OT - Career suggestions for son! :)

[gauge22-v2]

All the guys in my family that did well with no degrees were union plumbers and electricians. But a few of them have had multiple knee replacements by 50. The rest are so beat up they cant or dont want to do anything outside of work. I was told not to go into trades because of it. The hardwork isnt an issue. Sacrificing health is.

I was told to "go into computers" when I was a teenager.

If your kid is as smart as you say he is, then engineering is a great option. If he can hack the math, engineering, labs, the sky is the limit. You dont need to be the best of the best either. Just got to an ABET accredited school. C's will get you in the door because the washout rate is high and the number of people who dont have the organizational skills to manage million dollar projects is also high.

Civil engineers can work literally anywhere in the world. The pay is good to excellent. You work in an AC building most of the time and you are paid for your specialized knowledge that cant easily be replaced. Then theres the PE (professional engineer) that is paid for the stamp on all the projects they work on that cant be replaced by a machine. And even if they could (which isnt happening because you cant sue a computer when a bridge fails), it's not a huge deal because most have such a broad skillset that they're set for life.

It's trendy to hate on an education but it pays off. Especially when you are 40 plus years old. It's not low stress but to me its better than limping around or not being able to lift your hands over your head.

I hear ya on this.

Something to keep an eye on for my son for sure. I worked many physical jobs in my 20s and you are right about longevity. Now I sit at a desk with my hot coffee, listening to podcasts etc. I could do this job into my 80s easily, if my brain holds up

 

[hevi-head]

The PE level is not required to work in any field of engineering. There are EIs (engineer interns) and designers in all fields who do not have PEs.

The only one with a stamp is the PE. The PEs name and seal go on the signature sheet. All other sheets they are responsible for get their name, firm, and PE number in the title block.

The rest of the engineers perform work on the jobs with the PEs name bearing ultimate responsibility. They develop the plan set and actually create the plans for the PE.

Structural engineering falls under civil engineering. You need basic Statics and structures classes before you can take steel or concrete design.

Most electrical engineers dont have PEs.

To be called a PE in any field you have to take a 9 hour test after having 4 to 5 years as an intern.

Civil engineers and electrical can literally work in any state or any country in their profession. Thats why I put the emphasis on civil.

Thanks for schooling me on that lol. I was in the trades (electrician) forever before moving into construction management. Here I was always under the impression that the civil engineer only did the civil drawings on the blueprints. Elevations, drainage, parking lots etc.

 

[Bleed]

Common misconception. Ultimately the PE is responsible for a pedestal being at the wrong elevation or a drainage structure being in conflict with something else. Anything incorrect that can cost money during construction falls on him. Happens a lot.

Believe it or not, most PEs dont even work in CAD unless theres no other way. Theres usually 3 or 4 guys working under him building the set for him. They send him plans or docs electronically (industry loves blue beam) and he red lines the set. His team executes the changes. And the process continues like that until various submittals and deadlines.

Its really not unlike paralegals doing all the work but the firm partners calling the shots and getting all the face time. And making all the money.

Which is why I suggest it anytime it comes up in conversation. If you have a degree in civil engineering, even with no experience, finding a job is much easier than it is for most other people because the implication is you are book smart and have problem solving skills. Just one way to go but it doesnt get mentioned much.

Thanks for schooling me on that lol. I was in the trades (electrician) forever before moving into construction management. Here I was always under the impression that the civil engineer only did the civil drawings on the blueprints. Elevations, drainage, parking lots etc.