5 answers
Adrian
Student
2
Questions
Updated
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Is there an easy way to become a good construction engineer?
Is there any mistakes you made so I could be aware of?
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5 answers
Allana Doyle
Network Engineering
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Allana’s Answer
Hey Adrian, I am not currently a construction engineer (I'm a different type of engineer), but I had a few internships in the construction field. I would say gain as much experience as you can early on! Even if its just data entry, minimum wage or volunteering as long as it is in something that is related to the construction industry. This will allow you to have your foot in the door to keep getting more experience. I also emailed different small engineering firms in my neighborhood and explained to them that I am interested in the field and asked if I could shadow them or if they were willing to have me intern with them. After gaining some experience I would say just continue to learn as much as you can! Even if it is something that you don't enjoy at least now you know what direction you don't want to go into.
As for mistakes, I would say I kept doubting myself and that would limit the type of things I would do. Always continue to learn and don't be too hard on yourself!
As for mistakes, I would say I kept doubting myself and that would limit the type of things I would do. Always continue to learn and don't be too hard on yourself!
Harry Moats
Vice-President
23
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Harry’s Answer
Anything worth having is worth working for. There are no easy ways to answer your question. It will take time, commitment, dedication and hard work but well worth it in the end when you get where you want to be. Study, learn, listen and take advantage of any opportunity to learn from another engineer or doing actual work on a construction job. There is nothing like hands on experience. Book knowledge is great but there is nothing like hands on experience. In my years of hiring construction personnel, experience was always the first thing that I looked for, the second was commitment, did that jump from job to job or did they stay with the company for extended periods of time. The last but not least was integrity and promptness. These are critical skills that you have to develop and foster to be successful in the construction industry.
The second question is about mistakes, yes I made plenty of mistakes in my construction career but I tried hard to learn from the mistakes that I made and try not to repeat. You will make your own mistakes but don't let mistakes define you. Learn from them, overcome them and keep moving forward.
The second question is about mistakes, yes I made plenty of mistakes in my construction career but I tried hard to learn from the mistakes that I made and try not to repeat. You will make your own mistakes but don't let mistakes define you. Learn from them, overcome them and keep moving forward.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
88
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Adrian, My first reaction was to answer your question with "No!" But, you would not learn very much from that. The replies made prior to mine are very good. If you are looking for "easy," you should look at some other career. Earning a degree in engineering might be your first step, but as the others suggest - get some real experience when and where you can. And continue to learn throughout your career.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about your project or assignment, especially when you are speaking to others who are more experienced.
Learn to communicate with others on your team as well as your clients. Are you using the same terminology? Are you concerned about the same things?
Are you curious? Can you look at a project and say "why did 'they' do it that way?" Can you think of other options or possibilities? Why would yours work better? What can go wrong if you made an incorrect assumption about some aspect of the project? Your job is always to find a better way, find a lower cost way, etc. But not cut corners or compromise.
Good luck, Adrian.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about your project or assignment, especially when you are speaking to others who are more experienced.
Learn to communicate with others on your team as well as your clients. Are you using the same terminology? Are you concerned about the same things?
Are you curious? Can you look at a project and say "why did 'they' do it that way?" Can you think of other options or possibilities? Why would yours work better? What can go wrong if you made an incorrect assumption about some aspect of the project? Your job is always to find a better way, find a lower cost way, etc. But not cut corners or compromise.
Good luck, Adrian.
Mark King
2 business owner -Chef service & handyman service-Proud Military Veteran
32
Answers
Wichita, Kansas
Updated
Mark’s Answer
There is NO EASY way.
However there is a great way to learn to be a Construction Engineer.
US ARMY CORP of ENGINEERS.
It's the best training in the world.
That being said, the training is very hard & Long YET you will learn so many very useful skills that few can ever do or are even aware exist
I spent 6 years with the Engineer Corp.
Skills I learned?
From Heavy Equipment Operations to Using High Explosives to clear mine fields & Obstacles.
However there is a great way to learn to be a Construction Engineer.
US ARMY CORP of ENGINEERS.
It's the best training in the world.
That being said, the training is very hard & Long YET you will learn so many very useful skills that few can ever do or are even aware exist
I spent 6 years with the Engineer Corp.
Skills I learned?
From Heavy Equipment Operations to Using High Explosives to clear mine fields & Obstacles.
Katherine Colburn
Civil Engineer
15
Answers
Ogden, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hey Adrian!
There is no easy way to become a good construction engineer -- only difficult ways that include as much field experience as possible. While a four-year degree is required for most construction engineering professions, you'll learn the most by shadowing someone with 20+ years of experience in the field. Whether that person is a qualified inspector or another engineer, there's a simple saying: "To be outstanding in the field, you've got to be out standing in the field."
No kidding. The best way to learn about this profession is to engage in the fieldwork and the classwork. Every site and every project is different, as is the scope, schedule, and budget. I've worked in "flat" (roads) construction, and not "vertical" (structures) construction. Every business will have different processes, testing, and contract requirements.
Construction inspection as an intern is a good way to get your foot in the door and get valuable field experience while you're completing an engineering degree. Heavy civil is often a fast-paced, stressful environment that takes some getting used to. I thought it was fabulous!
I encourage you to check around with either your local branch of AGC (Associated General Contractors) or ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies) to see who might be interested in training an inspector-intern. Any experience you get over any summer will be invaluable in deciding whether or not you want to stay in the field.
There is no easy way to become a good construction engineer -- only difficult ways that include as much field experience as possible. While a four-year degree is required for most construction engineering professions, you'll learn the most by shadowing someone with 20+ years of experience in the field. Whether that person is a qualified inspector or another engineer, there's a simple saying: "To be outstanding in the field, you've got to be out standing in the field."
No kidding. The best way to learn about this profession is to engage in the fieldwork and the classwork. Every site and every project is different, as is the scope, schedule, and budget. I've worked in "flat" (roads) construction, and not "vertical" (structures) construction. Every business will have different processes, testing, and contract requirements.
Construction inspection as an intern is a good way to get your foot in the door and get valuable field experience while you're completing an engineering degree. Heavy civil is often a fast-paced, stressful environment that takes some getting used to. I thought it was fabulous!
I encourage you to check around with either your local branch of AGC (Associated General Contractors) or ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies) to see who might be interested in training an inspector-intern. Any experience you get over any summer will be invaluable in deciding whether or not you want to stay in the field.