Discussion: View Thread

Hi Natalya, 

I know that we have a couple of employees with very flexible schedules. I think working from home depends more on the individual. However, if you can take open courseware classes, then I think the transition to employment would not be an issue. The harder part may be finding a team that supports your terms (Good luck!!). 

As far as the skills you're currently developing, I think that the HEC products are well worth your time- plus, there is a new HEC-RAS. I also wanted to mention that there is a Bentley Student package that provides a sample of many programs for a much lower cost. Since you are studying and your intention is to practice, I think that is well within their terms. 

Link to a sample book: https://store.bentley.com/en/products/books/9781934493168--Computer-Applications-in-Hydraulic-Engineering#/?price=0ba55fe078e743c08c71f1ad27327c88

Best of luck, 

Hi Natalya, 

I know that we have a couple of employees with very flexible schedules. I think working from home depends more on the individual. However, if you can take open courseware classes, then I think the transition to employment would not be an issue. The harder part may be finding a team that supports your terms (Good luck!!). 

As far as the skills you're currently developing, I think that the HEC products are well worth your time- plus, there is a new HEC-RAS. I also wanted to mention that there is a Bentley Student package that provides a sample of many programs for a much lower cost. Since you are studying and your intention is to practice, I think that is well within their terms. 

Link to a sample book: https://store.bentley.com/en/products/books/9781934493168--Computer-Applications-in-Hydraulic-Engineering#/?price=0ba55fe078e743c08c71f1ad27327c88

Best of luck, 

Natalya,

As I believe one of the most recent posts suggested, part-time engineers - especially younger water resources engineers that are GIS and CADD savvy - are extremely valuable as part-time employees. Several regional and national engineering firms in the Chicago area figured that out several years ago.  In fact, right now we are looking for someone on are part-time basis with GIS and HEC RAS experience and I am meeting with a woman later this week with young children who may fill this role with us.

From an employer's perspective, as a part-time employee you probably will not be eligible for many of the full-time employee benefits, so you will not cost the employer as much as a full time person. That is a big advantage to the employer! Also, they may ask you to be more flexible in your hours (some weeks you may work fewer hours or not at all when compared to other weeks). You may also have to be willing to take calls on your days off from the company - however, they have to understand that you may have a crying baby or demanding toddler in the background and will need to call back. This is all part of dealing with a part time employee who has other obligations outside of the office.

One person responding suggested you set yourself up as an independent contractor or as your own business. That means you are liable for all your taxes and insurance, including professional insurance.  I have done it both ways, but generally I prefer to have part-time employees covered by my business and professional insurance. That way I know if there is a problem the necessary insurance is in place.

If we cover all the insurance, we usually pay the part-timer an hourly rate that would be about what they would be making as a full-time employee. However, if you are an independent contractor paying your own insurance and taxes, you would expect to get paid significantly more, perhaps half of your typical billing rate (the rate that a company charges their client for your work which is usually 2.5 to 3 times your hourly pay).

Perhaps ASCE should consider setting up a job board for folks like you, looking for part-time work. In my experience, it is usually word of mouth. Folks show up at local ASCE meetings or other professional society events and put out the word that they are looking. Or just call up local firms that you may want to work with and see if they are interested in a part-time employee. As an employer, I call up one of my friends ask if they know if anyone is available on a part-time basis.  In regards to the value of ASCE, you may also be able to get HEC programs training through ASCE courses.

One last word, we once had a young father as a part-time employee and he constantly had to change when he was going to be in the office due to children's illnesses and other family related issues. We all have family emergencies, but as a part-time employee you need to figure out a back up system that will allow you to meet your obligations to the employer without having to make constant changes as to when your employer is expecting you in the office.

Good luck!