Laid Off Structural Engineer - Suggestions to build resume? 2

[BadgerEngineer]

I am a recently laid off structural engineer. My previous employer closed its US doors several weeks ago and laid off all remaining employees. The past few weeks I have spent networking and rigorously searching for a new position. Unfortunately the area I'm in is experiencing a tough time in the building/design industry.

My question is this: Does anyone have any suggestions for things I could be doing to build my skills and add to my resume? (Short of reviewing these forums and old textbooks - which, of course, can't be reflected on a resume) I've searched for possible consultant opportunities in hopes of staying fresh with my skills, but haven't been able to find anything.

I am an EIT with 2.5 years working experience so everday I'm not working under a PE I'm pushing back the time I can take my PE exam. Due to personal/families reasons I am tied to the area so relocating is not an option.

While I wait for the right opportunitity in my area I'd really like to increase my professional experience and/or skill set. Anything that might help me score an extra interview. Any suggestions?

 

[KENAT]

The obvious suggestion of finding some classes comes to mind but how practical this may be is another matter.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Might join your local Prof Engineering Society chapter or ASCE. Anything to network....

Actaully - I see a lot of positions open for structural engineers in ths part of the country - Mid-West -

Where are you ??

 

[BadgerEngineer]

Yes - the midwest is definitely one place that is doing some hiring right now. However, I'm located in FL which happens to be one of the worst markets for the construction industry right now.

Long term I will relocate. Just not an option right now.

 

[civilperson]

Try contract work at a remote site. Alaska is paying 92/hr for contract assignments with $1316/wk split out for per diem. Houston pays 75/hr and Louisville 65/hr.

 

[tygerdawg]

Start your own small business immediately.

Getting laid off in a deep recession is scary, because it happened to me a few years ago. I had no prospects, was "tied to the area", etc. I started a one-man consultancy, made some pseudo-rigorous Business Plans and Marketing Plans, and started cold calling. I did it on a shoestring budget and kept my expenses to the absolute minimum. Today's internet provides amazing capability for having a cheapo virtual company located in your spare bedroom, on your laptop.

I told the prospects what I was doing, the type of work I was looking for: "small jobs that fall off the table of the big firms". I was honest, sincere, and my laser focus was meeting my monthly expenses, not getting rich.

What I discovered was that there was work under every bush. Generally folks were very supportive. Even if they had no work they would try to give me referrals into their personal network. It took tenacity and gumption to suffer through the 37 "No, thanks" rejections to get to the one person per month who said "Well...maybe. C'mon in and let's talk."

The experience not only provided for my monthly expenses (plus some) but invaluable contacts, knowledge, confidence, and perspective on the entire dysfunctional game of corporate employment.

It only costs a few hundred dollars to throw up an LLC. And despite what all the gloom & doom sayers will say, the US is still the best place to do it.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[PEinc]

Try looking for a job in the highway engineering field. Florida seems to always be building highways.

I agree with MiketheEngineer. Go to engineering meetings such as ASCE and ASHE (Highway Engineers). Meet people.

With only an EIT and 2.5 years of experience starting you own firm, as suggested by tygerdawg, is in my opinion out of the question. With 2.5 years of experience, you could be an economical answer to a company's staffing needs. Also, consider a job in construction (project management, estimating, construction engineering, inspection, etc.) in addition to looking for a design job. A designer with construction experience is valuable.

 

[sundale]

One needs a license to practice engineering... The OP, as an EIT, cannot legally operate a consulting engineering business. This is a rotten time to start up any new business anyway (other than perhaps a foreclosure firm, credit counseling or a maybe a bar!)

If finances allow, I would suggest going to graduate school for a master's degree. This would not be an active plan until Fall this year, though. Many schools have teaching or research assistantships with free tuition and a small monthly stipend. The poverty level would be extreme, but one's career is advancing. Some states knock a year off the four years of internship prior to sitting for the PE/SE exam(s) with a MS engineering degree. A MS engineering degree will be required for a PE/SE license in the next few years, if NCEES has their way and the PE Boards buy into that.

Good luck, these are hard times.

 

[B16A2]

Really depends on what type of structural work you're into. Industrial stuff, bridges, commercial??

I would take the layoff as an opportunity to get your masters at a good school.

 

[plasgears]

Between jobs, I tried consulting, and the skills I presented were written into a 'job opening' that was advertised. They were trying to gage the cost of hiring for a job with my skills. Not all job listings are legitimate.

Like mechanical, structural can be applied in many areas. As a mech engr I got a job as field engr on a building addition at a lab. Later got the job of plant engr. A structural can cross over in similar manner. The key thing is the engineering ability to analyze, organize, and plan. Don't be shy about applying for a job calling for ME or EE. I worked on electric motor design for a good piece of my career.

 

[BadgerEngineer]

Thanks for the tips. Grad school is a good option, but would very hard to get my finances to work and support a family. Plus, classes don't start till August which is a long time to sit around.

My work experience has been exclusively on the building side, but obviously I am looking outside this sector and not closing any doors.

As others have mentioned - starting my own consulting is really not an option without a PE.

 

[B16A2]

I'm not sure there's anything else that will build your SE resume as a 2.5 yr BS structural engineer not working under an SE. Getting LEED accredited could be one option if you're targeting a particular firm who wants it. I still think a MS is your best bet if the market is that soft in your region. It's not as difficult as you think to get it paid for. Look at fellowships, talk to professors. If you had decent GPA during undergrad you'll have a step above those without experience. I'm a licensed SE who worked almost a decade and I'm back at school now, full ride with monthly stipend, good health insurance for myself and wife. 3 semesters and I'll be done.

Another option is to consider working part time as a steel detailer, or part time for any firm for that matter. Just get working under someone if you want to stay in this business.

 

[lrhg]

Badger

I would also suggest now is the time to get the Master's degree. In our area, just about all structural/building engineers have masters degress. If not already, become proficient with Revit and current versions of analysis software - ETABS, RAM, etc. to increase your marketability with new grads.
When you do score the interview focus on what you can do for the firm, not what the firm will do for you.

 

[Japher]

I would try a functional resume over a chronological resume at this time since you what you want is not necessarily more of the same, but rather anything.

Look at certificate courses at local unis and colleges. Not necessarily grad school they can build on general skills like management or engineering.

Think of industries that could use structual engineering skills. The energy sector or other infrastructure type firms/gov. are going to have the soonest growth.

 

[BadgerEngineer]

Seems like the concensus is getting a Master's Degree. It would be a good option assuming I could get the finances in order. Just can't sit around till August either though!

One thing I did do was take and pass the LEED exam so I am now a LEED AP. However, that markets to only a few specific firms.

As far as software training goes.... I have vey little modeling experience. What would you recommend as the "best" program for an engineer to learn? (Or the one that the most firms are using so I can target a larger market)

Programs with free trial versions would obviously be best for me.

 

[nuche1973]

Badger,
You could look into the scaffolding/concrete shoring and forming industry. I know personally, that companies like EFCO, Patent, Ceco are always looking for engineers. You won't necessarily be out in the field but you'll be close enough to the action to learn how things are built. It's one of those "specialized" industries that is present in all facets of building construction; from the foundation to the exterior and even when the structure is renovated or demo'ed. Good luck

 

[COEngineeer]

Badger, I was in similar situation. I was laid off back in November. I just accepted an offer like today! Anyway, I did start an LLC but nobody is building anything (i have a lot of residential experience). So I didnt pursue starting my own business. I do have my PE.

I would really go back to school. Your financial aid + part time job would be enough to support your family especially if she is working also. Try to get part time job in engineering. The future is BIM. Get your self involved with Revit and RAM structure and you will have a bright future. Good luck!

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[RVSWA]

If you aren't able to take a class and you are going to stay in one place, then make your job spending (aside from looking for work) a number of hours a day at your local library. Study deeper into the topics you are likely going to work in... I think it would help to keep your spirits up and when someone asks what you were doing, you can say Studying instead of sitting around the house in my pajamas. You will find something soon, believe it.

 

[stanier]

My advice is network, network, network. Very few jobs are advertised.

I was advised once to frequent the bars of the Hilton, Sheraton and other 5 star hotels. Talk to travellers. They tend to be business executives. They may even shout you dinner. Most people want to help. They recognize that someone who they have helped is very loyal and hard working.

Like investments, past performance is no guide to future performance. So you can go for anything. Persistence and determination is way out there compared to qualifications, resumes and history.

When I first arrived in Sydney I was offered a job supervising the building of a block of townhouses by someone I met in a bar. We had got talking, playing pool etc. Although I was a mechancial engineer my new pal wanted to help and saw I would perform to get his project over a hump. Working all hours and 6 days a week was furthest from my mind.

Good luck.