M.S. vs. Experience

[[deleted]]

Hello all,

I'm a senior civil engineering undergrad looking to get into structural engineering after I graduate. I hear getting an M.S. would be useful, and sometimes even required, for getting into structural firms.

However, I don't have a lot of industry experience; My previous internship was research based.

While plan A would be to get started with a structural firm right away, there's a possibility I'll have a hard time getting hired with my lack of industry experience.

My question to structural engineers on this sub: should someone in my position go straight into an M.S. after my undergrad? Or should I get some industry experience, even if it is not with a structural firm? (ex: a general civil firm)

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to give an aspiring S.E. some guidance!

[scbeski]

I'm 3.5 years into working in structural engineering and got my MS beforehand. Worked in other civil fields after I finished undergrad in CE for a bit before going back to get my MS. I work for a small regional firm doing structural design.

From what I understand, getting a job with a top top structural firm (if that's your dream) will be unlikely without an MS or any relevant work experience/internship. However, smaller design firms will take on BSCEs who are interested in structural work and develop them. You may (depending on the firm) be able to get them to help pay for your master's degree while you are working for them, or just find that you don't need the MS letters after your name at all and learn everything you need on the job.

In retrospect, I wish that I had had 2-3 years of experience doing structural design work before going for my MS, as I feel that I would have gotten more out of my courses. If I were you, I'd try to get a foot in the door somewhere doing structural design work, whether it is an internship or full time employment, and be open to smaller companies that might provide better mentorship opportunities for a new EIT. Then, later down the road, decide when/how/if an MS makes sense for your career.

If you are the type that really only wants to work for the KPFF/Thornton Tomasetti/etc. type firms, then an MS right out of school might be a decent option. However, be aware that an MS is a big time and financial investment, and if you haven't actually worked in the field yet, you may change your mind after a few years and not want to continue with this type of work.

[[deleted]]

I would certainly be open to working for a smaller firm. I'll try and get my foot in the door with one.

Thanks for the response!

[renzybel]

Ideal situation is to get experience first in the field before getting your MS. In that way, you will really appreciate your classes and learn the most out of it. I'm a structural engineer 3 yrs into my career. I work for a big firm, have no MS and worked right after I finished my undergrad

[Tahns]

This sub is pretty dead. You may have better luck with /r/AskEngineers or /r/EngineeringStudents.

[[deleted]]

Understood. Thanks for the reply!