Thinking of transfering from Structural into Enviro or G-water 1

[shacked]

I graduated 2 years ago and since then I have been working in a structural office. I love the job and process of structural engineering, but what I do not like is being part of the system that helps to produce these so called "Mc-Mansions" that have been spreading throughout Southern Calif.

So I am also very interested in either environmental eng or groundwater eng, but I am not very knowledgeable in either field. Has anyone ever switched fields like this, what was the outcome, will it be difficult to switch....?

I am looking for any reasonable advice you guys might have.
Oh, and please keep the "tree hugger type of comments to yourself"

Thanks
Erik

 

[civilperson]

Make a lot more money in industrial structural design for refineries and power plants. Put your resume out on the internet for contract assignments.

 

[oldestguy]

I'd consider stopping by one of those firms and see what they need in the way of help. Also see what they would like for your education.

Then, to get anywhere in engineering these days, a Master's is pretty much required. Thus, more schooling is very likely the requirement.

 

[AMN4]

There's the old saying,"Bloom where you are planted." Could you incorporate more environmentally friendly concepts into the work you do?

 

[fattdad]

See if your employeer will pay for you to attend the NGWA's "Princeton Course". This was a great way to learn about ground water flow in practical application including some very practical software programs.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[Fackler]

You might consider working for a consulting firm that does structural/geotechnical and environmental work. You may be able to find one that will allow you to work in both areas. I can't speak for working in structural, but in my experience in environmental consulting, it is long drawn out periods of project management, data entry, and reporting sandwiched around short spurts of using your engineering skills. I'm sure there are differences at different companies, but it is what I've encountered.

 

[HighinWater]

Environmental consulting would be a great avenue for you to look into. I have been doing it for 5 years now, there are sturtural engineers that do design work for the city/counties/industrial clients for wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities, etc...I do mainly stormwater design, water resourse engineering (FEMA/floodplain issues), and landfill work, so I don't know all that the structural engineers do in my company. But it would be a good place for you to use your existing knowledge, learn what others do, and get involved in the groundwater engineering if that's what you want to get into.

 

[darthsoilsguy2]

you could go to grad school and work your way into the research side. maybe you could go for a school that owns a superfund site.