Producing a quality set of drawings is also very key. In the beginning, I would actually sit down with the contractors/architects and go through my drawings page by page and have them tear them apart. Through many iterations and comments/suggestions about my drawings, I believe I have started producing some of the best drawings/details around (my biased opinion I suppose) and the contractors really like them. Not only was going to these contractors/architects helpful, it also helped build a very good working/trusting relationship with them (BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT).

It's very easy to get stuck doing things the same way because it has always worked, the company I started with was in that rut. But if you don't actively seek advice and actively work to improve, chances are, you are missing out on lots of opportunities and professional growth.

If you decide to make the plunge, be patient. It will start slow, unless you take clients with you or have already started to line things up. People moon light on occasions to do this, I'm not recommending it, but people do it. Also, if you leave your company, leave on good terms, they may throw things your way if they are too busy.

 

[MidwestSE]

Thanks for all the input, everybody! I really appreciate it!

 

[SteelPE]

I had about 13 years of total experience before I was forced errr...... went out on my own during the economic downturn. That was about 8 years after I was licensed. I had all my experience working for a steel fabricator doing "design-build" work. When the company imploded everyone scattered like rats from a sinking ship and I had my first set of clients. The problem that I have now is that I am somewhat limited by my experience (designing steel building on shallow foundation systems). It hasn't proved to be a problem 5 years later, but at some point I'm sure it will.

At this point I can't envision a scenario where I would go back to work for someone else. When it's busy I would need to take a pay cut, when it's slow, why would someone want to add staff.

 

[Terratek]

10 years, usually with some management experience, appears to be the sweet spot from my observations. It also seems to help if you have a wrinkle or two and a couple gray hairs.

As you move through projects, save your contacts somewhere and make a note as to what the connection (project, experience joke, whatever) was. There are online apps that you can use or you could simply use a spread sheet. Save it somewhere (drop box, google drive, other cloud server) that if your computer dies or you have to leave your company unexpectedly, you can still access the information. There could be many people you will work with and then forget about that you will wish you remembered if you start on your own. These contacts will be valuable whether you start your own company or decide to join someone else's firm.

 

[structuralsteelhead]

Mr. Dood,
Regarding starting a full service structural engineering outfit, efficient in all materials, all building types, if that is your wish, you have a responsibility to the public to be proficient in what you profess to be and practice. Personally, I feel some additional experience is necessary unless you've found yourself in a nich'e market which may get you, and has a lot of us, out of the gate.

I believe you have a more immediate concern with regards to your current employ. I would recommend you assess your immediate work situation and ask yourself if you are gaining the experience you need at your pace and as you alluded to, "Do you have a willing mentor who is making a difference in your career?". Not all of us have had the privilege to have such a person that has positively affected our knowledge and "excitement"(said loosely)of our craft. If you plan to make a move, and say it is five years from now, make a move to a new employer as soon as possible if you feel you are missing out on experience you will benefit from when going it alone. And unless you've got a whale for a client at the start,it may very well may be alone/one man shop,...for some time before hiring up. So, you'll need a broad spectrum of experience to chase different project types,...unless again you are that niche' guy. I once had an prospective employer in an interview say to me, "You've moved around a bit, no more than 5 years experience at any one employer,...you know, this will ruin your career." It did anything but that, instead it exposed me to every building material, structure type, East to West Coast. Make a move, make this one very purposeful to an employer that may help fill any gaps, your jumping board to doing your own thing. Good Luck!

(From a fellow entrepreneurial spirit...left a small firm where I was a partner 9 years ago, started/still a Suite 204th Bedroom Operation, no commute time lost, hiring help only when needed, had a slow start, had a patient/income providing wife, income drastically reduced for the first few years, cannot say I went hog wild marketing myself and business, somewhat on purpose after some mid-career burn out, enjoyed seeing my boys before they left for school and was able to begin catching bedtime stories instead of being stuck in traffic, coached their sports teams, kids now grown and independent, finally hiring up this year now that backlog is concerning my clients, plans to split/lease office space with large Civil/Surveying firm of which I will service all of their statewide offices' structural work, keeping my company and clients independent. I have no regrets to work for a number of employers, it made me what I am, and confident to tackle most any projects, and I can not wait to mentor again, it has been the most enjoyable part of my career, please promise to do the same down the road for someone before you retire. Retire,,,,,which I hope to do within a decade if I'm lucky!)