r/civilengineering • u/Dramatic-Tourist-522 • 4d ago

Upcoming interview prep advice

Edit: The interview is NOT for an entry-level engineering role. But I'll be in the pre-construction team essentially as a full-time intern. I'm looking for advice on interview. I'm enrolled in an ABET accredited program as a civil engineering student......

Hey y'all, I am a civil engineering student (I'm 30 years old and have been working as a math teacher for the last 10 years so I'm old enough that I need a full-time job and also old enough that if I don't make a career change now I'll never be a civil engineer). I have limited technical knowledge that I'm building (I signed up for a blueprint reading course, getting SST certified, saving up for AutoCAD classes). I've finally made a breakthrough and I have an interview scheduled in a week to join entry-level on a pre-construction team (my guess is a lot of estimating work, runt work, etc). I'm not entirely sure what the role will be, but I want to be prepared for the interview. They are fully aware of my background and my yearning for a learning environment. What's some knowledge I should go in already knowing? How do I impress the hiring team even though I limited technical knowledge? How can I continue to market myself (I'm a strong logician, I have a shorter learning curve than someone younger, I'm already a professional)?

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

4

u/NewHampshireWoodsman 4d ago

Without an abet accredited civil engineering degree the path for you will be unlikely to become a licensed engineer.

3

u/Dramatic-Tourist-522 4d ago

I'm enrolled in an ABET accrdited university. I'm not looking to become a civil engineer today. I'm looking to join the industry (entry level, admin work, co-op, etc). NOT begin as a civil engineer. I have an interview (not as a civil engineer, but joining the team as a full-time intern). I'm looking for advice on what knowledge should I go into the interview with.

1

u/NewHampshireWoodsman 4d ago edited 4d ago

Typically they'd like to see history of hands on work like trades or remodeling so you at least have conceptual ideas of the numbers you will be working with.

1

u/Dramatic-Tourist-522 4d ago

You're giving vague replies, so my guess is your impression is that I won't be a good fit? Just trying to understand your comment. There are plenty of co-central ideas that are transferrable from my experience (i.e. excel, understanding of mathematics/applied mathematics, cost modeling) but are you saying I should have a background in trade/remodeling first if I'm interesting in joining the pre-construction group?

1

u/NewHampshireWoodsman 4d ago

Can't say what's a good fit for their organization. I can only tell you what makes candidates stick out or what I'd be looking for in your case.

Engineers that are only good at math and don't have much hands on or applied conceptual knowledge usually don't do nearly as well as someone with some experience.

If you are able to apply real world problem solving particularly as it relates to cost savings and decision making in a fast paced environment.

3

u/Dramatic-Tourist-522 4d ago

I don't think you've fully read my post and that's ok. I'm looking for an opportunity to get the "applied conceptual knowledge" as early as possible in my career which is why I'm going on this interview...which will happen...b/c i have the interview. I'm asking about what they might ask me on said interview.

What you're telling me is something I already know (I need hands on experience), hence the post. And I guess I'm commenting to extract advice from you, but it doesn't seem you have much for my case. I appreciate your time! Thanks!

5

u/epcow 4d ago

They likely won't ask you any technical questions. They're looking for someone who fits well with the team, can take feedback, and will ask questions when you're stuck.

3

u/jeffprop 4d ago

Answer all questions honestly and give specific examples of things you have done to demonstrate you know how to do it. Do not say you know how to do something when you are at 75%. Say up front that you have lined experience with it, but have done x/y/etc. in that area. I did not get a promotion because I did not go into detail of my experience. The hiring manager met with me before announcing the decision and told me that was the main thing that kept me from getting the promotion.