Question about increased responsibility at work 2

[Lion06]

I have a question for all – but would especially appreciate responses from structural engineers.
I graduated last may (’06) and have been working for a great company since then. I had an excellent 6-month review and I expect my 1-year review to be at least as good (when it happens in 6 weeks or so). In my short time, I have taken on design tasks that other, more experienced engineers, have wanted off of their desks (for various reasons). Not that any of this was overly difficult, but (I think) shows my willingness to learn and take on more responsibility.
Some of these tasks include designing aluminum structures, masonry shear walls with significant out-of-plane loads, extremely large combined footings, and vibration analysis (and remediation) of an existing wood floor system. All of this is in addition to the more everyday design tasks of retaining walls; steel, concrete, masonry, and wood design, footing design; steel connection design; shop drawing review; review of calculations; etc…
The question I have is how long have others here waited before given project engineer responsibilities? By that I mean being responsible for making most decisions on a project. Right now, I do designs and draw details, then review them with the project engineer (they usually go on the drawings as-is). How long have you been on the job before having those responsibilities yourself?

 

[sms]

In your business I would expect that everything you do will be reviewed until you can take responsible charge, which means a PE liscense.

-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!
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[JAE]

I would say that is right...except that it does depend a bit on the size of the firm and its method of operation. I was primary engineer on a number of projects for an earlier firm when I was still an EIT. Ultimately my supervisor still was there to somewhat direct me, offer guidance when asked, and seal the plans.

It really depends on how many other strong engineers your firm has, how many projects, what their trust in you is, etc.

I think they will allow the leash to get longer as you prove yourself.

 

[bridgebuster]

JAE is absolutely right; the leash gets longer as you prove yourself.

Here's something you might want to think about for the upcoming review: What do you need to be able to do in order to become a project engineer or project manager?

Here's why I throw this out at you: Engineers fresh out of school want to know how to design everything; that's a good thing. However, they sometimes think that's all they need to know. As a result, they never learn (because they don't think it's important) what it takes to get a job done.

I work with PE's who have 7 to 10 years experience; they act as project engineers and project managers but haven't a clue as to how to get a job done. They know how to design things, which is good, but they can't write specs and notes, prepare a construction cost estimate, arrange a set of plans, prepare details that are easy to follow, etc. And they don't have a clue about running a business.

Look at the big picture and understand how you fit in now, and where you want to go from here.

And don't be surprised if you plans change. I worked as a designer for about six years then I spent 11 years in the field before returning to the office.

 

[atlas06]

I say you are lucky to be confronted with real engineering assignements this early in your carreer, it means that you are gaining valuable experience and that you are in a firm that values brain.
to answer your question, it all depends on the individual, some guys just dive in and get the job done, others can't draw a line unless they are told to do so.

You should be happy with your situation, it beats looking at a screen and doing CAD work all day. You should also stick with this firm for a while until you get some real projects from start to finish (I mean built).

You are on your way.

 

[dik]

With your upcoming review, you might want to discuss future career moves... and becoming a project engineer/manager... if they have a mentor and small project that you could tackle...

It varies quite a bit depending on the opportunities you get... I started out a little shakey; there was a bit of a recession but managed to survive that... at the time, there was a two year period before registration and I held off for three, just because I didn't feel comfortable with it (I was doing major 20+ storey buildings by that time and did my first one under seal after I had my seal about a year) Depending on the firm and the experience and your skills the work can be challenging and fun. If you find you enjoy the work it can be fun for 40 years or more... You'll pick up enough anecdotes to put your grandchildren to sleep <G>

Dik

 

[IRstuff]

Since your review is coming up, ASK, ASK, ASK your manager. Since he's the one that's going to be determining your job assignments, he's the one to ask what you need to do to go in the direction you want.

TTFN

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[Lion06]

Thank you all for your insight. I do appreciate it. I will definitely ask my boss what the next step in my career progression is during my review.

 

[SylvestreW]

One thing to mention - don't be in too much of a hurry to be a PM. Responsibility is a doubled edged sword. It's great to weild but things can go wrong very very quickly, and it's tough when it's your neck on the blade.

Honestly, if you graduated a year ago, I'd say your next step is even more difficult calculations, maybe indepth work and definitely accompying other intermediates. Take this time as an opportunity to really see what the seniors are doing (and not doing).

There's a reason for such a long "training" period (3-4yrs)

 

[UcfSE]

Responsibility comes with trust, and trust comes with time. It won't be how well you handle the calculations so much as how you handle the client relations and problem solving from their end to please them, or dealing with construction problems in the field. Once you show you can solve time-sensitive issues to the expectations of the client as well as foresee potential issues, then you'll start getting more responsibility. Don't be in too big of a hurry for it; take the time you have to learn what you can the easy way before it turns into the hard way. I would expect a few years under your belt before things really start rolling to you regularly.

 

[IRstuff]

Nonetheless, being a PM will be easier on your personal life while you're young. Once you have a wife and kids, you'll need to make them your priority

TTFN

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