Expert: Dr. Abdulaziz Jarkas - 4/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: I' am really insterested on becoming a civil engineer someday, but before that, something is holding me back. I' am confused about the pay and the job. First question is, lets say you have built a building and finished your job, will the person who hired you will pay you forever or just for the project? Second question is, if no one has assigned you to do any project or maintinance how will you live? The thrid question is, althought the beginning salary is low, will the salary grow and grow like others? Fourth question is how long does it take for me to become an engineer?

p.s. do you have any suggestions for me taking in my high school courses that might help me on becoming an engineer.
ANSWER: Dear Andrew,

As far as the first Q, nobody hires anybody forever! It's all about "supply and demand". This trend is applicable for all professions. As for the second Q, this is highly unlikely to happen, but if so, however temporarily, you could always find something else to do. Your assumption is correct, the salary grows with time and experience. Finally, normally it takes 4 years to earn an Engineering Degree.

Hope this helps!

Dr. Jarkas

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I assume you are an engineer, I want to ask you a brief question. How long have you work as an engineer? Also how much do make yearly depending on your experience?

Thank You so much for answering my previous question.

Answer
Dear Andrew,

I have been working as an Engineer for 15 years. The salary is commensurable with experience. I'm sorry, I can't help you with the salary issue as this depends on several factors, the most important of which is the geographical location, i.e. salaries are different in different countries.

Good luck.

Dr. Jarkas