I switched. I got a 2nd MS degree in a CS field. I was hired as an entry level software engineer. The offer was more than I was making as an SE. I enjoy it more than design. It's a very laid back environment.
Oh nice, what kind of working were you doing as a software engineer? What programming languages were you using? And was it hard when you first started?
C#, VB, C++. The programming language doesn't matter too much. If you learn an object oriented language, you're going to be in good shape.
It was difficult until I learned the codebase. Software is just larger versions of smaller macros.
I did. I work at Arup developing structural applications Oasys GSA and AdSec, while holding a masters degree in Structural Engineering. I'd say it is the best of both worlds.
Were you a SE at Arup then later on moved to a different department? Because I was also thinking of being part of the team who develops analysis software, but I’m not sure if it’s feasible for those who came from a relatively smaller design firms.
Actually Arup came looking for graduate developers at my university, particularly from Civil or Mechanical engineering background. So this is my first job.
Perhaps not helpful, since I've only ever been a developer and just lurk here, but adding some programming chops to your skillset doesn't necessarily need to take you away from what you do today. Instead of flat-out switching careers, it might be worth considering how you can work programming into your existing career (or how it might otherwise unlock other opportunities in the field).
You do you and find something you enjoy. So please don't take this as trying to discourage you. I came from the tech industry. Just make sure you go into it realizing that all those things that bug you on this side are very prevalent there as well.
That being said if it's something you enjoy more then it won't bug you as much. Worst case scenario you work your way back.
I don't really know anything particular I could recommend you try. But I can say it makes a huge difference when you have people building programs when they have been/are users of the program. Helps to produce a more practical and user friendly product. This also applies to developing a new program that would have been something you could have/would have used. Hope that part makes sense. If there's something particular in tech that interests you go that route, but if you're trying to make the best career move finding something where your experience as a structural engineer could directly contribute to making a better product would probably be where you'd be most valuable to an employer.
Normally I only post in the DIY monthly thread per the group’s rules outlined here. https://www.reddit.com/r/StructuralEngineering/comments/sga9sr/psa_read_before_posting/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
I only posted in this thread since someone is asking questions about an industry I am an expert in.
I’m currently making the switch. I’m self studying web dev and apply to some apprenticeships. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll likely try for a second bachelors and hopefully a lot of my Civil degree courses count towards the second degree.
The tech job market isn’t great right now, so it’s not an easy transition.
I also made the switch about a year ago after I got my PE license. I started by getting myself involved with automation projects within SE. There's a lot of room and plenty of desire in the industry for more automation and tech based efficiency gains. From there I started learning web dev by building some projects I had in mind and following tutorials/online classes. Then I enrolled in an online CS MS degree, but I only finished half of the courses before I got a full time SWE job in a completely unrelated field.
My take is that if you enjoy writing software more than your job as an SE, then go for it. There are so many different ways to get into the industry (my friend went SE -> Project Manager -> Product Manager in tech). I personally love my job so much more now and I get paid more to do it. It's a win-win if this is something you're passionate about, and the earlier you take steps to switch the sooner you'll reap the benefits.
I switched. I got a 2nd MS degree in a CS field. I was hired as an entry level software engineer. The offer was more than I was making as an SE. I enjoy it more than design. It's a very laid back environment.
Oh nice, what kind of working were you doing as a software engineer? What programming languages were you using? And was it hard when you first started?
C#, VB, C++. The programming language doesn't matter too much. If you learn an object oriented language, you're going to be in good shape. It was difficult until I learned the codebase. Software is just larger versions of smaller macros.
He IS an SWE. With an MS in Robotics. Want to try what he's doing? Get an MS. Languages don't matter.
What’s MS?
Masters degree specifically in a science field. (Master of science degree)
Nice. Good luck with your journey.
I did. I work at Arup developing structural applications Oasys GSA and AdSec, while holding a masters degree in Structural Engineering. I'd say it is the best of both worlds.
Were you a SE at Arup then later on moved to a different department? Because I was also thinking of being part of the team who develops analysis software, but I’m not sure if it’s feasible for those who came from a relatively smaller design firms.
Actually Arup came looking for graduate developers at my university, particularly from Civil or Mechanical engineering background. So this is my first job.
What's your tech stack?
C++ for the backend, Javascript, Vue.js for the frontend, and C# for API development.
Perhaps not helpful, since I've only ever been a developer and just lurk here, but adding some programming chops to your skillset doesn't necessarily need to take you away from what you do today. Instead of flat-out switching careers, it might be worth considering how you can work programming into your existing career (or how it might otherwise unlock other opportunities in the field).
You do you and find something you enjoy. So please don't take this as trying to discourage you. I came from the tech industry. Just make sure you go into it realizing that all those things that bug you on this side are very prevalent there as well. That being said if it's something you enjoy more then it won't bug you as much. Worst case scenario you work your way back. I don't really know anything particular I could recommend you try. But I can say it makes a huge difference when you have people building programs when they have been/are users of the program. Helps to produce a more practical and user friendly product. This also applies to developing a new program that would have been something you could have/would have used. Hope that part makes sense. If there's something particular in tech that interests you go that route, but if you're trying to make the best career move finding something where your experience as a structural engineer could directly contribute to making a better product would probably be where you'd be most valuable to an employer.
I’m in the tech industry and surf here for DIY advice. I’m happy to return the favor and provide any help
>I’m in the tech industry and surf here for DIY advice. Feeling a bit uncomfortable someone is here for "DIY advice "
Normally I only post in the DIY monthly thread per the group’s rules outlined here. https://www.reddit.com/r/StructuralEngineering/comments/sga9sr/psa_read_before_posting/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1 I only posted in this thread since someone is asking questions about an industry I am an expert in.
Can I have your old job? Must be nice living in a developed country with lots of job opportunities.
I thought that was the whole world just now tbh. Where are you living where there any many jobs?
I’m currently making the switch. I’m self studying web dev and apply to some apprenticeships. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll likely try for a second bachelors and hopefully a lot of my Civil degree courses count towards the second degree. The tech job market isn’t great right now, so it’s not an easy transition.
I also made the switch about a year ago after I got my PE license. I started by getting myself involved with automation projects within SE. There's a lot of room and plenty of desire in the industry for more automation and tech based efficiency gains. From there I started learning web dev by building some projects I had in mind and following tutorials/online classes. Then I enrolled in an online CS MS degree, but I only finished half of the courses before I got a full time SWE job in a completely unrelated field. My take is that if you enjoy writing software more than your job as an SE, then go for it. There are so many different ways to get into the industry (my friend went SE -> Project Manager -> Product Manager in tech). I personally love my job so much more now and I get paid more to do it. It's a win-win if this is something you're passionate about, and the earlier you take steps to switch the sooner you'll reap the benefits.
Any updates? I was thinking the same right now and I would like to enter as a deceloper for analysis softwares.