Structural Engineering Mentor 1

[FOX89]

Hello everyone,

I am structural engineer with a specialty in steel structures and i am currently employed in a "low scale" company. i love steel structures but i would also like to learn more about RC structures.

the questions is: How can i find a structural engineering (both steel and RC) mentor if i cant find him in my current company ? can i do it without an experienced engineer ?

 

[spieng89]

I would advise you to go to your local chapter ASCE/SEI/ACI meeting if you are based in US and network there. Not everyone will be receptive to mentor-ship, but start a conversation and see where it leads with different individuals.

 

[SLTA]

There are also lots of threads on this - I'd recommend a search. Good luck!

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[FoxSE14]

Many larger firms have some great mentoring programs. Go in with an open mind and bring your willing-to-learn attitude. Changing from a "low scale" company, to a larger firm may require some 'pride swallowing' for awhile until you get a handle on things again (or while they figure out where on their ladder you fit in). Good luck!

 

[JedClampett]

Wait a minute! You want a stranger to mentor you in his free time on hypothetical concrete problems while you have a full time job designing steel structures? How is that going to work?
If you work for a company that designs steel structures (I'm not sure what low scale is, but if it's pay, that's bad), you need to change jobs to a company that designs concrete structures or preferably one that does both. That's the way to learn.

 

[MotorCity]

If there is no one around to teach you, try teaching yourself. You will be surprised how much you can learn and you may be a better teacher than any mentor you find.

 

[davefitz]

I think the main economic impetus for a structural engineer is to obtain a PE license in that discipline, and most states require that you work ( 6 yrs ?)under the supervision of a licensed structural engineer to qualify for the structural engineer license. I do not think that description includes any credit for a "mentor" except for a direct supervisor who is a licensed structural engineer.

"In this bright future, you can't forget your past..." Bob Marley