Hello all,
How can I gain more experience in different civil disciplines and what would be the best way to communicate to my employer that I have more interest in different lines of work?
A little background: I have a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a Residential Builder's license. I work for a municipal engineering firm with mostly local government clients. I have 4 years of experience and no P.E. (waiting for test results). After college I was desperate for work and took an entry-level position involved with asset management, hydraulic modeling, and technical writing. I appreciate the work that I am given but after a few years of working I realized that I am more interested in development, architectural drawings, and civil-site plans.
I want to continue to be a Civil Engineer but my biggest concern at my current job is that I am only getting a certain types of work. I am not getting any design or drafting experience in water, sewer, paving, grading, or other projects. I feel that I am not learning how to be a well-rounded, professional engineer. For example, if I got my PE license and someone asked me develop construction plans for a water main replacement, I would have no idea how or here to even begin.
Therefore, how can I gain more experience in different projects and what would be the best way to communicate to my employer that I have more interest in different lines of work? Should I change jobs? Should I work for a smaller or larger firm? Should I request to work in a different department?
Long time reader, First time posting to Collaborate
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Matt H, EIT, Aff.M.ASCE
Engineer II
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