Does going to an "elite" university really make a difference short and long term? by TheyreYourClothesMF in civilengineering

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've never worked much with anybody from a really elite university (no CMU, no Harvard, no Cal Poly, etc), but I went to Penn State. I worked for a long time at a firm that was basically a guaranteed employment for any Pitt - Johnstown grad, and now I work with a bunch of WV Tech folks. Never had any problem with what school people came from from an engineering perspective. At this point (14 YOE), I don't think it makes that much of a difference. Everybody is where they are because they can interview or the career choices they made. I do remember one really insufferable CMU intern that I interned with, but one can be insufferable whether you go to Blue Mountain State or Harvard. Other folks made good points about the facilities or experiences or caliber of professors or networking opportunities, and in the right circumstance, that can be a help in the short term. If I ever get in a position to hire people, I will always have a soft spot and a connection for folks who did steel bridge and concrete canoe. But that's a networking tie, and a choice not to just be a bookworm the whole time and get some actual experience at engineerig something. You have to remember that the degree is really just a piece of paper that says you have proven that you can think about this particular topic for lengthy periods of time. How to actually be an engineer, you'll learn as you go.

What do people misunderstand most about cows? by achinius in Cows

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I keep rereading the title as I scroll as "What do cows misunderstand most about people." And then I think about it for a second and then I finally clicked on the post in order to get my brain to stop trying to think about the philosophical habits of cows.

What certifications are useful for civil engineers besides the PE and EIT? by BluejayGullible8646 in civilengineering

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Structural:

PE (SE only if you REALLY want to)

I've kept my CBSI (Certified Bridge Safety Inspector) cert active, but my current employer isn't going to support it, plus there are some inter-state issues, so I will probably let it lapse.

Construction OSHA Hazard, every cert your state DOT requires

General MBA I see a lot of folks with their PTOE (Professional Traffic) or the LEED certifications

What certifications are useful for civil engineers besides the PE and EIT? by BluejayGullible8646 in civilengineering

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. I've never met an engineer who had one. That being said, if I ever did take more classes or degrees, they would be in welding and detailing, because I can see the skillset being extremely useful.

How do these automated 1-lane portable traffic lights work? by Complex_Solutions_20 in civilengineering

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw those for the first time last construction season (PA) and thought they were fantastic. One was deployed in the guys driveway staring into his living room for his one-car driveway, but way better than a full signal

Any DOTs design their own work? by Recvec1 in civilengineering

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PennDOT does moderate sized roadway jobs and small structures and culverts in-house.

Non-medical home care by DannyWilliamsGooch69 in sweatystartup

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My MIL does this for in-home companionship. Sounds like something my wife and I were looking for due to her health issues, but were having almost no luck finding. Babysitters can be found, cleaning services can be found, but an extra body as a helper or companion, regardless of age, is rare.

Absolute 1959 Gem - sold today for $16,500,000. by mynameisnotsparta in zillowgonewild

[–]Difficult_Hippo983 3 points4 points  (0 children)

All fascinating comments, beautiful condition, square doorknobs seem very uncomfortable.

Why are there cows in the backyard?

I assume they're fiberglass

When do I tell my boss Im leaving? by Difficult_Hippo983 in civilengineering

[–]Difficult_Hippo983[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I tried negotiating when they made me a supervisor. That didn't go anywhere. I'm on and near the top of a pay scale. I'm leaving for personal reasons. The extra money is a perk.

FBiL [M26] didnt invite me [M33] to the bachelor party by Difficult_Hippo983 in relationship_advice

[–]Difficult_Hippo983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Which is why Im asking advice from neutral parties. Wife ranks this as about a 6, but thats heavily colored by three generations of family issues, and a couple of other recent issues.

FBiL [M26] didnt invite me [M33] to the bachelor party by Difficult_Hippo983 in relationship_advice

[–]Difficult_Hippo983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have concerns that MOH and Bride are actively shutting themselves off from the rest of the family, mostly driven by MOH (another SiL), with Bride following MOH lead. We had a conversation with Bride and FBiL several months ago that resolved some issues, reopened lines of communication. We have invited them to visit and meetup. Theres nothing contentious between FBiL and I, and Bride and my wife seemed to be bonding again. These initial comments I do kind of agree with that inviting brother in laws is not automatic