So what now?

D_D

Ok, just finished a degree in civil engineering (great timing, I know...) and I've had a few interviews for graduate positions but nothing as of yet. I was just looking for some advice on what to do now. I'm young, with no ties in Ireland, so anything is possible. I also have excellent results every year (within the top 10 of my class).

I was looking into going to Australia or Canada or anywhere where there is work, but got very confused by the whole thing. Do I apply for a work Visa first and then head over to look for employment? Or do I try to get a job first, then get a Visa? What are the chances of a graduate with very little experience getting some work?

Any advice is much appreciated, and I mean ANY advice. I've been at home now for two days with nothing to do and am already extremely bored. Couldn't imagine doing this for much longer...:(

Lu Tze

What subjects did you choose/specialise in?

D_D

Lu Tze wrote: »

What subjects did you choose/specialise in?

I chose mainly structural courses, so advanced design of structures and structural dynamics, as well as the steel design courses and pre/post tensioned concrete design. I also chose advanced geotechnics on top of the core geotechnics course. Then materials, hydraulics, management, environmental environmental engineering.

I knew there would be problems with finding work in structural engineering in Ireland when I finished, but it was my favourite course so it didn't bother me if I had to do it abroad.

Lu Tze

Ouch If you have done significant hydraulics and environmental, the AMP and SR10 cycles are slowly kicking off in England and Scotland respectively so i would keep an eye for openings for graduates there.

Might be worth keeping an eye out on google to see who wins the frameworks and send your CV into every last one of them.

Not sure what opportunities there would be in Ireland TBH.

Soil Mechanic

D_D wrote: »

I chose mainly structural courses, so advanced design of structures and structural dynamics, as well as the steel design courses and pre/post tensioned concrete design. I also chose advanced geotechnics on top of the core geotechnics course. Then materials, hydraulics, management, environmental environmental engineering.

Good Lad, another acolyte for the Black Arts............

I knew there would be problems with finding work in structural engineering in Ireland when I finished, but it was my favourite course so it didn't bother me if I had to do it abroad.

*cough* REPOST *cough*
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055872690


A Bright...well, actually fairly mucky world awaits you.....you just need your first start. Give it a shot & get those CV's flying hot off the press!

LuTze, although I'm only a lowly EngTech, do you think any proposed outcomes for the Scottish Strategic Review will actaully come off given the current financial climate i.e. has there actually been any real immediate funding 'ringfenced' for it yet?
Same thing for AMP -what is it 4th cycle or something?- espcially after the near-certain overspend on the 2012 Olympics; willl the cash be there?

Yours intrigued,
SM

Lu Tze

Yeah, with OFWAT regulating they have to spend, though this AMP cycle is likely to be backloaded for the major capital schemes.

They are private companies so as far as i know raise the money themselves. Its the 5th AMP i think, or is it the 4th and it is the 5th in Scotland? All i know is the downtime between cycles coinciding for the first time in 20 years in the middle of a recession:(

As regards scotland, i don't know. Did some work under the previous cycle, adn stuff seemed to be going full steam ahead as they were finishing of budgets.
I haven't read the strategic review.

I think some of the consultancy frameworks which have been awarded or on the verge of award in scotland and england/wales have been challenged, so they are yet to be awarded, think they are being bid for again.

Cheeble

You could take a look at

http://www.vestas.com/en/jobs/graduate-programme.aspx

I've no connection, just noticed that they have been recruiting lately, and that your electives are relevant to them.

Cheeble-eers

ditchdigger

Lu Tze wrote: »

Ouch If you have done significant hydraulics and environmental, the AMP and SR10 cycles are slowly kicking off in England and Scotland respectively so i would keep an eye for openings for graduates there.

Might be worth keeping an eye out on google to see who wins the frameworks and send your CV into every last one of them.

Not sure what opportunities there would be in Ireland TBH.

Lu Tze, Interesting to hear you say that the OP would be better off with hydraulics and environmental as this is what I specialised in. I've just shy of two years experience in this area and haven't been getting much feedback.

Is there an etenders type website for all the contract awards for AMP 5 and SR10?

Lu Tze

There isn't an etenders type website as far as i know, as it is a framework for 4/5 years, so once on the panel there arent invites to tender for each job the way there is here. Most consultancies (or their marketing depts. ) would have made announcements that they had been appointed so googling should give you most. Don't know if there is a central list though. You could try the various water companies websites, anglian, united utilities etc.

My mistake earlier though, SR10 was the last frmework in scotland, presume SR14 is this one?

aquascrotum

At least a few of the AMP programs have been let afaik (or at least the bidders know who've won) - certainly in terms of many instances, consultants bidding for the work were going cutthroat at it in order to maintain existing work forces. Without wanting to be too negative the chances of new posts being created are low.

With quite a few big name consultants in the UK having already let a good few water / environmental specialists go, those will be the guys in poll position to scrap for any positions that do pop up.

I pity any graduate coming onto the jobs market this year. Your best selling point is you're cheap and keen to learn.

Lu Tze

aquascrotum wrote: »

At least a few of the AMP programs have been let afaik (or at least the bidders know who've won) - certainly in terms of many instances, consultants bidding for the work were going cutthroat at it in order to maintain existing work forces. Without wanting to be too negative the chances of new posts being created are low.

With quite a few big name consultants in the UK having already let a good few water / environmental specialists go, those will be the guys in poll position to scrap for any positions that do pop up.

I pity any graduate coming onto the jobs market this year. Your best selling point is you're cheap and keen to learn.

True there is always space for graduates though it will more than likely be a few months. Keep an eye out for consultants who are now on a framework they weren't on before, they will be your best bet for recruitment.

We let go a fair few in the UK last year, and from the rumours i have heard, we have now won work on a framework we weren't expecting. Presumably though the focus will be on getting the people we left go back.