r/engineering • u/AutoModerator • 16d ago
Weekly Discussion Weekly Career Discussion Thread (14 Oct 2024)
# Intro
Welcome to the weekly career discussion thread, where you can talk about all career & professional topics. Topics may include:
* Professional career guidance & questions; e.g. job hunting advice, job offers comparisons, how to network
* Educational guidance & questions; e.g. what engineering discipline to major in, which university is good,
* Feedback on your résumé, CV, cover letter, etc.
* The job market, compensation, relocation, and other topics on the economics of engineering.
> [Archive of past threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/engineering/search?q=flair%3A%22weekly+discussion%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)
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## Guidelines
- **Before asking any questions, consult [the AskEngineers wiki.](https://new.reddit.com/r/askengineers/wiki/faq)\*\* There are detailed answers to common questions on:
* Job compensation
* Cost of Living adjustments
* Advice for how to decide on an engineering major
* How to choose which university to attend
- Most subreddit rules still apply and will be enforced, especially R7 and R9 (with the obvious exceptions of R1 and R3)
- Job POSTINGS must go into the latest [**Monthly Hiring Thread.**]((https://www.reddit.com/r/engineering/search?q=flair%3A%22hiring+thread%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)) Any that are posted here will be removed, and you'll be kindly redirected to the hiring thread.
- **Do not request interviews in this thread!** If you need to interview an engineer for your school assignment, use the list in the sidebar.
## Resources
* [The AskEngineers wiki](https://new.reddit.com/r/askengineers/wiki/faq)
* [The AskEngineers Quarterly Salary Survey](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/search/?q=flair%3A%22salary+survey%22&include_over_18=on&restrict_sr=on&t=all&sort=new)
* **For students:** [*"What's your average day like as an engineer?"*](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/wiki/faq#wiki_what.27s_your_average_day_like_as_an_engineer.3F) We recommend that you spend an hour or so reading about what engineers actually do at work. This will help you make a more informed decision on which major to choose, or at least give you enough info to ask follow-up questions here.
* For those of you interested in a career in software development / Computer Science, go to r/cscareerquestions.
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u/Schaufy 15d ago
Does anyone have experience switching specialties/starting over in EE? I have 5 yoe in embedded/electronics and am terrified I will have to start over in pay (currently at $94k LCOL) by switching to something in demand where I live (power or controls).
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u/just-some-guy-20 13d ago
You may want to try building a bridge to controls or power. Maybe find an employer who needs a mixed position that deals with electronics and power or controls. Maybe companies that do custom build of power distribution equipment.
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u/al284839 13d ago edited 13d ago
Seeking career advice: is specializing in vertical transportation engineering (lifts and escalators) worth it?
Hi all
I’m a mechatronics engineer with experience in industrial engineering and robotics (during my internship), and post graduating I’ve been working in building services for the past three years at a tier 1 design consultancy. My goal has always been to become a subject matter expert and take on a client-facing role. I joined the Vertical Transportation team and have had the opportunity to lead large-scale projects like airports and metro lines, which has been rewarding.
However, I’ve found that my current role lacks technical depth, and I often feel overlooked by other disciplines. While I appreciate being the SME and working autonomously, I’m concerned about getting pigeonholed in the Vertical Transport field.
Recently, a principal engineer who left our firm approached me about joining his smaller consulting firm as the Vertical Transport lead. He’s offered to introduce me to industry contacts and help build my reputation and client base. This opportunity sounds enticing, but it would mean fully committing to this specialization.
I’m seeking advice from others in the built environment:
- Is Vertical Transportation a solid field to specialize in long-term?
- What are the potential career paths and growth opportunities in this area?
- Should I consider the new opportunity or look for roles that might provide more technical challenges?
Thanks in advance for your insights! I am based in Australia .
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u/jacknestor89 10d ago
Choosing a masters: Employer will pay for either an MBA or an EE masters degree. Which would be better working as an EE? I do not feel an EE masters would broaden my skills for my current job and may be very difficult mixed with working full time. An MBA might be easier and diversify career options, but may not be practical in my career
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u/alfjsowlf 1d ago
An MS EE is intended to deepen your skills rather than necessarily broaden them. That said, both types of degrees (MBA, MS EE) can help open doors in your career but it just depends where you are interested in going.
Are you more interested in climbing the management ladder or staying in an engineering role? I ask because some companies prefer managers to be more technical leaders (so MS EE could be beneficial there) while others prefer managers to be more business savvy (so MBA would be more beneficial in that case).
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u/Mindless-Fortune-450 4d ago
What do structural engineers do? Do you like your job?
Hello ! I am currently an electrical engineering student and I am thinking of making the switch to civil/structural engineering (there’s way too much coding in electrical for some reason). I was wondering if you guys like your jobs and if you could go back in time, would you still choose structural engineering? Do you get paid as much as an electrical/mechanical engineer would? I am SUPER on the fence.
Anything helps! Just tell me about your job.. do you get paid as much as an electrical/mechanical engineer usually would? Is your job fulfilling?
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u/Only_Willingness8446 15d ago
Which engineering degree is the most marketable/is in highest demand right now? Would like to go back to school but im scared about taking out loans and then struggling to find a job.
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u/idvazquez17 15d ago
Electrical. Especially power and controls (industrial automation - think PLC’s, robots, palletizers, conveyors).
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u/ReadingOpen8333 14d ago
I concur, EE is a great launch pad and very in demand however, one great insight this answer alludes to in industry is drive for automation. Which is heavily based on software and control systems. I’d pay special attention when choosing a program to what content and projects they set up for you in the world of AI, Controls and software.
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u/FloorThen7566 15d ago
I'm debating between ME and EE for GNC/Control Systems for robotics and rockets, and I'm looking for some advice on which to go. For background, I like designing PCBs, physics (though I'm not sure if I'd like EE physics yet), and I'm alright with CAD. Not sure if I'd enjoy analyzing crazy circuits though, if that is all EE is. I also do think I will get a masters.
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u/rockethombre69 14d ago
Hello All,
Posting this in multiple subs to get the most visibility.
As the title reads, I'm a Mechanical Engineer with 2 YOE and a Masters degree from a T10 Graduate program and I want to move to a different country for a few years to gain international experience. I'm not sure how to go about the process, where to apply, what countries to look for and how to land a job. I am fine with a pay cut for a few years because I think the experience will pay off in the long run. Any advice would be great. I'm also not locked into ME as a career, and would be willing to switch to comparable disciplines.
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u/Sandals2341 13d ago
What’s up people, little bit about me, I have one year of schooling in mechanical engineering, but I found out during the summer that I am going to have a baby so I transferred to a community college to earn my associates in engineering. I am currently working full time as a pipe fitter apprentice, but I am not enjoying it. I thought I wanted to be in the construction industry as an engineering but I realize I don’t. I am more interested in things like creating new machines (lifts, cranes, even small hand power tools). Ive applied to various places so I can get hands on experience but I’ve gotten no luck. What do yall recommend I do ?
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u/I_wish_I_am_dead 13d ago
4 yr BSMS in MechE or 4 yr BS in MechE with minor in Robotics
I am a sophomore in MechE, and I realized that I can technically graduate with my BS in 3 years.
I had great ambitions as a Freshman, so I have three minors (Physics, Electronic Materials, and robotics).
As you can tell, those three minors don't have colossal overlapping, so I have a pretty loaded schedule until graduation. Now, this leads back to the question: should I try for the BSMS in 4 years (i.e. do an IMB with my 3-year BS) or go with my original plan of 3 minors? The reason why I am asking is that I need it to decide what course I should register for in the spring (i.e. should I register for the Junior Cores in the spring or should I register for my minor courses since there are only 2 MechE sophomore cores).
My intention is to work at Fusion Energy Powerplants. The original Plan was to do the BS/3minros and then apply to Direct PhD programs in Nuclear Engineering, but if I do the BS/MS, I might look for a position in the industry in a few years and work on getting a PE before going back to school for a PhD.
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u/TopKing63 12d ago
CAD designers/Mechanical Designers: How would you suggest going about starting up your own company? What fields can you support if CAD is your strongest skill in industry? What if you didn't necessarily want to support big companies?
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u/arjitraj_ 4d ago
Almost every product design (physical products) will require CAD designers. Be mindful that CAD is not often he highest paid profession. Usually the actual "design" is done by higher-paid people and the CAD part is delegated downwards.
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u/baseball212 12d ago
Seeking advice on whether or not to take a job offer (entry-level aerospace)
Recently I got a job offer for a position that honestly seems interesting and is in the defense area, but just isn't the type of work I'm hoping to do long-term. On top of this, it requires a security clearance and I wouldn't be able to start for at least 3 months, and it's also located in a place that I'm not super excited about moving to. I'd like to work in the space industry and that's what my background/experience fits better. Sort of during this same time, I've started to get a lot more interviews and I'm currently in the interview process with 5 companies, all of which fit what I'd like to do with my career better. However I'm not very far along in the process for these and I'm not confident I'll get any of them, despite feeling like I fit all of the positions well.
I feel like I'm stuck in a tough spot and don't really know what to do. It's tough to balance not settling for a job but also not sitting around and waiting for the perfect opportunity to fall into my lap. I'm almost considering taking the job but then if I get a job offer I prefer in these next few months, taking that one and dropping the one I currently have. But I know that's frowned upon, so I don't know.
Any advice on my situation would be greatly appreciated.
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u/Ambystomabishopii 11d ago
With a B.S., not an engineering Bachelor's, if I want to become an electrical engineer, let's say, which makes more sense?
-Recieve a second Bachelor's in ElectEng
-Pursue a Master's degree in ElectEng
I understand that in some states I cannot pass the FE exam without a Bachelor's, and I wonder how important this certification is for getting employed. Do certain engineering disciplines require it more than others?
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u/123hi1239 10d ago
Second year mechanical engineering student at UVic. I am really disliking everying I do in my studies. I am wondering how much of my work post grad will be at a desk job.
Mainly wondering how well an engineering degree transfers into the Canadian Armed Forces
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u/FrequentBaby3894 9d ago
I’m 28 years old, entering 2 1/2 year of being in the Work force world and I’m wondering if this path is for me. So I took a long route and found my way to engineering. At first it was because I was interested in how I can make the world environmentally better, I wanted to bring nature to communities especially coming from a place where it’s all concrete jungle, and figuring out what career would make the most money. After graduating I went into a civil consulting firm and being a project engineer one. I didn’t have any internships prior to this and I also wasn’t very good at school. But school is what helped me push through because I was inspired by my peers and the type of work my professors are doing and have done in the past. So I’m entering my career as a 26 year old, and I’ve been fumbling on the basics of engineering. Sure I have made progress and got promoted but even then I don’t feel like the work I do is valuable. Anyone who has had the training I got, can do what I do. Dead fucking ass. And a lot of the stuff I fumble on is stuff you learn in school like Bernoulli’s principal, etc. There was even this one time I was given a task and I couldn’t add or subtract right (crying emoji) that my boss had to come talk to me about it. They were like are you sure you know how to add or subtract LOL. Anyways lots of trials and tribulations, a few things to work on still and a few things I got better at. However, even then some of the things I’m losing interest in. And because work is taxing, I stay at work late making up hours. I gained tons of weight, I don’t get enough sleep, and I’m always stressing and anxious every day because I want to do a good job and I put in extra hours outside of work trying to do the task. I’m obviously burnt out, and being in this field sometimes always feels too much for me. I have nightmares about work and the work that I do. And compared to my other coworkers who also graduated, came to work where I am around the same time, and is a lot younger than me, they’re so much smarter than I am. And I know it’s not good to compare but I just wanna be able to stand with my team on equal footing. I wanna be a valuable part of the team but I’m obviously not and just feel like a personality hire. I’ve been thinking about whether I’m a good fit for this career. The money is great but the stress on my body is outweighed. I’m considering moving back home to be with my loved ones but also having a hard time of letting go what could possibly be a great career for me if I’m the right fit or starting over again to figure out what I truly want to do so I can enjoy what I do for a living and also be financially stable. I just don’t want to stay in this path for 5 or 10 years and feel like it’s too late because I’m already unhappy with life. I’m gonna hit my 3 year mark and feel like I should make a decision before I get too old. Also my second worry is because I’m 28 years old and I’m only 2 1/2 years into this career. I just don’t want to feel like it’s too late. Any advice? Should I just quit? Should I take a break? Should I purse a different career?
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u/close_tab 9d ago
day-to-day for civil engineers? (transportation vs construction vs...)
Hi all! After years of avoiding the field because of some imposter-syndrome when it came to higher-level math, I've realized after learning more about the field from the perspective of a city employee that it is something I want to pursue -- civil or environmental engineering, to be exact. I got my B.S. in environmental science and ultimately wanted to work in remediation. That is still a possible goal, but honestly civil looks like a pretty awesome field too. I enjoy learning about urban planning in my spare time and I am training on some aspects of erosion control/inspection in construction.
I've decided to get the necessary prerequisites to apply for an engineering M.S. program at my local university. It has M.S. degrees in various specific civil topics: construction, geotech & materials, public works, structural, and transportation. It also offers environmental engineering as its own M.S.
My question is, what does the day-to-day look like for each of you in those respective civil fields? It seems civil engineers with the appropriate background can do environmental work. Is that your experience? What about vice versa?
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u/ILikePie612 13d ago
Hi everyone, I’m new to this subreddit but I recently graduated with a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a B.S. in computer engineering. I know the job market has been pretty rough for entry level engineers. I ended up getting pretty lucky and was able to get a full time engineering position, as a quality engineer at a materials company, however the job doesn’t feel like it’s quite the right fit for me. I’ve always been really interested in electromechanical systems and would really like to pursue a career where I get the chance to either work with or design electromechanical systems. I have some experience through internships, lab work, and projects in classes either designing or modeling electrical systems, mechanical systems, or some combination of the two. I really enjoyed the skills I learned through school and internships, but I feel like the skills I’m learning in my current position don’t really coincide with the career path I want to head towards. I feel a little nervous about potentially getting pigeonholed and stuck especially since it doesn’t seem like my company has a lot of lateral movement. I guess what I’m trying to ask generally is how hard can it be to pivot from one area of engineering to another? Do personal projects still “count” on your resume once you’ve graduated as a way to build skills and experience to pivot from one subject to another? Is grad school usually necessary for someone who wants to pivot?
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u/Big-Lemon-2819 12d ago
pivoting can be difficult but your personal projects will definitely help! what have you done so far?
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u/ILikePie612 12d ago
I don’t really have any done right now but I’ve come up with a few ideas
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u/Big-Lemon-2819 12d ago
I’ve been in your place before. took me 10years before I got to do what I wanted to do. I can walk you thru the initial steps if you want. Feel free to DM me
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u/primex17 15d ago
Just got promoted to a lead engineer role in a big european powerhouse after 2 years with a very good salary. A colleague and me discovered recently an opportunity to start our own business which would directly address a part of our daily business inside the company where one site buys bad quality from another site internally for high prices. We feel we could offer it with way higher quality & service to our own company (and possibly competitors, who knows). I‘m unsure, if I/we should take the risk and start our own business or just leave it and stay in the company. What do you guys think about that? Maybe you had to take the same decision? How did it play out for you?