The Engineer Thread - Jobs, Universities, PE Exam, Salaries, Fly Girls???.
That's a shame.
A man is only as faithful as his options-Chris Rock
Thanks for this thread. Sort of sucks that OP got banned because I wanted to ask him some direct questions but it's OK I guess.
I just graduated with a physics and math degree, probably going back to school in the fall for an engineering degree as soon as I can hit up my advisor and get some advice. The job market does not look great (IMO) for strict physics/math degrees because it's too generalized and if you're not into teaching or better specialized it can be difficult to find work.
I just graduated with a physics and math degree, probably going back to school in the fall for an engineering degree as soon as I can hit up my advisor and get some advice. The job market does not look great (IMO) for strict physics/math degrees because it's too generalized and if you're not into teaching or better specialized it can be difficult to find work.
Quote: (05-25-2013 06:48 AM)Hades Wrote:
Thanks for this thread. Sort of sucks that OP got banned because I wanted to ask him some direct questions but it's OK I guess.
I just graduated with a physics and math degree, probably going back to school in the fall for an engineering degree as soon as I can hit up my advisor and get some advice. The job market does not look great (IMO) for strict physics/math degrees because it's too generalized and if you're not into teaching or better specialized it can be difficult to find work.
Are you looking to start your engineering degree from year one?So that's another 3 or 4 years? How old are you if you don't mind me asking it?
Quote: (05-25-2013 07:06 AM)pitt Wrote:
Quote: (05-25-2013 06:48 AM)Hades Wrote:
Thanks for this thread. Sort of sucks that OP got banned because I wanted to ask him some direct questions but it's OK I guess.
I just graduated with a physics and math degree, probably going back to school in the fall for an engineering degree as soon as I can hit up my advisor and get some advice. The job market does not look great (IMO) for strict physics/math degrees because it's too generalized and if you're not into teaching or better specialized it can be difficult to find work.
Are you looking to start your engineering degree from year one?So that's another 3 or 4 years? How old are you if you don't mind me asking it?
I'm 22. The college I went to had a "dual-degree" program with another university that allowed you to get a degree in engineering (either mechanical or electrical) with 3 years at one school and 2 at another. I would need two years at the maximum to finish everything since all the math and physics credits would transfer, though I took more credits than I needed. It's not a bad gig.
Quote: (05-25-2013 07:35 AM)Hades Wrote:
Quote: (05-25-2013 07:06 AM)pitt Wrote:
Quote: (05-25-2013 06:48 AM)Hades Wrote:
Thanks for this thread. Sort of sucks that OP got banned because I wanted to ask him some direct questions but it's OK I guess.
I just graduated with a physics and math degree, probably going back to school in the fall for an engineering degree as soon as I can hit up my advisor and get some advice. The job market does not look great (IMO) for strict physics/math degrees because it's too generalized and if you're not into teaching or better specialized it can be difficult to find work.
Are you looking to start your engineering degree from year one?So that's another 3 or 4 years? How old are you if you don't mind me asking it?
I'm 22. The college I went to had a "dual-degree" program with another university that allowed you to get a degree in engineering (either mechanical or electrical) with 3 years at one school and 2 at another. I would need two years at the maximum to finish everything since all the math and physics credits would transfer, though I took more credits than I needed. It's not a bad gig.
Makes sense to go for it. I see no negatives since you say your having a hard time finding a job in your field.
A man is only as faithful as his options-Chris Rock
Quote: (05-25-2013 06:45 AM)CThunder86 Wrote:
That's a shame.
Yeah it does. It seems like he was trying to help and that initially he didn't have any direct knowledge about the operation. Sucks for all parties involved. He's not known for trolling so giving him the boot might have been harsh for a first offense. Maybe he'll come back under a new alias.
Semiconductor hires physics people.
Do you have any materials science/semiconductor experience?
Do you have any materials science/semiconductor experience?
I also studied engineering and it was hard. The upside is that we have more job opportunities than in other fields and the pay most of the time is good, but the downside
at least for me is that it nullifies your access to women(7+)
at least for me is that it nullifies your access to women(7+)
Thought I could give some info. I just graduated last year with an engineering degree (Mechanical Eng).
I def agree that not all engineering fields are created equal, but there are some fields that are easy to find jobs in, and yield 6 fig salaries pretty quickly. Some jobs are similar to Scotian's stats (6 figs in 6 months). These jobs are mostly hands-on engineering (field service, operations, commercial ships, oil rigs)
Jobs like these are def not bad for starting off. Field service engineers (example: service engineers from GE, Siemens, etc.) usually perfom maintenance on the machines that they sold to utilities companies (machines like gas turbines and generators). They work 12 hours daily and work about 70-85% of the year. It's a fuck-ton of work but the pay is good (can make 90k-110k your first year). All your expenses are usually covered by them during your travel/work days.
Other options are like the ones I mentioned above (operations, commercial shipping, oil rigs). These jobs require special licenses. But you can work 6 months out of the year and still come out with 120k in your pocket. These jobs are very hands-on (basically an over-paid mechanic lol). But like other jobs, you will be away from home for that time, and work 10-12 hours a day. Lots of work, lots of pay. It's the way it is. It's a great learning experience. You'll learn much more than working in an office or firm IMO.
I currently work on operating commercial ships. It's similar to the way Scotian described his job, except is a completely different environment (living on a ship, away at sea, living conditions are pretty nice though). Good money, and awesome time off for travel.
You guys can def feel free to PM on this stuff. I have plenty of more info to share a bit later. If you guys are thinking of going back to school for engineering, I might be able to give some direction. The connections the schools have are also kinda important for job options
Later
I def agree that not all engineering fields are created equal, but there are some fields that are easy to find jobs in, and yield 6 fig salaries pretty quickly. Some jobs are similar to Scotian's stats (6 figs in 6 months). These jobs are mostly hands-on engineering (field service, operations, commercial ships, oil rigs)
Jobs like these are def not bad for starting off. Field service engineers (example: service engineers from GE, Siemens, etc.) usually perfom maintenance on the machines that they sold to utilities companies (machines like gas turbines and generators). They work 12 hours daily and work about 70-85% of the year. It's a fuck-ton of work but the pay is good (can make 90k-110k your first year). All your expenses are usually covered by them during your travel/work days.
Other options are like the ones I mentioned above (operations, commercial shipping, oil rigs). These jobs require special licenses. But you can work 6 months out of the year and still come out with 120k in your pocket. These jobs are very hands-on (basically an over-paid mechanic lol). But like other jobs, you will be away from home for that time, and work 10-12 hours a day. Lots of work, lots of pay. It's the way it is. It's a great learning experience. You'll learn much more than working in an office or firm IMO.
I currently work on operating commercial ships. It's similar to the way Scotian described his job, except is a completely different environment (living on a ship, away at sea, living conditions are pretty nice though). Good money, and awesome time off for travel.
You guys can def feel free to PM on this stuff. I have plenty of more info to share a bit later. If you guys are thinking of going back to school for engineering, I might be able to give some direction. The connections the schools have are also kinda important for job options
Later
The are Masters degrees in Engineering for those who want do some research and specialize in a certain technical area, and there are Masters degrees in Engineering for those who just want to "check off the box" in order to play the corporate world game. I was the latter. My M.S. Engineering degree is through a branch campus of the University of Wisconsin. I already had 9 years of software engineering experience (my B.S. degree was Applied Math), so my goal was to just GET a graduate engineering degree. I did not go to grad school to actually "learn".
Now MS224 gave his free/cheap way to a M.S./M.Eng in Engineering. I will give you mine:
1) I was lucky that at the time I started my M.S. Engineering program at a branch campus of University of Wisconsin, the school allowed up to 15 of the 30 credits to be transferred in from other universities. The M.S. in Engineering curriculum format was:
Core:
1) Applied Math Requirement: Statistics or Linear Algebra (graduate level of course)
2) Technical Writing Course
3) Computer Applications Requirement
4) Project Management Course
Emphasis: I chose Engineering Management
5) Engineering Management Elective
6) Engineering Management Elective
7) Engineering Management Elective
Free Technical Elective:
8) Technical Elective 1: Math/Statistics
9) Technical Elective 1: Math/Statistics
10) Technical Elective 1: Math/Statistics
I co-enrolled in an online Software Quality Engineering Certificate program through California State University - Dominguez Hills that (at the time) charged $150 per semester credit (now $290/credit). I transferred the Advanced Probability & Statistics course for my Core along with a Statistical Quality Control course and a Software Reliability course to cover 2 of the 3 technical electives: Total Cost = $1350.
Lucked out and found a graduate-level Linear Algebra course given online through the University of Alabama. Turns out that this supposedly "graduate level" Linear Algebra course was pretty much the exact same as my undergrad Linear Algebra course with just a tiny bit of extra mustard. Total Cost = $800.
Lucked out again and found some school out of South Dakota called Dakota State University. It had an online M.S. Information Systems program. I took their online Data Warehousing course. Mind you, I already had experience in Data Warehousing (being a data architect and Oracle DBA). I completely destroyed the course (A+). I used this course for the Computer Application requirement. Total Cost = $810.
I accumulated 15 transferable graduate credits for a grand total of $2960.
I went on took the other 15 credits at University of Wisconsin, consisting of courses in: Project Management, Quality Engineering & Management, Systems Engineering, Cost Estimation and a Technical Writing course. At the time, this branch campus of U-Wisconsin charged $500/credit. Total Cost = $7500.
So I ended up get a M.S. in Engineering for just under $10,500.
These federal contractors in the Washington DC area, do not even know my degree is from a branch campus of U-Wisconsin. They just care that I have a M.S.
Now MS224 gave his free/cheap way to a M.S./M.Eng in Engineering. I will give you mine:
1) I was lucky that at the time I started my M.S. Engineering program at a branch campus of University of Wisconsin, the school allowed up to 15 of the 30 credits to be transferred in from other universities. The M.S. in Engineering curriculum format was:
Core:
1) Applied Math Requirement: Statistics or Linear Algebra (graduate level of course)
2) Technical Writing Course
3) Computer Applications Requirement
4) Project Management Course
Emphasis: I chose Engineering Management
5) Engineering Management Elective
6) Engineering Management Elective
7) Engineering Management Elective
Free Technical Elective:
8) Technical Elective 1: Math/Statistics
9) Technical Elective 1: Math/Statistics
10) Technical Elective 1: Math/Statistics
I co-enrolled in an online Software Quality Engineering Certificate program through California State University - Dominguez Hills that (at the time) charged $150 per semester credit (now $290/credit). I transferred the Advanced Probability & Statistics course for my Core along with a Statistical Quality Control course and a Software Reliability course to cover 2 of the 3 technical electives: Total Cost = $1350.
Lucked out and found a graduate-level Linear Algebra course given online through the University of Alabama. Turns out that this supposedly "graduate level" Linear Algebra course was pretty much the exact same as my undergrad Linear Algebra course with just a tiny bit of extra mustard. Total Cost = $800.
Lucked out again and found some school out of South Dakota called Dakota State University. It had an online M.S. Information Systems program. I took their online Data Warehousing course. Mind you, I already had experience in Data Warehousing (being a data architect and Oracle DBA). I completely destroyed the course (A+). I used this course for the Computer Application requirement. Total Cost = $810.
I accumulated 15 transferable graduate credits for a grand total of $2960.
I went on took the other 15 credits at University of Wisconsin, consisting of courses in: Project Management, Quality Engineering & Management, Systems Engineering, Cost Estimation and a Technical Writing course. At the time, this branch campus of U-Wisconsin charged $500/credit. Total Cost = $7500.
So I ended up get a M.S. in Engineering for just under $10,500.
These federal contractors in the Washington DC area, do not even know my degree is from a branch campus of U-Wisconsin. They just care that I have a M.S.
Good point.
You'd be surprised how beneficial it is to get a degree from a satellite college from a major university. Plenty if people go to UM-flint or UM-Deaborn around my area. Guess what their diploma says?
University of Michigan
Much less expensive.
You'd be surprised how beneficial it is to get a degree from a satellite college from a major university. Plenty if people go to UM-flint or UM-Deaborn around my area. Guess what their diploma says?
University of Michigan
Much less expensive.
A man is only as faithful as his options-Chris Rock
delete
Does anyone know the best way to find a job in Europe? I just graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering
I am a Professional Civil Engineer in the US and have over 16 years of experience in road, traffic and railroad engineering. I have gone from young grad engineer to Group Leader/Office Manager of consulting firms and now am working for a public agency. I will catch up on the rest of the tread and provide more insight.
Quote: (05-30-2013 12:57 PM)Tornado Wrote:
Does anyone know the best way to find a job in Europe? I just graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering
Its going to be very difficult if you do not have any work experience. The EU job market is pretty fucked-up at the moment and protectionism is at an all-time high. Factor in the language barrier and its virtually impossible for a non-European to get a work contract here. Your best bet is to apply for a Masters program in a European country and then segue into the job market.
Thanks guys, I really want to get a job outside the United states. My think my best bet would be in oil.
Quote: (05-30-2013 11:33 PM)greensteelhead Wrote:
I am a Professional Civil Engineer in the US and have over 16 years of experience in road, traffic and railroad engineering. I have gone from young grad engineer to Group Leader/Office Manager of consulting firms and now am working for a public agency. I will catch up on the rest of the tread and provide more insight.
Can you give some of these guys an insight on how many hours you work? Stress the job brings as you moved up?
A man is only as faithful as his options-Chris Rock
Quote: (06-03-2013 11:35 PM)Tornado Wrote:If you've just graduated then apply to the graduate scheme of every single company you can find.
Thanks guys, I really want to get a job outside the United states. My think my best bet would be in oil.
If you've got some experience then get your CV up on this site: http://www.oilcareers.com/worldwide/
Background:
I'm 22 year old and recently graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and landed a great first job which paid well with my own office. I was happy at first but then begin to realize that I didn't like what I was doing. If it were a matter of finding a different job, I wouldn't have a problem doing so, however, I begin to realize that sitting in an office (or cubicle) working mostly by myself all day (or most of the day) was boring, tedious, and left me mentally (and thus physically) drained. Moreover, I realized that the 9-5 grind was boring and that even though I make money to enjoy the weekends, live comfortably, and buy nice things, that didn't make up for it.
Unfortunately almost all careers in electrical engineering and most engineering fields involve sitting or standing indoors(usually at a computer) all day. In that way I feel like I've wasted a lot of money and time training for something I that I don't want a job in. It's not that I dislike electrical engineering (I graduated with a high GPA having conducted research in the area) but I feel like I'm missing a sense of adventure and activity in my life.
Thus, I've made the decision to quit my job and pursue something that interests me but I don't know what I should do so I'm looking for advice perhaps from more experienced people. I've made a list of things I like in a job and a list of things I'm willing to give up:
Things I like:
1. Being outdoors preferably in the wilderness (i.e. the ocean counts as wilderness whereas a construction site does not). I'm fine with being indoors for some time. I don't want to exclude jobs which may require some desk work.
2. Having a job that allows me to be physically active and stay in shape (but not in a monotonous and repetitive way e.g. not a lumber jack).
3. Work with other people, perhaps in a team and at least have people to keep me company. I like working together with other people to accomplish something. I have a high tolerance for being alone (ironically) but it doesn't make me happy.
4. Being able to travel would be nice but it is not necessary. I'd preferably like to travel to different wilderness destinations (not necessarily to different cities/countries though that would be nice too). I enjoy being able to do something different every so often. That's probably the reason I was able to stick out engineering--I was able to take new classes every semester and do something different).
I know I feel like I'm asking for the impossible job and I know that in order to find it I would need to give up something. For instance traveling a lot isn't conductive to having children. Thus, I would be willing to give up:
1. Salary, assuming I'm able to make ends meet wherever I am. All I need is somewhere to sleep, food, and other essentials. I don't have the need to buy luxurious things. I'd far rather be happy with what I'm doing so long as it doesn't affect my health.
2. Having children/starting a family. I don't plan on having children (for a number of reasons which I wont list) so I don't need the stability or salary that an engineering job would bring.
3. Some/most civilized comforts. So long as I have human company and essentials, I don't mind doing without.
4. I realize that not everything will be an adventure. I'm NOT the kind of person that needs to be entertained all the time or I become bored (how would I have ever made it through engineering). I'm perfectly content taking my time doing something or having some down time. The thought of living a long, comfortable, boring life sounds completely unappealing. I'd far rather die young doing something I like than living to an old age of boredom and monotony.
Again, I know it feels like I'm asking for the impossible so anything that comes close to matching all of my "likes" would be great. My engineering job now fulfills none of them so anything is a step up.
I'm looking for advice on what kinds of jobs are available that would meet most of, if not all of, my interests. Also, since I have an engineering degree, I probably have no experience in jobs that meet my interests so how would I break into the job? Also, what resources are there that might help me find what I'm looking for and break into it?
The thought of going on say a wildlife expedition or some other kind of expedition is very appealing but I would have no idea how to start that. In addition, being a tour guide, rafting guide, surf instructor, etc sounds appeals but again I have no idea how to start in it. I'd love to do an internship in some area and find what I like, but again I don't know where to look or what to look for.
For me this is such a major decision that ANY help would be appreciated.
I'm 22 year old and recently graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and landed a great first job which paid well with my own office. I was happy at first but then begin to realize that I didn't like what I was doing. If it were a matter of finding a different job, I wouldn't have a problem doing so, however, I begin to realize that sitting in an office (or cubicle) working mostly by myself all day (or most of the day) was boring, tedious, and left me mentally (and thus physically) drained. Moreover, I realized that the 9-5 grind was boring and that even though I make money to enjoy the weekends, live comfortably, and buy nice things, that didn't make up for it.
Unfortunately almost all careers in electrical engineering and most engineering fields involve sitting or standing indoors(usually at a computer) all day. In that way I feel like I've wasted a lot of money and time training for something I that I don't want a job in. It's not that I dislike electrical engineering (I graduated with a high GPA having conducted research in the area) but I feel like I'm missing a sense of adventure and activity in my life.
Thus, I've made the decision to quit my job and pursue something that interests me but I don't know what I should do so I'm looking for advice perhaps from more experienced people. I've made a list of things I like in a job and a list of things I'm willing to give up:
Things I like:
1. Being outdoors preferably in the wilderness (i.e. the ocean counts as wilderness whereas a construction site does not). I'm fine with being indoors for some time. I don't want to exclude jobs which may require some desk work.
2. Having a job that allows me to be physically active and stay in shape (but not in a monotonous and repetitive way e.g. not a lumber jack).
3. Work with other people, perhaps in a team and at least have people to keep me company. I like working together with other people to accomplish something. I have a high tolerance for being alone (ironically) but it doesn't make me happy.
4. Being able to travel would be nice but it is not necessary. I'd preferably like to travel to different wilderness destinations (not necessarily to different cities/countries though that would be nice too). I enjoy being able to do something different every so often. That's probably the reason I was able to stick out engineering--I was able to take new classes every semester and do something different).
I know I feel like I'm asking for the impossible job and I know that in order to find it I would need to give up something. For instance traveling a lot isn't conductive to having children. Thus, I would be willing to give up:
1. Salary, assuming I'm able to make ends meet wherever I am. All I need is somewhere to sleep, food, and other essentials. I don't have the need to buy luxurious things. I'd far rather be happy with what I'm doing so long as it doesn't affect my health.
2. Having children/starting a family. I don't plan on having children (for a number of reasons which I wont list) so I don't need the stability or salary that an engineering job would bring.
3. Some/most civilized comforts. So long as I have human company and essentials, I don't mind doing without.
4. I realize that not everything will be an adventure. I'm NOT the kind of person that needs to be entertained all the time or I become bored (how would I have ever made it through engineering). I'm perfectly content taking my time doing something or having some down time. The thought of living a long, comfortable, boring life sounds completely unappealing. I'd far rather die young doing something I like than living to an old age of boredom and monotony.
Again, I know it feels like I'm asking for the impossible so anything that comes close to matching all of my "likes" would be great. My engineering job now fulfills none of them so anything is a step up.
I'm looking for advice on what kinds of jobs are available that would meet most of, if not all of, my interests. Also, since I have an engineering degree, I probably have no experience in jobs that meet my interests so how would I break into the job? Also, what resources are there that might help me find what I'm looking for and break into it?
The thought of going on say a wildlife expedition or some other kind of expedition is very appealing but I would have no idea how to start that. In addition, being a tour guide, rafting guide, surf instructor, etc sounds appeals but again I have no idea how to start in it. I'd love to do an internship in some area and find what I like, but again I don't know where to look or what to look for.
For me this is such a major decision that ANY help would be appreciated.
Hey, if you are open to being at sea for extended periods of time check out positions at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. I've seen them post EE jobs working with ROVs, etc.
Also, you are young enough for Naval Officer's School (assuming you are a US Citizen). You have a high GPA so Naval Intelligence might take you to some interesting places career- wise, even if you go back to the private sector. As an officer you could get them to send you to the postgraduate school in Monterey, CA. Learn surfing and Russian at the same time...you see where I'm going with this...
I'm too old for #2 now but if I were your age I would seriously consider it. I actually did at one time but I chose a different, more boring path.
Also, you are young enough for Naval Officer's School (assuming you are a US Citizen). You have a high GPA so Naval Intelligence might take you to some interesting places career- wise, even if you go back to the private sector. As an officer you could get them to send you to the postgraduate school in Monterey, CA. Learn surfing and Russian at the same time...you see where I'm going with this...
I'm too old for #2 now but if I were your age I would seriously consider it. I actually did at one time but I chose a different, more boring path.
If only you knew how bad things really are.
Quote: (08-23-2013 03:11 PM)Evolute Wrote:
I'm looking for advice on what kinds of jobs are available that would meet most of, if not all of, my interests. Also, since I have an engineering degree, I probably have no experience in jobs that meet my interests so how would I break into the job? Also, what resources are there that might help me find what I'm looking for and break into it?
Paging Youngmobileglobal! This is the guy! This is the guy you need to send your lists of ideas and resources to!
Evolute - any engineering degree is a degree in problem solving so don't worry about that at all, especially if you did one of the harder programs like electrical, computer, chemical, aerospace, etc. Example: it is easier to get a business job with a engineering degree than a business degree.
A few options:
-working in Canadian Oil Sands or North Dakota Oil fields where you work a lot of hours when you are there but get lots of time off
-work on oil rigs in US or abroad, good money to be made in places like Dubai
-anything in the military, they love to hire engineers, best degree to have if you want to be a pilot
-a lot of options for consulting or tech sales jobs although they usually require a lot of hours so traveling is going to be much more work than fun
-go to San Francisco and stand on a street corner with a sign saying "have engineering degree - need work" and you will be hired by a startup within in an hour, a lot of startup jobs going on in some other major cities, many of these jobs require lots of hours also
-many many entrepreneurial options and Youngmobileglobal has got you covered on those, search some of his posts
I'm going to send you a PM with some more info. Let me know if you get it.
The Engineer Thread - Jobs, Universities, PE Exam, Salaries, Fly Girls???.
08-23-2013, 10:24 PM
Evolute - Consider working for a startup company. Done right, it's a totally different and flexible environment that works well for many people. You'l be working on a variety of projects, with all kinds of people, all the time.
Or similar to that, consider being a consultant for people doing projects on Kickstarter where they want to raise money for a gadget to do X. Often they have the idea but lack the technical expertise, so you could be the person who steps in on that.
Or similar to that, consider being a consultant for people doing projects on Kickstarter where they want to raise money for a gadget to do X. Often they have the idea but lack the technical expertise, so you could be the person who steps in on that.
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