What difficulties do you face in opening a firm after graduating?
I'm currently a civil engineering major and a little torn over if I really want to do this, architectural engineering, or simply become an architect. But I do know that I want to open up an architectural firm of my own. So until I decide what I really do want to do with my degree, what difficulties do you face in opening an architectural firm or just a business in general? How long of a period do you suppose should be given to any business to determine if it will work or not? It must be hard to open up a business right after graduation even after a masters degree, what sort of innovative ideas have you seen to work or tried yourself? What type of promoting have you seen and also thought to have worked? Any other information you provide would gladly be appreciated. #business #engineering #management #civil-engineering #architect #firm
3 answers
Myron’s Answer
First and foremost go to work for a firm that is doing the type of work that you like. Get at least 5 years of experience before trying to open your own business. Your degree states that you have obtained knowledge towards your particular field of interest, but, in no way prepares you for starting out on your own. I did not realize that colleges have changed their format to limit the general engineering or architectural training that they used to provide. In my own case, I was assigned to design a railroad while the engineer across the aisle was assigned to design a road. I knew how to design a road but not a railroad, but at least the design was similar to a road while the other person had no idea what to do since the specialized in his junior year. When I was hiring young engineers, I found this to still be true. So gain all the experience you can at firm(s) before starting out. Experience has shown that you will fail or succeed in the first 2 or so years. Make sure that you have adequate funds to outfit your office and survive those years.
erind’s Answer
First of all you have to make some investigation on the market to see what is really needed from the client. Second you have to provide enough funds to open your business to be sure to survive first months while you get some work to do. You must have technical and contract management skills to do the work, or you can hire someone with those skills but that means more funds.You must have a good CV to get the job or to have a Joint Venture with another firm that already has that required CV. Above all you must work hard, make good connection ( professional )learn every day and be optimistic. I hope what I have written will help you.
Gordon’s Answer
Give your self some space before going on your own. Join a firm get some time under your belt? Have you thought of joining the Army Corp of Engineers for example. It is not really the military but connected as a civilian with military project. construction, highway and dams in the US/ But don't rush off and try to set up your own shop, yet, say 5 yrs on. Take some budget and accounting if you can with an engineering point of view follow the $$ for engineering budget (under budget and ahead of schedule). Get ready for travel too. Domestic and International.