Volunteer Jobs 1

[Alpine88]

I am a civil engineer that graduated within the last year. As I'm sure everyone knows, the economy has not been favorable for getting jobs. Since graduating, I have worked in the field for a utility construction company. Unfortunately, work has crawled along for the last two months and my hours have dried up. I really need a new job, but that turns out to be a little more difficult than I imagined.

I don't want to get behind the eight ball by not getting the experience I need to become a good engineer. I am considering volunteering as an engineers to work in places like Haiti or other third world countries. I like the idea of being able to help people and get some valuable experience at the same time. First, I don't know where to look and find these positions. Second, I worry I wouldn't be that useful given my lack of experience.

If anyone has any insight on this, I would appreciate it. Or any other ideas how to get experience in a tough job market.

 

[cvg]

engineers without borders and peace corps come to mind

http://www.ewb-usa.org/get_involved.php

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn

 

[MiketheEngineer]

The army will alawys take an engineer!!

 

[Alpine88]

Thanks for the links CVG.

Yeah, I have looked into joining the military. I was really looking at the Navy Civil Engineering Corps and the Air Force version of that. I still think that would be a good option for me. One of my several concerns is they don't actually do any design work from my understanding. It is mainly construction management and paper work.

 

[pmover]

Alpine88,

yes, government does no design . . . relys on non-governmental contractors for arch-mech-elec-civil design.

volunteer work is always good as it helps you develop inter-personnel skills under varying conditions that are surely needed. i can only recommend that you do what makes you happy and satisfied.

find a company that you want to work for and walk-in be prepared to talk (if in your local area) . . . you never know what will transpire . . . heck, the person you talk to just may be able to help you . . .

some years ago, while on vacation, i was driving along the highway and saw a plant i thought i would be interested in working at. i call them on the cell phone (while driving) and explained my situation and desire. turns out they has just filled a position and they wished my telephone call was a little sooner. such is life . . .

something to think about . . .

good luck!
-pmover

 

[msquared48]

MiketheEngineer:

Not that they'll use him in that capacity. I speak from experience!

Personally, through connections with the VA, I have volunteered some of my time for disabled veterans, designing the structural portion of their homes when needed.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[MiketheEngineer]

M^2 -

Yes - I know of Army engineers that ended up as cooks and/or down in the trneches. Soe also went on to become pilots.. Oh well

Nice idea about the VA...I've done work (gratis) for churchs (any faith) and other volunteer groups...

 

[cvg]

without a PE license, alpine needs to be careful what type of work he does.

 

[PeterStock]

Try doing volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity. You will not be doing engineering, but you will see construction first hand.

Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services

http://www.infotechpr.net