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Career Move?
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:08 pm
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:08 pm
So I need some help from the OT. I have been working in the Oil and Gas Industry for about 10 years (8 in Construction and 2 in Engineering). I currently work for an Engineering firm, and I really enjoy it. Having seen only one side of the business for so long, I have found it really interesting what goes into the Project design development. I have often thought about going back to school for Engineering, but every time I talk to an Engineer they tell me how much little money they make. Is it just because they don't have the experience? I mean if I ask some of the other more senior Engineers (7 to 10 yrs), I wouldn't think that wouldn't bet the case. Does the major salary increase come when you get your P.E. license? Any feedback would be helpful. Having a family now makes things a little more difficult for school, but a guy can dream right.
9
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:11 pm to LSUPapaJoe
quote:
t every time I talk to an Engineer they tell me how much little money they make.
Doesn't quite compute, although some engineer disciplines make less than others.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:12 pm to LSUPapaJoe
It's never too late to go back to school. Plus with online classes being big as they are now, you can knock out some of the minor classes/electives online and go on campus for your more serious classes.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:12 pm to weagle99
See and that is what I don't know. I mean there are Chemical, Process, Electrical, Civil/Structural, Mechanical, etc..
Personally I like Mechanical and Civil/Structural. But is there that big of a difference between all of them.
Personally I like Mechanical and Civil/Structural. But is there that big of a difference between all of them.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:14 pm to Modern
quote:
It's never too late to go back to school. Plus with online classes being big as they are now, you can knock out some of the minor classes/electives online and go on campus for your more serious classe
I have thought about that. Just getting the money to do it is the thing. My family expanded by a couple (which is not a bad thing at all) and we are trying to move. So money may be a little tight right now lol. But maybe in a few years.
This post was edited on 8/26/15 at 9:15 pm
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:14 pm to Modern
quote:
Plus with online classes being big as they are now, you can knock out some of the minor classes/electives online and go on campus for your more serious classes.
True mostly, but if its been awhile since you've done math for instance, you may have to really dig in to get through calculus 1-3, linear and Diff Eq. You may even have to go and take everything again. Not sure though.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:15 pm to LSUPapaJoe
Get into safety. Thats where its at 
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:15 pm to LSUPapaJoe
When I graduated civils had the lowest starting salaries. Maybe that has changed, but maybe not.
There will always be demand for mechanical.
Chemical normally commands a higher starting salary, but I think demand fluctuates more.
There will always be demand for mechanical.
Chemical normally commands a higher starting salary, but I think demand fluctuates more.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:17 pm to tiggerthetooth
quote:
True mostly, but if its been awhile since you've done math for instance, you may have to really dig in to get through calculus 1-3, linear and Diff Eq. You may even have to go and take everything again. Not sure though.
Totally fine with that. My plan was to do it part time anyway. But I work mainly now in a Proj. Manager/Coordinator role. So I do more supervising and putting out fires that anything. But getting back to the technical side of things would be cool to me.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:17 pm to LSUPapaJoe
engineers typically make damn good money and the job market is better than most...however, engineers do not typically get rich doing engineering work. they typically move into technical management to make some bucks later in life....
engineers make enough cash for an upper middle class lifestyle...hourly guys who work in the field can sometimes make more than engineers if they work a lot of overtime....getting your P.E. typically does get a raise at companys that value that, but that raise is not a really big deal...
hope this helps...if you have more questions, just ask...
engineers make enough cash for an upper middle class lifestyle...hourly guys who work in the field can sometimes make more than engineers if they work a lot of overtime....getting your P.E. typically does get a raise at companys that value that, but that raise is not a really big deal...
hope this helps...if you have more questions, just ask...
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:18 pm to LSUPapaJoe
Student loans are always an alternative.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:19 pm to LSUPapaJoe
I graduated in Civil 8 yrs ago. I'm doing pretty well. When is just started out of school I was right at 50k. Now it is just a bit higher.
You didn't mentioned what you did at the firm. Designer? Reason I ask is because designer salaries can get up there as well.
You didn't mentioned what you did at the firm. Designer? Reason I ask is because designer salaries can get up there as well.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:22 pm to LSUPapaJoe
If you 'do' engineering...think good money, if you 'use' engineers and stamp or understand it enough to pitch project ideas that makes your company money you can make much more. I'm a mid level, non PE, and I fall into 'do' engineering. I NEVER want to do anything else, but I also want to work with the stamper to help him pitch ideas...so there's always hope.
If I was making money I would NOT go back to engineering school. It's way, way more boring and non-cool than you can imagine.
If I was making money I would NOT go back to engineering school. It's way, way more boring and non-cool than you can imagine.
This post was edited on 8/26/15 at 9:36 pm
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:22 pm to LSUPapaJoe
You need to frame what you consider "little" money. Civils can start anywhere from 45k to 60k. 6-8 yrs experience with a PE should put you close to 6 figures.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:24 pm to civiltiger07
quote:
I graduated in Civil 8 yrs ago. I'm doing pretty well. When is just started out of school I was right at 50k. Now it is just a bit higher.
You didn't mentioned what you did at the firm. Designer? Reason I ask is because designer salaries can get up there as well.
No actually in started in Project Controls, and move to a Project Coord. spot. I just have a lot respect for Engineers and designers. I think its cool how they come up with the designs that they do. I listen to them rag each other about not being personable and I think its funny because they aren't the only folks in the industry like that. Although you listen to them and they make it sound like they are.
This post was edited on 8/26/15 at 9:30 pm
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:25 pm to Modern
quote:
Student loans are always an alternative.
That would be the route I would go.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:28 pm to LSUPapaJoe
if that's what you want to do and it wouldn't be a strain on you financially or at home. Go for it. It will take a while and like stated above it can get boring at times. (i.e. Physics and Calculus)
This post was edited on 8/26/15 at 9:30 pm
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:28 pm to Spankum
quote:
engineers typically make damn good money and the job market is better than most...however, engineers do not typically get rich doing engineering work. they typically move into technical management to make some bucks later in life....
engineers make enough cash for an upper middle class lifestyle...hourly guys who work in the field can sometimes make more than engineers if they work a lot of overtime....getting your P.E. typically does get a raise at companys that value that, but that raise is not a really big deal...
hope this helps...if you have more questions, just ask...
Definitely does, I think since school is a little bit of a stretch right now. I may try sitting in with an engineers and/or designers just to shadow them.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:31 pm to LSUPapaJoe
I really appreciate everyone's advice on here. Thank you very much! It gives me a lot to think about. I think I may try to shadow some of these guys or just spend time with some of the senior engineers and designers.
After everything gets settled with the family, then possibly I can give it a try.
After everything gets settled with the family, then possibly I can give it a try.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:33 pm to civiltiger07
quote:
and like stated above it can get boring at times. (i.e. Physics and Calculus)
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