Alternative careers for Civil Engineering Professionals

annfield1978

Hey

With the construction industry on its knees, I am wondering if there anyone out there from a civil engineering back ground that have successfully moved into different industries such as banking, finance, analiytical or project management type careers. Would it mean having to start again in terms of acquiring necessary qualificatons in that industry

My background would be 10 yrs experience in the design and project management of infrastructural schemes, chartered civil engineer, with PMP accreditation.

Would application to the likes of Google, financial sector, PM roles have any chance of success

Regards

Welease

annfield1978 wrote: »

Hey

With the construction industry on its knees, I am wondering if there anyone out there from a civil engineering back ground that have successfully moved into different industries such as banking, finance, analiytical or project management type careers. Would it mean having to start again in terms of acquiring necessary qualificatons in that industry

My background would be 10 yrs experience in the design and project management of infrastructural schemes, chartered civil engineer, with PMP accreditation.

Would application to the likes of Google, financial sector, PM roles have any chance of success

Regards

Yes..the PM experience (and PMP qual) is valuable, but if looking to move into either the finance or IT sector then you will need to get experience of those industries..

A huge amount of experience may not be necessary, as you should have a good grounding in management, and project control techniques.. It would depend on whether you want a role at your current level or are willing to take a role a couple of levels lower (with more potential), and if the potential company value your experience..

I have worked with many folks from the construction industry 15+ years ago in the UK and they were excellent PM's... but without some relevant experience it is going to be difficult.. would you trust me (20+ years PM/Engineer experience in IT) to build a tower block? IT/Finance companies will feel the same.. but would likely rank you considerably higher than a new grad if you had some grounding in their field.

krissovo

My company (IT outsourcing) just hired a couple of ex civil engineers as project managers. They have been working as contractors the last 12 months and managed some of the smaller less risky projects that were running, mostly non technical like office moves and canteen upgrades.

I also know major IT company in Cork that are hiring at the moment and they have taken on ex civil engineers in a entry level role but will probably have them earning €80k plus in a couple of years.

A few years ago I was in a similar situation, I had 14 years in the military with a skill set in explosives, so not much use as a civilian and I had no degree to fall back on but I managed to get into IT with very limited exposure to any IT as I had a good number of transferable skills like people management, commercials, project management and these (proven) skills appealed more than technical skills which can be taught relatively quickly.

allibastor

Hey dude,

exact same boat myself, but have a lot less experience than you.
i recently completed an MA in business managment. i am working now as a grad in a business role just for the sole purpose of gaining experience outside of construction.

in my opinion the project management skills you have would be very widely transferable to different sectors. many companies are looking for people who can hit the gorund running in these type of roles.
i am currently looking to get into project management myself. any tips on how to get into it?

cheers.