My Job

For some people, my job may seem confusing, but I am a Civil Engineer in progress. Civil Engineering is unique somewhat because our value increases with years in the field. Basically, we become specialized in a certain part of the broad spectrum of Civil Engineers. I'm specializing in structures, particularly, metal buildings. My daily job is to take an architect's concept and to apply building codes, structural codes, and engineering recommendations to a design. A design will consist of the layout of members, the sizes of each member, and how each member will connect. It can get very complicated.

Not only are we supposed to make sure we meet all building code requirements, we are also trying to make money in doing so. Anyone can over design, but a professional knows where you can cut back and where you need to add material to make sure the building is safe. It takes a lot of experience to do that.

Lastly, an engineer needs to be able to communicate the design. This surprisingly is the most difficult. Trying to create ways to communicate the intricate details and define a 3D object with standardized words is very difficult to do efficiently. Its like learning a new language.

So that's basically it. I'm as green as you can be in this industry but I'm eager to learn as much as I can. I'm not a fan of being the "new guy" and I'm striving to learn because knowledge truly is power.