Structural Engineering

[Gabriel Garces]

Hello BP,

I am a recent graduate from Rutgers University in NJ. I obtained my Bachelor's in Civil Engineering. However, I decided to go the Project Management Route. After 1.5 years of working as a Project Engineer, I've realized this is not for me. I want to go and change my career direction slightly. Obviously being here on BP, I am interested in Real Estate Investing. Thus I want to combine my Engineering background with Real Estate. I want to become a competent Structural Engineer and be able to do Foundation and Structural Inspections and offer consultation on Structural Alterations. I know I will need my PE License, but what type of company should I work for to gain this expertise? I'm hoping to here another engineer's story. Thank you in advance.

[Brian Rossiter]

In the interest of developing your structural knowledge and getting your PE, I suggest finding work with a small structural firm that does work in single- and/or multi-family residential. Your knowledge of structural evaluation and remediation (as well as new construction) will be unparalleled by your non-engineer investor colleagues with just a few years on the job.  This is one of the many areas that I work in.  When banks, realtors, and insurance companies need homes or foundations inspected/evaluated in my area (Billings, Montana, the Dakotas, and Wyoming; a sizable area, indeed), they come to me.

@Kevin Martin is a little further down the path of the developer on which I am just now embarking, so I know he can give you some terrific pointers.  I also agree with him that engineering earns a comfortable living, but it's not where the real money is.