Retraining as a structural engineer

[Binary]

I'm an ME whose background is in machine design and manufacturing. Being pretty discouraged by the instability that has marked my professional career since 1989 I'm considering cross-training and getting a MSCE, likely specializing in structural engineering.

Some questions:

1) Job/career stability?
2) Likelihood of getting on with State DOT
3) Do structural guys and gals get on as city engineers?
4) Would you do it again if you were starting out?
5) Any other emphases that should be studied in parallel (or in lieu) - soils, hydrology?

Any and all comments are very, very welcome.

 

[Qshake]

Well, I'll take the first stab at this one.

1. Stability: We have our ups and downs. For example, the public sector is seeing a crunch nationwide. So a lot of structural engineers engaged in the transportation or government sector are seeing lean times. As with investing in the stock market, it pays to be diversified. As as structural engineer you should be able to evaluate a structural system no matter what it is.

2. State DOT: A good place to work, but you might wind up frustrated depending on your ambitions. Work there is slow in coming, but it is mostly steady. I say that from experience as a former state structural engineer (many many years ago). Additionally, the variety isn't there either. However, if you get into development - I think its a wonderful place. Other options include the Federal government working for the Federal Highway Administration.

3. Being a city engineer with a structural background probably doesn't happen very often. Most likely because of two reasons. First, it isn't very much like the course of study for a structural engineer and second its very political and most SEs are quiet and very technical which precludes them from glad-handing with the good ol' boys.

4. Absolutely!!

5. A good MSCE program will keep you busy with structural material, but since you've a ME background it wouldn't hurt to have some hydrology or open channel flow course work. Soils for the most part is very structural/stress oriented so it won't be too hard to comprehend with out formal training. Guys and gals : Please don't rake me over the coals on that last point. I didn't say you could be a soils, foundation or geotechnical engineer with the proper training - just that you could understand the soil loading problems such as retaining walls, shoring, etc.

Good Luck!

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Qshake has given you good advice. I'll try to add some general thoughts as an ME who transitioned to Structural many years ago:

There are a lot of similarities. For example, is designing an elevate pipeline a mechanical or a structural problem? Got to consider fluid friction losses at fittings, etc. Also got to consider deflection caused by unsupported span length between pipe supports.

A consideration on the public preception of Structural compared with other diciplines:
1. Design/build a Mechanical project - equipment turns, fluids flow - all are impressed.
2. Design/build an Electrical project - motors run, lights come on, controls opperate - all are impressed.
3. Design/build a structural project - often it just sits there (no creaking, no bolts snapping, etc.) - you must have overdesigned it and wasted money.

Advice - Make the transition (am glad I did). Besides you can always go back at any time.

 

[havesealwilltravel]

I'd like to answer your questions honestly. You may feel that the answers are pessimistic, but I assure you they are honest.

I have a MSCE with emphasis in structural. I have 28 years experience and can do nearly everything in structural engineering such as structures, foundations, seismic analysis, dynamic analysis, finite element analysis, etc.

Many people will tell you things are great when they are not. Often, they are in denial. However, your query demands an honest answer.

1) Job/career stability?

When I started in this field, layoffs were rare. Typically, once you became established at a company where you fit in emotionally and professionally, you stayed for life and retired with a good pension. Now, layoffs are common and retirement parties rare. Industries in this country are closing and the production (and engineering) are going overseas. This trend is increasing with no end in sight.

2) Likelihood of getting on with State DOT

If you're right out of school, there is a reasonable chance of getting a job with a DOT. They are generally good, stable jobs. Gaining employment later in your career is not likely unless you know someone in an infuential position.

3) Do structural guys and gals get on as city engineers?

In large cities, occasionally entry level positions open up. These are generally stable jobs. However, pay is usually low and advancement slow. Towns and smaller municipalities typically buy their services from a local civil engineering company. With these small companies pay is usually low unless you are a principal in the firm.

4) Would you do it again if you were starting out?

No. When I started out the business, pay and opportunities were great. But now I wish I had become a doctor. I started with a company that had been in business for 85 years and had NEVER laid off an engineer. I have had 3 jobs in the last 2 years. And I'm lucky to be employed many of my friends (also engineers) aren't.

5) Any other emphases that should be studied in parallel ?

Soil mechanics. Often you have to estimate a project before the soil report is finished. Also, you will often use an old soil report which doesn't give you the spectifc soil property you need, or didn't take a boring where you would like it and you have to make a judgement.

I'm sorry if this dampens your enthusiasm. But, if I were you, I would persue another career. If trends continue (and there is no reason to believe they won't) structural engineering will not provide you with the monetary or emotional rewards you seek.

I wish you luck in your decision.

 

[AJUK]

danyym,
I am sorry to hear that things are not too good. In the UK (but not the rest of Europe - blame the single currency) things are very good with the exception of manufacturing which is also suffering from cheap (and often exploited) overseas labour. However, construction is booming at the moment.

I started my own business two years ago and have just got busier and busier - now have two other employees and are looking to get more. I started out in a career in structural engineering during the mid 80's and things were bad over here, but I stuck with it and it is now paying off. I really hope we dont go back to those days.

Engineering, to me, is the most rewarding career anyone can pursue.

Hope things get better soon.

 

[CanyonRat]

1) Job/career stability?

I've never been laid off and for the most part have stayed busy. Most engineers change jobs quite a few times. Sometimes it's busy and sometimes slow. I worked for a state dot for 7 yrs; job was very secure but pay sucked.

2) Likelihood of getting on with State DOT

Very likely if starting low on the ladder. Not very likely if trying to move into a higher level position. Most State DOTs promote from within first. They usually only advertise for entry-level positions.

3) Do structural guys and gals get on as city engineers?

Never. It's partly a political position. It is best to be a general civil to get on as a city engineer. Structural work is left to consultants mostly. You need roadway design, hydraulics, and traffic experience. When you get to the project manager level you ususally start making enough contacts with cities/counties to be a city engineer.

4) Would you do it again if you were starting out?

No. I would have gone for a BS in Computer Science and possibly a MBA.

5) Any other emphases that should be studied in parallel (or in lieu) - soils, hydrology?

Definitely soils, roadway design, and hydraulics/hydrology.

 

[Binary]

Thanks, everybody, for the comments - positive and negative. It sounds like SE may not be any more stable than my ME career has been so stability isn't a good reason to switch.

The work really fascinates me (I've been reading Gaylord's SE Handbook and a book on ASD Steel Design). It's pretty neat stuff. Actually, it's pretty much the stuff that I like in ME (except for machine automation which I really dig).

I spoke with the grad advisor at the local university and he said the hot field now (in CA, at least) is environmental, water resources, or wastewater. I've got a strong chemistry background (soon to have a degree) and he's really encouraging me in that direction.

If I do, I think I'll take some structures stuff just for the knowledge.

Anyway, I appreciate the honest and constructive answers.

dannym - funny because if I could do it over again, I'd be a doc, too - probably an orthopod (closest thing to a structural engineer in medicine)