Mohammed
Does a structural engineer wear business formal to office everyday
What is the dresscode for structural consultant ?
#business #structural engineering
4 answers
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
Mohammed,
I am not a structural engineer either. I just wanted to say that many of the professionals I know like to be comfortable! So, they dress down, even in the office, but have their "professional" clothes nearby in case they are needed. A lawyer might have jeans and t-shirt on, and slip on a jacket if a client comes in, or totally change if he suddenly has to make a court appearance. As a client, I have learned that attire does not determine ability, however, if that professional is going to represent me in front of others, I still expect him, or her, to dress the part.
Kim
Are they allowed to wear a tie because on browsing i found that structural engineer has desk job and occasional site vists
Can they put on a tie with formal pant and shirt?
Mohammed
Tewele Brhane
Tewele’s Answer
As long as the dresses are comfortable for him/her there is no dressing code for structural engineers. May be during presentations they can dress suites. Thank you.
Courtney Maciolek, EIT, MSCE
Courtney’s Answer
Here are the three potential dress codes you might encounter:
1. For fieldwork, wear durable jeans and a presentable shirt that can withstand dirt. The company will supply any necessary safety equipment. Dressing in layers is advisable due to weather changes.
2. In an office setting, most companies prefer business casual attire. They usually provide guidelines in the staff handbook, such as wearing jeans only on Fridays and avoiding graphic tees. The strictness of these rules can vary from company to company.
3. For significant client meetings, a more formal dress code is usually expected. Business casual might be acceptable, but jeans are typically not recommended unless you're visiting a client on-site.
Katie Burell
Katie’s Answer
I will start by saying that I'm not a structural engineer.
Office cultures and dress codes vary from company to company and even sometimes from location to location within the same company.
I've worked for the same company for the last 16 and half years at a variety of locations. When I worked in manufacturing sites, I would typically wear jeans and a t-shirt and change into a uniform when I arrived on site. Working in the corporate offices, the dress code evolved from business casual/jeans on Fridays to business casual with jeans allowed every day. Some offices have even allowed their associates to wear shorts in the summer with others still not allowing jeans.
If you end up in a role that requires you to visit construction sites, your attire will be heavily influenced by OSHA regulations. You will need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including shoes and a hard hat. There will more than likely also be rules about things you can't wear like a tie and/or jewelry.
As you interview with companies, you can get a feel for their office cultures and dress codes if you do an onsite interview. If all of your interviews are done virtually, this might be a good question to have on your list. Understanding the dress code requirements before you take a job is important because it can have a big impact on your personal budget and comfort.