Expert: Jeanette A - 10/23/2009

Question
Hello, my name is Rich Kennedy and i am writing a research paper on engineering. I have a few questions that i would like to ask you about this occupation. If you will please take the time to answer them i would greatly appreciate it.

1. What physical and mental tasks does your job require you to do?

2. Why did you choose this job?

3. What is the general salary of someone with this job and can the salary grow? If so, explain how it can grow.

4. What are some pros and cons of this occupation?

5. What is a good college to go to and what are some good courses to take?

6. Is there a good demand for engineers straight out of college? Where do i need to go to find a good job?

Thank you so much for answering my questions. If you would like you can give me your address so i can send you a thank you letter.

Answer
Hello Rich,

1. What physical and mental tasks does your job require you to do?
Physically waking up early! Mental tasks are the ones which require more effort. This coud range from basic safety to complex design. For design tasks you need to consider everything for the job! You should communicate and seek guidance from your co-workers and read, read, read...

2. Why did you choose this job?
Because I thought designing a playground for humans would be facinating. It is facinating seeing things come to life from designs on a paper well technically the constuction builders are making that happen, but the collaboration of minds working to make something 2D turn into something 3D. Another reason is because of a broad range of disciplines I can venture into if I want to try something new. I can work in water, road, bridge, structural design...etc I am not limited in anyway which makes it more interesting and exciting. Also there is usually always a unique solution to any engineering problem and tackling these problems successfully is quite a cheerful accomplishment - designing in ways to conserve our environment is also one of the other reasons why engineering is so challenging given our current depleting environment.


3. What is the general salary of someone with this job and can the salary grow? If so, explain how it can grow.
In Australia, the general salary is about $60-70K. This differs around the world and yes the salary can increase as you gain more experience and expertise. Also, continually learning and furthering your theoretical knowledge is a must in the engineering field, and as you gain more knowledge your opportunities to grow are expanded.

4. What are some pros and cons of this occupation?
Pros: get to work with some real great people who have a passion for engineering. You meet people who have designed famous structures and thats always a thrill. Also, you feel somewhat like the untold hero - which is a con! The feeling you get when you feel like youre giving back to the community in ways that are unseen...
Cons: undervalued by the community almost non-existent "what do engineers do" EVERYTHING (almost)
another is working with selfish and unco-operative people who make your job seem impossible and horrible and lastly, working with those who do not wish to help or give important information as they feel youre a threat to them..

5. What is a good college to go to and what are some good courses to take?
Depends on where you reside..in Australia, Sydney you have NSW University, Sydney University and UTS...Good courses to take...Eng Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Maths the most fundamental for an engineerig degree.

6. Is there a good demand for engineers straight out of college? Where do i need to go to find a good job?
Once again depends on the country youre in. Generally jobs for civil engineers are quite abundant. Browse large civil companies online and apply through their online applications, other sources can possibly be search engines in your country which search for local jobs which best suit your interests. However, it does require much effort if you want something in which you want to gain more out of. Other ways also include networking through uni friends, knowing the right people and getting a job through word of mouth can also be another option.

Hope this helps. Goodluck with it all!


Regards,
Jeanette