Need to learn civil drafting 2

[andypd]

I am proficient in AutoCAD and SolidWorks, but only with regards to mechanical engineering (I have an ME degree). There are many more CE jobs around here than ME jobs, so I'd like to start as a drafter if possible, then move up to more engineering tasks. I'm sure I can handle any of it, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a CE drafting reference or handbook so I can at least gain some familiarity to get my foot in the door. It doesn't seeem like such a thing exists, so I'll probably just have to find some drawings and study them, but I was hoping someone might know of a resource for learning CE drafting.

Thanks for the help.

Andy

 

[gbam]

There is no magic book for ce drafting that i know about. Try looking for cadd standards from local gov entities. Some CE companies have their own standards as well.

 

[Maury]

Try applying at CE firms that do wastewater and potable water plant design. You mechanical engineering knowledge would be valuable and you could learn civil design while woeking. Don't worry to much about learning drafting standards ahead of time, they're not that difficult to learn. Any company will have sample drawings you can refer.

 

[andypd]

Thanks for the help. Yep, I was thinking that just diving right in and getting into the company's specific drawing formats and conventions would be the best way to do it, although it's hard to go into a job interview with nothing except a promise that I can learn. But, that's what I'll need to do I guess... I had do that for the job I have now, to a certain extent.

Thanks.

 

[cvg]

civil drafting is much different than mechanical. most civil plans require a working knowledge of land surveying and mapping, photogrammetry, aerial photography, etc. Most plans are shown on a base map which requires quite extensive use of reference files and layering standards. Get a book on surveying and mapping and start reading. Make sure you have a good understanding of topographic mapping. You could try to get your hands on a copy of Autocad LDD or Microstation Inroads and try setting alignments, creating digital terrain models, cutting profiles and cross sections and calculating earthwork.

 

[HgTX]

I know very few if any CEs who started out as drafters. I know some who started as construction workers or surveyors, but can't think of any ex-drafters off the top of my head. Why do you want to make that your starting point? Maury has the best advice--find an area of CE that has similar skills to yours and try to get a job thataways. Hydraulics is one area; structural might be another.

An expensive but doable way to "reset" would be to get a master's degree in CE. If you hit a brick wall trying to get CE jobs, it might be easier to get into graduate CE programs than to get CE jobs with the ME degree. There are 9-month MEng programs that would have you not too long out of circulation (& salary), or longer MS programs (1.5 years) that might carry funding so at least you wouldn't be paying tuition out of your pocket. (I think there may be other threads that covered this issue.)

Hg

 

[CivelRocks]

The PE that I work under drafted while he was in college. He can put together a conceptual plan faster than anyone I know and understands Drafting Standards and Civil Design very well. He tells me that it had to do with his drafting experience. I do think you need a CE degree of some sort to get a position working for a civil firm. Most MEs have no clue about civil engineering. They are very different. Maybe try getting a Masters like HgTX suggested and draft at the same time. You might be over qualified and have a great deal of trouble finding a job as a drafter though.

 

[HgTX]

I didn't mean that drafting wouldn't be useful, just that it's not necessarily the classic career path andypd seems to think it is. Any kind of related outside experience helps--for example, someone who's worked in construction will have a better feel for what's buildable by mortals and what's a normal range of member sizes.

What kind of CE positions are you seeing around you?

Hg

 

[dicksewerrat]

I know that most CE firms are designing pump stations, wastewater facilities and water treatment facilities. Many, many pies inside the bldg. They also do a lot of work with Transportation entities. Those people need ME help too. Go to a few that do these types of projects. you can probably get a job and go to school nights to pick up your requirements for a CE degree. Remember you already have one degree that is related. And you are prbably older that 22. another plus.

 

[HgTX]

Good point, dicksewerrat--depending on your negotiating skills and how your friendly neighborhood engineering college handles second bachelor's degrees, you could conceivably whittle your outstanding requirements for another BS down to 8 or 10 classes (surveying, construction management, transportation, environmental, geotech, concrete design, steel design, Senior Design Project, and whatever I haven't thought of).

But it's likely to be three semesters, which puts you on the same timeframe as an MS.

I'm not sure any more which route I'd recommend, if you do want to go the school route. The BS will get you a broader basis; by grad school people will specialize in geotech, structural, hydraulics, transpo, environmental, and you won't get to see any of the other fields. And you'll be coming from behind in an MS program--although they'll run through the principles again, they'll be assuming everyone's already had a class in how to, e.g., design a reinforced concrete beam or size a steel member. It'll be a LOT harder. On the other hand, for the same time investment you'll have a higher degree with the MS, and a more sophisticated understanding of whatever your specialization was.

 

[BelspringKen]

Andy,

Its good to know CAD, but depending on where you work you may find that is all you will be doing.

I have stayed employed over the last several years, but I have had to change jobs to get into doing design and not just "redlines" .

 

[bioengr82]

andypd:

graduated in may 04 with a degree in biological engineering (environmental emphasis). i tracked down a job with a classic civil engineering firm that does water/wastewater plants, water infrastructure, road work, structural, etc. one of the main reasons i was hired was my experience with autocadd. for the immediate future i am doing drafting as well as design. the information i have picked up drafting others projects is invaluable and certially helps you learn quickly. plus in the future you are a one man show. the path your considering does exist. as for the civil/mech debate i would plow ahead with finding a job. you will learn most of the things you need to know on the job anyway. you have the basic engineering skills and think like an engineer which is all you need. i have found the emphasis on what degree you have is over-rated anyway. you continually learn material throughout your career whether you had a 'class' on it or not. also, in my opinion a masters degree is also a waste of time (unless a phd is your ultimate goal). it does not change your job capacity in anyway. if your goal is a liscense don't bother with a masters. focus your time on experience and studying for the exam.

 

[wkenchen]

I agree with bioengr82.