labeattie
Structural
- Aug 27, 2014
- 43
Hi All,
I am a recent MS (non-thesis) graduate in civil/structural engineering. My masters classes were very structurally specialized and that is where my interests lie. I am currently working as an EIT at a smaller firm, but will likely have to move in 4 yrs when my spouse completes her education. I think there is a good chance that I would like to pursue a PhD in structural engineering at a fairly prestigious university (no specific one chosen) after that move, but I am concerned about limiting my job opportunities. My primary motivation for undertaking the degree is interest in the subject material. I found myself very interested in structural mechanics and the math, theory, and computer procedures behind different kinds of structural analysis, and would like to learn more in the area. My professors all mostly thought it would be a great idea for me to get my PhD, but I'm not sure that academia is my end goal. At the bridge engineering firm for which I interned throughout school, there were two PhD's high up in the structural staff, but I know that is not necessarily typical. I would like to retain the flexibility of working mostly anywhere that is a fairly large city in the US, as my location options will most likely be limited to where my spouse can work as well. The money lost in the years of study is unappealing to me, but obviously not a deal-breaker. As far a jobs I would be interested in after graduating go, bridge engineering, building engineering, and more computer-based jobs such as working for a software company are all possibilities. With these goals and concerns, do you guys think the PhD is a good idea, or will it be too difficult to find a good-paying job in the US region of my choosing? Also note that I expect to have a PE and probably not an SE license at the time in question.
-labeattie
I am a recent MS (non-thesis) graduate in civil/structural engineering. My masters classes were very structurally specialized and that is where my interests lie. I am currently working as an EIT at a smaller firm, but will likely have to move in 4 yrs when my spouse completes her education. I think there is a good chance that I would like to pursue a PhD in structural engineering at a fairly prestigious university (no specific one chosen) after that move, but I am concerned about limiting my job opportunities. My primary motivation for undertaking the degree is interest in the subject material. I found myself very interested in structural mechanics and the math, theory, and computer procedures behind different kinds of structural analysis, and would like to learn more in the area. My professors all mostly thought it would be a great idea for me to get my PhD, but I'm not sure that academia is my end goal. At the bridge engineering firm for which I interned throughout school, there were two PhD's high up in the structural staff, but I know that is not necessarily typical. I would like to retain the flexibility of working mostly anywhere that is a fairly large city in the US, as my location options will most likely be limited to where my spouse can work as well. The money lost in the years of study is unappealing to me, but obviously not a deal-breaker. As far a jobs I would be interested in after graduating go, bridge engineering, building engineering, and more computer-based jobs such as working for a software company are all possibilities. With these goals and concerns, do you guys think the PhD is a good idea, or will it be too difficult to find a good-paying job in the US region of my choosing? Also note that I expect to have a PE and probably not an SE license at the time in question.
-labeattie
