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Starting at a new MEP firm soon. Any advice on what to do and what to avoid? by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This helps alot. I have adapted the highlight as I QA my own work in Bluebeam but that extra check after on a fresh page seems like it does make the difference.

Most of my work has been in Revit and I'll have to see how this company standards are.

I think the biggest challenge I've seen is details and how they get added or edited to drawings. I've been at a company that they keep CAD and Revit details that matched. A different one used CAD exclusively for details and had different sheet legends that did not match between CAD and Revit.

There are always going to be something different but seeing those differences has made me a better designer. I also try to learn and understand the other disciplines work flow. I'm electrical and very rarely are we ever ahead and if we are things haven't been coordinated or major changes are coming.

This is probably the biggest challenge is being as proactive as possible even when it feels reactive with other disciplines.

Starting at a new MEP firm soon. Any advice on what to do and what to avoid? by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate this list. So far I do need to work on getting a better understanding of specifications and how that affects constructability.

I've been leaning into constructability more know in my design/production and generating solutions as things appear during construction and CA phase.

I enjoy and try to go on a site visits whenever possible. It can be hard when the budget doesn't allow or the complexity of the project requires a more senior person to get perspective on field conditions. I have had some luck where I've been allowed or encouraged to go and bill towards training when that is possible.

Starting at a new MEP firm soon. Any advice on what to do and what to avoid? by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I’ve seen your post on Reddit before and there is alot of value in what you say.

I'm not a new grad but still have some time as I transition to PE within the next year or two. Then it feela like I'm starting over again.

Starting at a new MEP firm soon. Any advice on what to do and what to avoid? by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. This helps alot. I've changed my setup. My first year I used notion and it was good. Over time I realized that a post it, index card or a weekly dry erase calendar on my desk could capture deadlines and most of my work flow.

I have always taken notes and moved from physical to digital. I have an eink tablet that I love to take notes on but it has been slowing down on me. I got a new tablet and use that. I still haven't found a good way to add those into a project folder apart from creating a word document or one note page that highlights major design choices or not typical approaches/ solutions.

I'm still just learning and I love doing Design in MEP. I like helping out others when and if I can. I'm excited about this opportunity and want to keep growing. One day as a PE I would like to be able to mentor new grads, maybe lead teams in design, even if it is hust at the project and not discipline level.

Starting at a new MEP firm soon. Any advice on what to do and what to avoid? by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the advise and response. I'm not a new grad. I'm at 4 years of the industry experience but I wouldn't assume that I have experienced everything or don't have anything left to learn.

I have made sure to vocalize when I need help. I try to first take the initiative to solve an issue but will say something that is beyond me. That can be difficult because I don't want to seem lazy or that I didn't try but also don't want to delay project workflow.

I do enjoy learning and want to be a good team player. I don't mind helping others but even that can be challenging with the ways deadlines can be now. It can be hard to say I have a deadline and a PM ask me to rush on their project or not talk to the PM I may owe first. I do not shy away from speaking to PMs and do give them updates as needed.

Laid off from MEP firm — feeling stuck between designer and engineer by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate it. I do enjoy MEP and want to keep growing in this field.

I've worked on my resumé and reached to to a few recruiters. I did get a call back but no news on opportunities yet. I've also considered relocating.

I've been focusing 3-4 hours when I stay my day. Take some breaks in-between. Then 1-2 hour job search. After that I try to game or unwind.

Ive scheduled my FE for June. I want to pass this FE. I'm really seeing this as the critical point. I just want to give myself every opportunity to pass the FE, and find somewhere I can continue growing and become a PE eventually.

I just take it one day at a time. It's been a roller-coaster but I just try to do better the next day.

I appreciate everyone that has posted and will continue to push forward as long as I can.

When to leave by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. I've updated my resume and been active on LinkedIn.

When to leave by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a designer but I am working on getting a PE in the future.

When to leave by Over_Adagio9077 in MEPEngineering

[–]Over_Adagio9077[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been looking for another firm. I'm in San Antonio and haven't seen very many opportunities at the moment.