Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Can I work as a Civil Engineer with the background of Environmental Engineer

    Posted 07-12-2019 07:13 AM
    Hi Everyone

    I got my master's degree from the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, with an emphasis on Environmental Engineering. And got a job offer in a consulting company as a Civil Engineer, working on SWPPP preparation, geotechnical report preparation, Phase 1 report, and so on....

    However, I got checked because the major name in my transcript is Environmental Engineering, but job title in the company is Civil Engineer. I am wondering is that a good choice or common choice for people like me to work as a Civil Engineer?

    Thanks!

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    Churuo Zhang EI,EIT,S.M.ASCE
    Brea, CA
    949-981-0644
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  • 2.  RE: Can I work as a Civil Engineer with the background of Environmental Engineer

    Posted 07-12-2019 09:08 AM
    Yes.  The skills that you have learned an developed in college have prepared you for the profession.  On the job training is the expectation for engineers, not the exception.  You have a solid background in math, chemistry, and physics.  You have an understanding of professional duties and ethics.  The fundamentals of engineering do not change regardless of the nature of your practice.  Think about the FE exam you took.  Was it specific in concepts or general?  The employer has an understanding of your degree and EIT status and will likely be able to make accommodations for job training as needed to fill in the gaps.

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    Chad Morrison P.E.,M.ASCE
    Professional Engineer
    Greenville RI
    (401)231-4870 EXT 2207
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Can I work as a Civil Engineer with the background of Environmental Engineer

    Posted 07-15-2019 10:57 AM
    I would completely agree with Chad!  Especially early on in your career, an engineering background is the main thing.  A lot of people will get an engineering degree in one area, and end up doing a different type of engineering altogether.  It's the foundation of math, science, and problem solving that make these skills so valuable.

    Furthermore, Environmental Engineering grew out as a subset of Civil Engineering, so they're even more closely related. When I went to Michigan State they only just then formed a separate degree for Environmental Engineering from Civil Engineering.  We took most of the same classes, and as a Civil I had the option of concentrating in Environmental.  So you will still need to learn stuff on the job, but you have an excellent foundation to build upon.

    Best of luck with the new career!

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    James Smith P.E.,M.ASCE
    Design Engineer
    Grand Rapids MI
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    Original Message


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