Reply to a Fellow Engineer

Hello to everyone! It's been a long time, but I got a message a couple months back that I just saw, and wanted to share my reply.

I feel the questions are very general, and under the time constraint I find myself in at the moment, I'm opting to post it.

Questions
"I was wondering why you chose to do structural within civil engineering. How are the courses? do you get practical skills during masters? or did you do internship while you were studying? can you share me of your application process? and maybe give me a list of some schools you recommend in looking."

Reply
I chose structural for two reasons: (1) I wanted to do something difficult, having to do with earthquakes, and something that I could generate money without having to depend on my legal status (having its roots from a dreamer perspective, of course). (2) It was a convenience, as my school offered structural classes as part of our undergraduate tuition. Paying for everything on my own, it seemed like the best investment of my money, and I graduated with something like 11 units of master’s classes my 4th year as an undergrad.

For your question about the courses: all are difficult. Some are very theoretical, some are very math intensive, and the design courses will teach you how to follow its respective code book.
The practical skills, other than social and junk you learn from interacting with people, will come from your design courses. In a meeting with an engineer a few weeks back, he told me it takes years for someone to feel completely comfortable with what they’re doing.

I took on private design and analysis projects during the master's program (no deferred action, and really no indication of it either during that time). I had zero experience going into it with no mentors or supervisors, but somehow I completed every project for the drafters that would get me the jobs. The calculation packet and structural plans were then reviewed by a PE and submitted to building and safety.

It’s a very difficult, highly competitive, high-stress field. I would recommend applying to UCs. UCLA and San Diego have good programs. San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly are other respected schools as well. It’s been one year since my classmates and I graduated (December 2012) and many of them are either not working, or not very happy with their jobs. I have one classmate that works with one of the biggest structural firms in California, but it’s a shame they work them like slaves. It appears to me and my friends that only senior-level engineers, city, and state engineers achieve a rewarding career, at this point in time, in this economy.

Nevfo I tried to PM you but somehow I cant. I currently work for a structural engineering company feel free to contact me so we can stay in touch and network. My company is expanding and might be looking into more engineers in the near future.

Hey man long time! Nice!!! I'm happy for you! And for sure I'll look for your email and hit you up.!