Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Entry Level Positions

    Posted 09-12-2019 11:46 AM
    Hello, 

    I am a recent graduate located in Southern California. I am wondering if anyone is seeing a slowdown of hiring entry level undergraduates at the moment?

    My current position is for a small company (six people total) and is just not working out anymore. Unfortunately, I am no longer seeing entry level position postings anywhere. Is this due to the economic slowdown or just the timing of year since most companies have already secured entry level undergraduates after spring graduation?

    Any information or insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

    Best,

    ------------------------------
    Dustin Breithaupt Aff.M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
    Newhall CA
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  • 2.  RE: Entry Level Positions

    Posted 09-12-2019 01:58 PM
    Hi Dustin, 

    I haven't personally noticed a lowdown of hiring entry-level undergraduates but hopefully, others will chime in on the topic! In the meantime, I wanted to make you aware of a resource you can use through ASCE to search for positions. ASCE has its own career website that you can view here: https://careers.asce.org/jobs .There is also an upcoming Engineering & Science Career Network Online Career Fair on October 2 listed on the same webpage that you can check out. Hope this helps!

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    Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Associate Engineer
    Pennoni Associates
    Philadelphia PA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Entry Level Positions

    Posted 09-16-2019 05:39 PM
    I think it may more to do with your location and timing than a slowdown of hiring entry level engineers.  With the new school year starting and career fairs kicking off most firms should be getting into full gear to hire entry level positions right now.  So maybe less over the past few months, but I'd keep your eyes peeled now.

    In addition I mentioned location.  I know California, especially certain areas, the amount an engineer would need to be paid to be competitive is just not worth it to a lot of firms.  This came up in a discussion with out CFO last week.  We'd have to pay an engineer over twice what we would pay that same engineer if they were living elsewhere in the country, to do the same job with the same experience.  Since we usually don't need to be located in an area to do that type of work, it's just not financially practical to hire engineers there.  Same goes for areas like NYC and Seattle.

    Not saying you need to relocate, but you may want to keep that option on your radar.

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


  • 4.  RE: Entry Level Positions

    Posted 09-17-2019 10:48 AM
    Dustin- I was recently looking for employment in the Dallas area, and saw many entry level positions available. Certainly possible to that you'd be more successful looking outside your current area. Plenty of work over here right now!

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    Drew Irvin P.E., M.ASCE
    Project Engineer
    Roanoke TX
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Entry Level Positions

    Posted 09-18-2019 08:39 AM
    Dustin,

    I would have to agree with others it may be a location issue. We have the opposite issue, we are located in Arlington, Texas and we are actively looking for new employees and it seems there are few to be had. Discussing with other colleagues we seem to be in the same boat. Looking but can't find.

    My suggestion would be to stay persistent with your search and good luck!

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    Andrea Taylor P.E., M.ASCE
    Hurst TX
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Entry Level Positions

    Posted 10-07-2019 10:06 AM
    You may want to consider looking for other positions besides project engineers or civil engineers. There always is a need for construction inspectors, CAD drafters, survey crew personnel, etc. The pay may not be as good as an entry level engineer but the knowledge and experience you gain is still relevant. I have several graduate engineers that are working as Drafting Technicians. It works well for us and them.

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    Yance Marti P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer IV
    City of Milwaukee
    Milwaukee WI
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    Original Message


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