Seeking input on career situation 1

[panakin]

I started out my career as a structural engineer, working for about three years at a structural consulting firm in the northeast, doing mostly forensics and building rehab. But I felt like I was in the wrong industry, so I left to get an MBA and have been working in biomedical engineering for about three years, doing strategic and operational mangagement of medical technology for a major hospital.

Now, for the first time in years I have a strong interest to go back to structural work, mainly because I miss working on buildings and have come to realize that of the things I've done and studied for the past few years, nothing can beat working on buildings, at least for me. Obviously it would have been easier if I had this epiphany while I was still IN structures but such is life, I guess.

So now I have been out of structures for about five years and trying to get back in. I do have my previous structural experience, as well as MS in structures, and could be ready to take the PE exam within a year, but am also 30 years old with a wife and kid.

What I would appreciate is some honest comments or advice on my situation - have I been out of structures too long to get a job in that field now? What obstacles should I expect to face? Is it worth trying to go back to my former structural firm? Any input is appreciated.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

My question is, you've already changed your mind twice about what you want to do, are you sure you aren't going to change your mind again?

If you are sure SE is what you want to do, then go for it.

If you think there's a chance you'll change your mind again, I'd wait a year and see if the desire is still there (you could spend that year taking a class or two and catching up with your contacts from the structural field).

 

[TomBarsh]

well, I was 31 years old when I got my BS and MS (both in structures). So you got a 'leg up' on me. I'd say go for it, you're never too old to move around and change paths. But moving fields may come at a cost; make certain that the costs are worthwhile in the big picture (I think of kids these days coming out of university with huge student loan debt, etc. In my case going back to school really paid off).

 

[hokie66]

I think your resume should read very well for future employment as a structural engineer. We are well rounded people, after all. MBA and biomedical experience could fit in nicely. You may even find yourself as the resident guru in structural design of health care facilities.

 

[GregLocock]

Engineering is engineering. With a good mix of skills like that I'd say you were very employable.

Only problem is that you don't seem to have settled at anything yet.

Stuff I've spent more than year working on:

cars
agricultural processing systems
underwater electronic/acosutics systems

So moving around is no big deal.



Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[tygerdawg]

Ditto what Mr. Locock said. Technical skills are always in demand. Corporate hiring authority weasels seem to be always trying to find why they cannot hire someone, versus how they can take advantage of the person's skills to make their company better.

It's all a matter of how well you sell yourself, emphasize your abilities, and what benefit you can bring to an organization.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Advanced Robotics & Automation Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[PSE]

Five years away from your "core" competency should not be a problem. You should still have good contacts within the structural field so go ahead and excercise them. As hokie66 indicates you might be able to become a specialist on health care facilities, or you might be considered as a project manager. Test the waters and see. If you left your previous employer on good terms, go ahead and contact them. You can at least gain a feel for what the prospects are.

Regards,

 

[swearingen]

There's another thing to consider: in my part of the world (southern U.S.) many employers will hire you if you have a pulse. The demand is very strong right now and that will help you get a decent salary and get back into the game easily. If you wait too long and a downturn comes, that 5 year hiatus will really hurt you.



If you "heard" it on the internet, it's guilty until proven innocent. - DCS

 

[panakin]

Thanks to all for your responses. To answer BrunoPuntzJones' question about whether or not I will change my mind again, I come from a long line of civil and structural engineers, so taking that route in school and then for work seemed natural. But I guess for me it took getting away from it for a few years to be able to re-examine it and say "this is what I really want" rather than "I'm doing this because everyone else in my family did it". I've been mulling this over for several months, so it's not exactly a fleeting idea, but will probably require some more thought before I make a move.