CAREERTIPS: How does a young graduate work towards his passion for Structural Engineering?

Dr Pierre van der Spuy a seasoned Structural Engineer shares MY CAREERTIPS with Herve-Noel Kimpwene a Young Civil Engineering graduate who wants to know how to work towards finding an opportunity to work in the structural engineering  filed whilst employed in a different field.

I have a dream of becoming a Structural Engineer but I currently find myself employed in a company that focuses on a different aspects of Civil engineering. How do I work towards my dream?

I think it is key not to lose touch with the field. If you are out of an environment for some time you become rusty. You can overcome this through a continuous learning process by studying relevant subject matters in your own time. Continuous learning doesn't mean only attending CPD courses, there is a lot you can do on your own. Read up on reinforced or prestressed concrete design, or steel design. 

You can teach yourself a lot about topics like structural dynamics or finite element analysis. BIM is the buzzword, take YouTube and teach yourself Revit. This sounds nerdy, but when my family goes to bed at night I take out the iPad and I read about structural engineering. You will be surprised at how much you can teach yourself with all the books and google! When you do find a position in structural engineering you will be in a much stronger position.

ALSO READ CAREERTIP:  How does a young Civil Engineering graduate work towards his passion?

What advice or tips would you give me as a young graduate on his way to professional registration?

I think it is key that you do not rush it. It is not a race, and as a reviewer for ECSA I can say that you pick it up very quickly if someone still misses some experience. When you are ready, it will be easy to fill out the application forms, because you don't need to scratch for experience. 

I remember sitting in front of the TV and writing my reports, because after 6 years I had more than enough. I don't believe in all the registration workshops out there. The best is to find examples of successful applications and read the requirements on ECSA's website thoroughly. Before you submit I suggest you ask a colleague or a friend in the field to read your report. 

Although ECSA has made great strides in speeding up the registration process, it costs money and causes delays if you submit a report which is not quite there yet.

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