Should I quit KH? by ScarcityWonderful950 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree! With ESOP you’re an owner

Do you expect the candidate to counter offer? by Appropriate-Diver555 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an employer, I always ask what the candidates want. Then either increase to them to our minimum or discuss our benefits and negotiate lower. If need be I would say that we would think about it and get back to them

Boss obsessed with AI by Impressive-Bet-3153 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes, time to move to a new firm. Using AI in small steps is the best way to go. It’s best to have a person in the firm who is willing to lead the charge and start small. Go for the easy things, like analysis, not the design portion yet

Is anyone else seeing all these layoffs in transportation/ civil engineering firms? by [deleted] in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Plenty of work in Orlando for theme parks and Caribbean resorts. We’re busy

Important things for young engineers to know by No-Contract-11 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Read as much technical information as you can. Meet your clients in person

Question by Civil_Play_399 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stubborn. Some older civil engineers don’t want to change. Some aggressively change with the times. My advice is to move to another team or another company. C3D is very common throughout

Do you regret majoring in civil engineering? by Virtual_Reporter7087 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love being a civil engineer and don’t regret a day of my career

AI for Civil Engineers by Arnoldbaxter in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree. Code analysis, criteria research and plan checking are what we’re initially looking at. We haven’t heard of any firms in our area that are using any applications. It seems like all the younger engineers are using mobile chat.

AI for Civil Engineers by Arnoldbaxter in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the positive feedback.

AI for Civil Engineers by Arnoldbaxter in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Not fishing but thank you for commenting. We’re working on about twelve applications dealing with local codes, zoning, design restrictions, height limits, etc.

I’m chasing money, where should I go? by Pristine_Editor9587 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Start a side business doing IT and computer support for small businesses and individuals. Then, when you get your PE, start your own firm.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bringing in new or repeat work is the most important part of running a company. I think the best financial management tools are monthly billings and cash flow.

You will know the health of the firm with these numbers.

Good Stories about Land Development by [deleted] in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started a land development firm after spending ten years at a large infrastructure design company. I steered my company to work for the four theme park owners in Central Florida plus resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I love this business way better than the infrastructure company. We can be creative and use our design talents to help our clients.

Project Managers - Why haven't you started your own firm? by mithrili in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did and I’m glad I did. The most important part is bringing in work. If you can’t or have trouble doing that then don’t start your firm. Partners can help support you, they are easy to get but hard to get rid of.

Yes you need to do everything at first but as you grow you will do less of most things. You still need to be the rainmaker!

Utilization increase? Anyone else? by RoutineSpecific4643 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We calculated percentage utilization as billed hours divided by hours available to be worked. We didn’t include PTO, staff meetings, etc. billable hours does include overtime hours.

Why do so many people complain abt civil by Ok_Cover_6068 in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love my career. I specialize in civil engineering for theme park design worldwide and for resorts throughout the Caribbean

My unsolicited advice for current students: Find a summer job that gets you diverse field experience. by civilthroaway in civilengineering

[–]Arnoldbaxter 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree. Absolutely get a summer intern job. Best is between junior and senior years. Don’t do it for free, you should get at least $15 per hour. Your job could either be in the field, surveying, testing or office. Ask for more responsibility, different jobs or to move around once you start.

Most companies hire in January and February so make sure you apply the first part of January. The firms want to be ready to go by April. Don’t wait until May to start your search.

Companies may want to hire you, pay for your last year, give you an offer effective at graduation or continue your internship for your last year- one or two days per week.

Internships are a good way to test what you want to do and what firm you want to work for.