How to get back into the engineering world? 1

[marvan09]

Hi all,

I’m trying to get back into the engineering world. I got my bachelor in Civil Engineering with emphasis on structural back in 2009. Worked for one year as an engineer in Mexico during 2010-2011, but moved back to USA afterward hoping economy had improve. After several months, I decide to get into the IT world since I live in Seattle, WA. I have work for about 1 year and 4 months in the IT world and realized I don’t like it as a career. I simple wish to get back to civil engineer whether structural or construction and simply looking for ideas. Will getting my master be more helpful to me than get my LEED green associate and OSHA 30HR training certification? I do have one year of experience.

 

[77JQX]

I think passing the FE is what's important. I personally don't place much stock in the LEED certificate, and I don't know any engineers (inspectors, yes) who've done an OSHA 30 hour course. You should be employable in a junior/entry level position. Your time is better spent looking for the job rather than accumulating credentials.

 

[marvan09]

I have earned my FE when i graduated back in 2009. I'm just looking for a skill that I can add to my resume to make me more employable. Since I haven't done engineering for awhile.

 

[UcfSE]

A graduate degree would be more helpful than LEED or OSHA, if you're doing engineering.

 

[greenone]

The OSHA cert won't take that long to get, and if you want to work in construction, it's helpful.

 

[dvd]

I think that getting back to work in engineering would be the most helpful thing to do for your career. Don't postpone finding an engineering job by going to school. Find a company who can use your IT experience; your engineering education/experience; and, evidently, knowledge of Spanish. School is a bit of a cop-out, you will still have to answer the interview question of why you didn't stick with engineering all along, whether it is now or two years from now.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

If you stay with structural engineering, the LEED won't get you anything. If you go with civil engineering (for building design and/or area development, it will. If you anticipate doing the LEED paperwork (submittal to USGBC)on a project, the GA will not be enough. If you are planning on only doing the design/construction portion, the GA will be sufficient.

Like the others, I would focus on getting a job, but that does not mean you cannot also focus on getting the GA simultaneously. The GA would be of help because sustainability is one of the big selling points owners/developers are looking for.

All the civil engineering firms which my company (PMET consulting) deals with have many engineers with LEED accreditation.

 

[cvg]

I have the OSHA certification, it is useful for any sort of field work especially construction. Working on federal gov. projects it might be contractually required to have it. I would recommend although it was a pain in the neck to get since I did it on weekends and evenings on the web.

 

[racookpe1978]

Depends on whether you want to work "in the office" or "in the field" ....

If you want the discomfort, pressure, and rewards of field engineering, OSHA cert's and training IS a MUST. But for office environments? Very little additional value compared to a PE and its structural additional cert's.

In my own case, my PE is really reacquired for field service, but it helps establish credibility for overseas assignments and extra pay.

And mz PE has absolutelz NO value in telling me whz mz y and z kezs are now reversed. 8;=

 

[marvan09]

I appreciate all your posted. I solely wish to work in engineer whether it’s in the field or at the office. However, finding a job in this economy hasn’t been easy for me, I have created this thread to see if there are other avenues that I can explore in order to get a job. Because I can easily say I have applied to over 400 jobs over the past 2 years. I know that my networking skill while in school hasn’t panned out for me and I currently have no other relations with other engineers besides your inputs. I have been told I’m part of the 2009 class that never got a chance to work and many of my classmates have moved on from the engineering field. So your ideas and inputs mean a lot to me, thank you.