structural engineering firms

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>Can anyone tell me about the different kinds of structural engineering firms..and what it's like to work in them?</p>

<p>I'm still young but I think I'd prefer the private sector by getting involved with a design firm. Can anyone tell me about the engineering design, seismic retrofit, and construction firms? Like the opportunities and type of work. I'm assuming that design firms work mostly at the office while construction firms are on the fields but I'm not sure. </p>

<p>When I think of construction I think of lawsuites, parkinglots and boring buildings. When I think of design firms I think of bridges, hotels, and more exciting structures. Can anyone give me any input on what they're really about? Thanks</p>

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<p>Simply put, the interaction between the structural firm and the construction firm is the former designs a structure and the construction firm has to figure out HOW to build it. Of course, in a good project, there's constant communication between the two groups and there will probably be some changes during the life of the project.</p>

<p>When I think of construction I think of lawsuites, parkinglots and boring buildings. When I think of design firms I think of bridges, hotels, and more exciting structures. Can anyone give me any input on what they're really about? Thanks</p>

<p>That is incorrect. For every structure that a design firm designs, there HAS to be a construction firm that actually builds it. Otherwise, it would just exist on paper. Also, for every "boring" building a contractor builds, there HAS to be a strucutral firm that designs it. </p>

<p>Personally, I think working in construction is far more exciting than working in a structural engineering firm. It's such a big challenge (not to say structural engineering isn't) and there's always so much going on. I was one of those kids who played with toy construction vehicles when they were little, so I would be more or less doing that again as an adult now, except these are real machines! lol</p>

<p>Construction management and general contractor firms (construction firms) generally take the plans that a structural engineer makes, and figures out how exactly to build it. It's not always easy or even possible with the more complicated structures. They manage resources, labor, equipment, etc. and make sure the project gets done right, done safely, done on time and under budget. Not an easy feat. </p>

<p>In New York City right now, there are A LOT of opportunities in this field. In fact, I've read several articles saying there's a shortage of management personnel (as opposed to labor) and it's limiting the number of projects companies can take on. Construction firms are actually choosing which projects to work on; that's how good the market is right now. </p>

<p>Of course, you should know that everything I said above is probably biased, as I will be getting a master's degree in construction engineering and management, and will be entering this field, lol.</p>

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<p>How much money do construction engineering managers make?</p>

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<p>I know a few people who got offers of mid to upper 50s for entry level, but can escalate quickly. I have a friend who interviewed for a position and was told that when she makes it up to project manager in 3-5 years, it'll be 80-100k. How true this is I'm not sure though since thats not anything official. Of course the company will give favorable numbers when they're trying to recruit someone. Advancing up to project manager from entry-level in only a few years is definitely possible; I've seen that in a few different companies. </p>

<p>Whether or not this holds true outside of the NYC market, I'm not sure though. I assume yes, but to a lesser degree.</p>