Structural engineering

[carpmaster]

When I started training to be a Civil Engineer on an apprentiship scheme with a large consultancy, some of the actual engineers were trying to persuade me to start a career in something else. These were people I knew well & went out with socially etc.

The training / exams / qualifications can be incredibly hard but the pay incredibly low. I found I was spending most of my days on the computer doing RC detailing. I ended up nodding off most days thinking what am I doing here?

If you want to drive a fast car one day, don't touch it with a bargepole, but if that's not important to you then go for it.

 

[john2s]

Wow, a lot of replies.

Thanks for all that have helped me.

I have a choice to make, I'm going to do an OU degree and have choice between either Engineering or Computing. These are the only two that really interest me, and the OU is the only option I have, for a few reasons that I don't really want to go into.

I'm not sure if the Engineering degree would qualify me to work as a Structural engineer. I know that a lot of jobs only ask for any degree, but I'm pretty certain you would need an engineering degree for it.

Does anyone here know anyone that has done an OU engineering degree or if it would qualify? I checked the website, but it is not a huge help.

I also know that this is not the only factor, but which out of software development/programming or structural enginner would pay the most?

I'm trying to weigh up my options, and am a little bit stuck.

 

[Ace of Spades]

Ever thought of doing a HND 2 year course? Varies with university but you can get direct entry to 3rd year of a degree after the HND. Its another option if your struggling with the OU.

 

[DB_SamX]

When I started training to be a Civil Engineer on an apprentiship scheme with a large consultancy, some of the actual engineers were trying to persuade me to start a career in something else. These were people I knew well & went out with socially etc.

The training / exams / qualifications can be incredibly hard but the pay incredibly low. I found I was spending most of my days on the computer doing RC detailing. I ended up nodding off most days thinking what am I doing here?

If you want to drive a fast car one day, don't touch it with a bargepole, but if that's not important to you then go for it.

Sounds like the training/ qualification may have taken you down the route of engineering technician, i.e. mainly those who do detailing and drawings. Correct me if I am wrong. Structural engineers will be doing conceptual to detail design of a building, bridge etc.

Going through the prescribed routes as shown here will make you a structural engineer.http://www.istructe.org/membership/routes.asp

You do earn lots of money in as qualified structural/civil engineer. I'd hardly say you cannot drive a fast car with £30-£35K a year when you are about 30-40 yrs old. Several of my younger superiors when I was on placement drove bmws, s2000, tts, etc, etc.

OP: I'd say check OU to see what is *** course accredited with, meaning if it gives u any specifc qualification with IstructE, IMechE, ICE, etc. THat will definitely tell you what you can and can't do. I personally get the feeling the course might be along the lines of a foundation year that gets you the general engineering theories and skills to go and build upon. I could be wrong though. Apart from Oxbridge ones, I don't know any courses where if you do Mech/Aero eng, you can do structural/civil eng or vice versa; each is far too detailed.

(ex pres of the university engineering society )

/edit: don't base your future on whether it will earn more money or not, do it mainly on whether you enjoy it and are able to do it for years to come.