Choosing between environmental eng. and structural eng. for my career 3

[bmwater]

Hello

I graduated in civil, Infrastructure and environmental engineering from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA. I am trying to find out which field is appropriate for me to work in. I like both environmental and structural engineering.
Could you please tell me about responsiblities and expectations for each one? Could you please guide me?

Thank you,

 

[greenone]

Wow! Structural vs environmental? Did you get enough courses in both to be able to apply for jobs in either field? You'll get some good adivce here, but have you tried talking to your advisor at school? What about the placement office?
Also, does your school have a mentoring program, where they set you up with an alum who is willing to guide you?

I speicialized in construction mgt., and after 15 years, segued into environmental. I like it because I get to be outside for part of every week, and it's not always designing the same old part of a building or bridge. For environmental, are you interested in groundwater issues? Soil remediation? Air pollution? There are so many aspects of environmental that it would help if you could narrow your interests or skills so you can focus on where to apply for a job.

I really recommend finding a mentor from your alumni-some of your profs may be able to hook you up with a grad with a few years experience who can take the time to have a few long conversations with you.

 

[francesca]

I suggest you get your paws on a copy of a PE review guide. Page through the respective sections and see which set of calculations you'd rather spend your life doing. In terms of job search, look for a large company where you can switch disciplines if you don't find the one you chose to be as fulfilling as you'd hoped, without having to find a new job.

 

[emanc]

bmwater-
When I was in college, I worked part time as draftsman for a one man civil/env consultant. My boss designed water water and sewage treatment plants. He calculates BOD, COD area required, volume of tanks, specify equipments, design pipings and finally he is also the one designing the structures to construct such as large reinforced concrete tanks. There is also a chance for you to do env and struc at the same time. 'something to think about.