Switching from site engineering to design engineeringineering. 2

[Be_like_brad]

Has anyone ever successfully shifted from site engineering to structural design work after working on site for a year and a half? Is it possible? I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (5 year programme) and have a passion for structural design, but however couldnt get a design job here in my country, Zimbabwe. I feel like working on site doesnt give me a full technical engineering experience. My job is mainly setting out, quality control, planning and execution, programming site works etc. I wouldnt mind to apply for entry level design jobs. I'll be glad to hear a story from someone who has successfully shifted

 

[oldestguy]

Depends on your education. Doesn't sound like a 4 year engineering course graduate. 1.5 years is almost like doing nothing to brag about.

 

[Be_like_brad]

@oldestguy thanks for the info. I am African and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Civil Engineering (5 year programme) and currently contemplating on the next move in my career.

 

[hokie66]

Just look at your 18 months as good experience. That is a trivial amount of time in your lifetime of work, but can be invaluable. This would not be a career change, just a transition into office work from site work. An employer should value your hands on experience in offering you an entry level design position. As to the current employment situation in Zimbabwe, I wouldn't know.

 

[r13]

Agree with Hokie. Switch as soon as you can, don't be frustrated by rejections. I have a little different experience - I was a fresh graduates and was sent to the field after one year with my first employer. Returned to the office, after completed the one year assignment, with rejections from some of the managers who thought I could be too rusty. But at the end, my persistence and the help from my two project managers (in the field and office) prevailed. It was proved later that my field experience was an asset rather than a waste/burden. It has helped me tremendously in later years. Good luck.

 

[MJCronin]

Do not be afraid to move to another country where both the economy and your specific skills are valued. Do not get involved in an industry where the amount of your rewards are indirectly controlled by the sales of a commodity product. (i.e. do not become an expert in the concrete foundations of agricultural silos)

I was a Mechanical/Chemical/Power plant engineer for 42 years and had to move several times as both the industry and my skills changed.

Look at the big picture ... Here in the US, the incoming President is interested in a massive and intensive program in developing alternative energy sources. Many. many projects will be started. Perhaps developing a background in Wind Turbine foundations or Off-Shore wind structures would be a good idea.... Make your path developing future skills, actually MATCH THE FUTURE !!!

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer