Your input for an idea for improving myself while unemployed

[atlengpe]

I want to be the type of person that doesn't wait on other people. Although I have found alternative work (professional videography) since being laid off last year from CE design office, I would like to take my free time to do something that improves my profession.

I have two skills that I would like to utilize to improve myself, my profession, AND possibly make some money.

I am reaching out to you all and asking how I can merge my two skills of professional video production with civil engineering (development market).

I think I would like to make a DVD (2-disc set) that is informational or instructional. I definitely do not want to do anything tacky or make a DVD of something that would be of no use to somebody over using google for 20 minutes.

Please respond with specific ideas for an informational DVD that is catered towards engineers that you think would be a market success.

I was thinking of doing something geared towards younger people or freshouts, but really I want to go above that and do something more impressive to my peers.

 

[KENAT]

"catered towards engineers that you think would be a market success."

Girls Gone Wild Slide rule edition?

For civil maybe something showing real world stuff. Maybe construction stuff, or maybe failure investigation stuff.

Maybe there's a market in the litigation area, making videos for 'experts' to pontificate over.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[sam74]

I have seen a website when I was at work, I'm laid off also, where you could submit a video seminar on a topic which could be used to gain PDHs for engineers. Allegedly the producer of the video got a cut of the profit generated by the viewers. I can't recall the name of the website though.

 

[ornerynorsk]

Kenat, now THAT is a million dollar idea !!! The GGW part, I mean.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

If you are into video - there are a couple of companies out there that use laser technology to "look" at a building, bridge, whatever and get the actual measurements.

This is used in "as-built" construction and those times where prints no longer exist.

It is kind of amazing technoloy. The laser looks at the building from a few different angles, runs it thru some sort of software and produces a 3-D autocad type file.

Might that interest you?? Sorry - no company names come to mind but I am sure you can find them on the 'Net.

 

[atlengpe]

I think I'm going to just put up an ad on craigslist and interview 10 civil engineers across all the different specialties. This will also be a great way to network. If i can gather up the courage maybe i'll find some heavy hitters and email them directly. I might bring Henry Petroski on-board, he seems pretty well known and he's put out a lot of media so he might respect my effort and do the interview.

 

[Ron]

atlengpe...there's one area that you could certainly use both of your talents...pre-blast, or pre-construction condition assessment documentation. This is used routinely prior to construction using blasting, vibration (pile driving,etc.), relocation of roadways, relocation of railways, extensions of mass transit lines, construction in problematic soils, construction in tight urban areas where excavation is done next to existing buildings....etc.

Being an engineer and a good videographer should get you some business in these areas. Could also use for real estate due diligence assessments of properties.

Good luck.

 

[plasgears]

When I was between jobs I did landscape and hardscape design, which is useful to homeowners and businesses. Horticultural and landscape design come easy to engineers, who have spatial visualization ability. Early on I took distance training in landscape design when I bought my first home. I visited clients and collected their requirements and transformed them into agreeable designs. This was before CAD. Some examples:

- Pond side installation of small deck, boat dock and sun shelter with plantings around;
- Large gazebo with plantings alongside a tennis court for relief from the sun and to provide refreshments;
- A remote covered outdoor living room with firplace, BBQ;
- A fountain added alongside a pool with night lighting surrounding the pool for pleasant reflections.

I went thru a rewarding phase when I did a string of doctors' homes. The word got around. My rates were moderate.

 

[racookpe1978]

Check Construction Systems Associates, Marietta, GA for more information about their laser-scanning, 3D modeling technology for as-built and back-fit design capture.

It's up the road from you to the north on I-75 about 15 miles.

Also, check the DOE's Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for positions. They are looking for inspections and NRC engineers to work in the Atlanta office and field offices for the new nuclear plants being planned in GA.