Any engineers around here?

[Fishpoop]

Re: Any engineers around here?

I'm just like Bob VT...well, kinda. I'm a civil engineer technician. I assist civil engineers with storm water design, erosion control, etc. As for the dirt merchant part, I'm a CPESC-IT...Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control In-Training. I'm hoping to take my final exam for full certification this coming spring 2010.

 

[Fishpoop]

Re: Any engineers around here?

P.S. - All engineering techs aren't like muskyone...

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Any engineers around here?

BSET = BS Electrical Technician, which means an understanding of theory with practical experience.

I agree one should get their hands dirty before entering the theoratical glass house of engineering in order to fully appreciate what a design will do in the real world, plus be able to fix it.

I have a working title of Communications Engineer working with public safety agencies statewide to design and implement law enforcement radio communications. It's very rewarding, but not very lucrative; hence, I have joined a "priesthood" for public safety emergency response communications. It puts a roof over my head, feeds me and lets me go fishing though.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Any engineers around here?

I'm a 4th year mechanical engineering student in Southern Ontario and am interested to see if there are many engineers that frequent these boards.

What kind of job do you work at now? I'm trying to consider my options for when I graduate. Any suggestions for someone finishing up university/college and entering the work force?

My best advice is to be flexible...... go to where the jobs are and do not be concerned about relocation. Always have the attitude that you are willing to listen and learn. I know companies that will NOT hire people with a 4 yr degree but love a 2 yr degree. They have told me that many of the new hires with a 4 yr degree "know it all and feel they can run things right away" however a person with a 2 yr degree knows they have room to learn and refine.

Best of luck completing your program.

 

[Fishpoop]

Re: Any engineers around here?

Don't be afraid to try other engineering avenues if you can. I have a 2 year degree in architecture with some civil engineering thrown into my education. I wanted to do architecture really bad (my dad is an architect, thus my desire at the time) but just to get my foot in the industry, I took a survey field crew job and found out I like dirt alot better than wall sections. There is alway room for more learning about your field. It doesn't matter if your 25 or 55.

 

[LongLine]

Re: Any engineers around here?

Advice to a new Engineer? Be flexible. (Don't get stuck in one way of thinking.) There are many solutions to every real world problem. Listen to others (even those you think are idiots) Ask questions, ask more questions & listen to answers from all the people around you. Communicate. Learn from your mistakes. Admit your mistakes. Build, don't destroy. Develop your common sense.

Good luck

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[DavidW2009]

Re: Any engineers around here?

I have been in machine and equipment design for a couple decades.

Cannot over emphasis the need to listen to the experienced tech, the experienced machine operator, as well as the wise and experienced P.E. who you may report to.

In mechanical engineering, it would be beneficial to become proficient in CAD, especially 3D solid modeling, FEA, SAP, EXCEL, etc.. Even if you have to go to tech school. (The best way is to get the company to pay for that training.)
All of those are a must on a resume.

I don't know if it's true today, but it use to be a German who wanted to become an engineer, had to work in a machine shop as an apprentice for two years before the degree was granted. That use to be mandatory.

If you qualify after graduation, get your P.E..