Structural Engineer Opportunities?

VonLuck

Its been almost a year since I have graduated from college with a degree in structural engineering. I have been applying for jobs since I have left college and I have had no luck. I have tried both the UK and Ireland.

Is it best that I just give up on hoping to get a job in Ireland or the UK and look further abroad? I am worried now that a new batch of graduates will be coming out and that employers will ignore the older graduate.

Are there some other opportunites I may be missing out on? Is it a good idea to go back to college and do a masters? Or maybe change career altogether? Although I don't know what else a structural engineer could possibly do besides teaching perhaps...

There seems to be no jobs out there and I am really at a loss as what to do.

Thanks.

FesterBeatty

It's a disgrace - your best bet is to head to Canada/Australia/NZ for a few years, get some experience and then come back when things have picked up...in 2035.

VonLuck

FesterBeatty wrote: »

It's a disgrace - your best bet is to head to Canada/Australia/NZ for a few years, get some experience and then come back when things have picked up...in 2035.

I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to that. I really do not want to move that far abroad.

Are there as many jobs available out there as people say?

FesterBeatty

I'm a structural engineer myself and I graduated 6 years ago, however for the past 2.5 years I've been working a 2-3 day week. There's nothing here and I, like you, dont want to leave the country if I lose my job. But I dont think I'll have much of an option. If I did have to leave though, Australia would appear to be a good option. There's many interesting projects going on over there and the money is fantastic. I wouldn't mind having to do it for a year or two, but the reality is, things arent going to pick up here for a very long time - and those who do leave will be well settled at that stage and will have no intention of coming back. I suppose I dont really want to be 60 years old, still living in OZ telling the grankids about the old country! It's frustrating deciding what to do!

Structurally Sound Mentally Unstable

I am soon to graduate with a degree in structural engineering, and I have completed my degree using the Eurocodes. I think this will give my class the upperhand on those recent graduates who have completed their degrees in British Standards.

If you are not already literate in the eurocodes (even though I think aren't many who can say they are literate in EC) I would start looking through them.

One of the lads is repeating with us. When he was in 2nd year they learned british standards. When he joined our year we were learning Eurocodes. He is completely lost.

Otherwise start learning a language. I am learning German with the hope to use it if I need to emigrate. Hopefully I will never need it though:cool:

dan_d

Good advice in the last post.

I'm out 5 years as a civil engineer - nearly 6 now. Unemployed since last year.

Try continental Europe....but start learning a few languages.

Sorry.It sucks out here, I feel your pain.