How To Become A Structural Engineer

[@davidvences26]

I graduate this May. Glad I found this video. Very helpful!

[@MatPicardal]

Glad I can help!

[@Pleasure_Baron]

Great tips. Thanks, Mat. Cal Poly schools are not even close to being the only schools on the West Coast with P.E.'s as instructors!

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks for the info! I think they are called adjunct professors? Either way, it's useful to learn from them if you plan to work in the industry.

[@mrengineer4629]

So this is basically the best Structural Engineering channel on KZbin. All the videos I've watched so far are quite informative, and the need for an INTERNSHIP is so real. Fellow engineering students, please do your internships, at least 1, 2 or more are even better, and please improve your skills in Sap2000, ETABS, Revit, AutoCAD, etc. There is so much to learn along the way.

[@MatPicardal]

Thank you for the kind words, it means a lot!

[@hurbrowns5397]

I'm a graduate civil engineer, I'm currently looking for job and yeah it's a mistake of mine to not do internship as a result I have no idea what a junior fresh graduate job is like. Could you maybe tell a bit of what they expect from a new graduate? What they expect from you? Did you get intimidated or scared at first day of your job, perhaps scared you don't know what to do?

[@MatPicardal]

Hi Hur, most firms (at least in the west coast) know that you will need training. We do expect you know statics very well though, that's fundamental. For me, good fresh graduates should be asking a lot of questions, we know you don't know much, so if you're not asking, it's worrisome. Learn how to communicate your thought process and check-in and communicate with your PM daily. They may be too busy to check in on you at times, but if you give them a daily update, they will always know what you're working on and can correct you as needed. I'll make a video on this also as I have some other insights, thanks for the great questions.

[@maggiecarlson2725]

Great work Matt! Keep the videos coming.

[@MatPicardal]

Heart!

[@diegoleon882]

Mat, Thanks so much for creating this channel, recently discovered it and you’re providing the exact information about structural engineering I’ve been looking for. Do you have any tips or ideas for someone to get an internship after they’ve already graduated? Long story short I couldn’t quite juggle a summer internship with everything else on my plate during college. I graduated in May 2018 from MSU Bozeman, got my CA EIT, and do not have a stellar overall GPA (

[@MatPicardal]

Grad school would help if you get into a good one in California: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYiVfYh_o6p3f68 I would also try to build my network in professional organizations like ASCE or SEAOSC. The more you help, the more you will get back. I know a current director of a good size firm that got into her engineering field (it was different than her major) because a CEO that was part of ASCE liked her work ethic, they taught her the technical stuff on the job. If you need more specific advice, email me at [e-mail]

[@roviemarcampos2823]

how to become a structural engineer if you already graduated civil engineer course and have already work? that is one of my dream to become a STRUCTURAL ENGINEER!

[@katielarsen2630]

Same here, I have a civil engineering degree but I've been working as an environmental consultant for 10 years and I'm thinking of a change. I feel like I'd be starting over from scratch

[@berto3328]

Very great quote at the end.

[@JamesBond-sz4yw]

Great video! Thank you for your advices. I am a civil engineering student, and I want to focus my studies on structural engineering, specially on steel structures, domes.. But right now I am about to start a project about a software to optimize the design of reinforced concrete elements. Do you recommend me to make this project? Or maybe I need to change it to another one more related with steel structures? Or both?. I really want yo know your opinion, thank you so much!

[@MatPicardal]

What's the goal of the project? To pass your thesis or to use it to get a job in the industry?

[@JamesBond-sz4yw]

I would like both, but I know maybe that's not possible. The project about reinforced concrete, it's more for thesis, but in a future I would like to get a job related yo steel structures. Thank you so much for your atenttion!

[@engr.johnmarkwatiwat614]

Thanks Engr! I'm a Civil Engineer from the Philippines and looking forward to be a structural Engineer someday.

[@fredydelamora9301]

Ayyyy ...I went to cal poly slo for aerospace but I’m trying to land a structural job now haha

[@engr.mutahirabbas6598]

Sir, plz start a tutorial of designing 20 plus rcc building. From analysis to design..

[@christiesebaratnam9155]

Sorry I disagree with you as a practicing structural engineer. Undergraduate degree is the most important degree to ensure that one has a good foundation before going to a graduate school. When I look at LinkedIn, the first thing I look for is where is the first degree from from.

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks! Definitely see the merits in that

[@OilMan713]

So basically you need a Grad Degree with an emphasis in Structural Engineering.

[@arnabsantra8822]

Now I studies IIT Bombay high way Transportation engineering

[@MatPicardal]

Nice!

[@AdilbishADB]

Nice video thank you for doing it.

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks for your comments Adilbish!

[@ibrahimsyed7539]

How is cardiff university for an MSc in Structural Engineering.

[@MatPicardal]

Hi Ibrahim, if that's a UK university, I'm not familiar with them as I'm based in the U.S. My general advice to see if a grad school is good is to find out places where you would like to work (for example, the UK) and ask structural engineering professionals in that area their industry perspective. Best option to find professionals is to go to a SE society/organization meeting and ask these questions. If you're not in the area, you can try finding them through LinkedIn. Here are the relevant videos I made so far on grad school and reaching out to professionals: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYiVfYh_o6p3f68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXjChYN_f5iEZ9k

[@greeneggsandham7950]

( Im from the uk) I recently went to an open day there and it seems good, lots of opportunities to get internships/placements however there are better universities e.g. bristol

[@ibrahimsyed7539]

@@greeneggsandham7950 i dint get admission in bristol. I have however arrived in cardiff and enroled in the structural Engineering program in cardiff university. 👍

[@LordofTrollin]

Hello Matt! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, you really encourage me to follow my passion(SE). Im from Peru (latinamerica) i would like to know how difficult is for us (international students) to get internships or entry jobs according with your experience in the industry. Thank you so much. Im planning to go to a community college and then transfer to UC Berkeley. Thank you so much i would appreciate your response.

[@MatPicardal]

From talking to my international colleagues here in the U.S., your best bet to work in the U.S. is to go to a US grad school like you are doing, and then get a job in the U.S. right after you get your masters.

[@Alfant10]

so is a master's degree required for structural engineering or depending on what state your in?

[@yogeshmandal24]

Love n thank u..sir.from Nepal..

[@joelitakala6505]

Hi for double storey buildings is it possible to go with a strip footing to attach the columns together and also support the weight of the walls instead of a plinth beam?

[@jvcastillo7646]

Planning to transfer to csulb for civil but now I’m thinking about going to cal poly instead. What do you think sir ?

[@MatPicardal]

I'm obviously biased, Cal Poly! But I know plenty of engineers from CSULB, no doubt they have a good program also.

[@lucasfernan2028]

Hi. Mat. Thank you for the explanation. It is very helpful. Is UCLA graduate school a good option for structural engineering?

[@MatPicardal]

Hi Lucas, yes it has a good reputation here in the west coast

[@nidhinguruguru048]

hi could you recommend the most important software a structural engineer student should learn

[@MatPicardal]

I think ETABS is the most generally used program?

[@raymondantonio9061]

Hi Mat!, I'm Raymond and I'm a civil engineer here in the philippines, right now I only have 1 year of experience in work more on construction, but I wanna be a structural engineer but I need to learn on how to properly design a building, starting from a small scale like a 2-storey Residential House, I'm starting to learn how to use STAAD.pro V8i, can you give some advice on how could I learn more about the job of a structural engineer? If ever you have time.

[@markjeraldestrada4046]

Understand first the manual designing before involving some softwares.

[@non5270]

Hi Matt Im currently in a undergrad school where the practical is not that good. Do you advice me to continue or I change to another school? Given that you said it depends on where I go to my grad school if i want to be a structural engineer.

[@MatPicardal]

That's fine, but master's generally counts more than where you went to undergrad, at least in California.

[@pjhill5452]

Im looking to get into Structural Eningeering through the Air Force. I know that Airmen are not engineers solely from taking the job. I believe i will get the proper training and given the tools to learn with some on the job training. My question is have you worked with anyone who had military background? Did it help them? What certificates/training would you reccomend I seek out?

[@kylesales2787]

Sup Mat! What’s your opinion on studying at Stanford for structural engineering graduate studies? Like is it one of the best structural engineering schools in the US and how difficult would it be to get into?

[@MatPicardal]

It's a good school, personally, I would put it right below UCSD and UC Berkeley for California. I didn't get into to Stanford either lol.

[@MatPicardal]

But like I said, apply anyways if it's a good school! You never know.

[@kylesales2787]

Thank you for replying! If you were to rank the top 5 structural engineering graduate schools in the US, what would it be?

[@tigera6]

UIUC, MIT, Berkeley, UT Austin and might be UMich Ann Arbor

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

Hi Mat, what is your take on engineering transfer from a two year community college then to a four year school? Can you suggest which are the better two year community colleges in California for engineering? I am an international student, which colleges might be good for me? Thanks

[@MatPicardal]

It's a bargain! And your diploma will still say you graduated from [xxxx] university.

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

@@MatPicardal Thank you. Can I ask you to suggest a few good two year community colleges? Thanks

[@mysoncummings2009]

What do you recommend for me to start doing if I want to be a structural engineer? I’m a junior in high school and live in CT.

[@MatPicardal]

Try to get into a reputable civil engineering school/program, become a board member/leader in an engineering student organization (like ASCE, EERI, etc.) and/or compete in engineering competitions, and get internships ASAP, yes, even when you're a freshman. The more internships, the better. The organizations and competitions will help you get your foot into the door for your first internship.

[@mysoncummings2009]

Mat Picardal thank you!

[@hassanzakria6349]

You’re of great help Mat.. This sort of channel had to exist somewhere on KZbin. 🙂

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Hassan, I appreciate the support and I'm glad I can help.

[@OPP534]

I’m planning on becoming a civil engineer but I have one question. I’m an older student 26 and will need to work while getting my degree. I want to stand out so what kind of job should I work that would look good on a resume? Like a laborer? Or is the job not that important? Thanks!!!

[@eradilmansoori2368]

Thanks sir for advice

[@MatPicardal]

You're welcome!

[@saurabhshelar4666]

Hi I'm from India and I'm looking forward to do Masters in structural engineering!! can you please recommend a good University for MS?!

[@m.nadirghori5136]

Hi Mat, thank yo for your helpful videos. what about CU Boulder and School of Mines in Colorado? are they good schools for graduate structural engineering?

[@MatPicardal]

Hi M. Nadir, I've definitely heard of CU Boulder but I have not personally researched too much into their program. It will depend on your career goals and where you want to work. For example, if you want to work as a building structural engineer in seismic zones (US West Coast), I'd consider a good graduate program to have courses in earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, performance based design, non-linear structural analysis, and advanced classes in concrete and steel. To get the best industry feedback tailored to your goals, I'd suggest reaching out to engineers (possibly LinkedIn) in the cities you want to work in and asking their opinions on those schools. For example, if you wanted to work in Denver Colorado, CU Boulder may be a top school in that area, while it may be less known in New York.

[@m.nadirghori5136]

@@MatPicardal thank you very much for your explanation. I really appreciate it.

[@MatPicardal]

@@m.nadirghori5136 of course, feel free to email or LinkedIn message me if you have any more questions.

[@allfooballgoals]

Hi Mat, I like your endless structural engineering advice, I am an undergraduate student who has developed interest in structural, i would love to know how to size analyze and design box culvert basing on hydrology unit hydrograph, Shear walls, a simple beam bridge. Any recommendations will be highly valued.

[@hinitohernandez5124]

Hey, What classes do I need to take before applying for an internship. Tx

[@ibrahimsyed7539]

A good step you took to make such videos. Really helps us, those who want to pursue a career in structural engineering. Can you inform me about becoming chartered structural engineer. what are the min requirements for them. And how much do you earn???😊😊😊😊

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Ibrahim! In the U.S., we have to go through an ABET accredited program (basically graduate with a B.S. degree), you can then get your master's or start working in the industry, then you take your Professional Engineer (PE) exam for your PE license. SE's with around 3- 4 years experience typically earn around $70-$95k in California.

[@marlonblosan8736]

Thanks for sharing your ideas. Presently i am working with the government performing general engineering. I am a civil engineer and i want to study and pursue structural engineering. How long would it take to complete in days or in hours to become a structural engineer? Thank you.

[@MatPicardal]

In the U.S., you need to pass the E.I.T. (engineer in training exam), then work for a few years in industry, then pass the P.E. (professional license) exam. P.E. probably takes 100 hours of studying at least.

[@sengsavang6499]

I am currently on international foundation program in Melbourne, Australia and my next major is Civil Engineering, do you have any recommendation for what I need to prepare or study before the first year of Bechelor degree? . Please Regard

[@MatPicardal]

Getting experience in construction definitely helps if you want to get into the structural engineering industry. You could try internships in construction. If you can't get an internship yet, build up your resume and leadership experience. You could become a team captain in an engineering student competition, you could become president of an engineering student organization, and apply for scholarships. If you have all that (or at least one or a few), it will be more difficult for firms to not look at you. Don't think you're too young to participate in those student engineering clubs/organizations, it will pay off. Here's how I got my internships: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXjChYN_f5iEZ9k If you really want a head start, statics (or vector statics, static analysis) is the most important class you'll take for structural engineering. It's fundamental and I use those concepts everyday.

[@sengsavang6499]

Thank you very much for your advice sir, I am looking forward to it👍👍👍

[@MatPicardal]

@@sengsavang6499 You're welcome :)

[@ajazsayyed8487]

Sir plz tell me what factor can we consider while reducing the rcc circular column to square column from one floor to another. Thank you.

[@danielwalsh9137]

Hi Mat, thank you for creating this channel! I'm 31 years old and I'm currently taking an Intro to Engineering class. Do you think it's too late for me to pursue a career in structural engineering?

[@TheMattAbeln]

I just turned 30 and I'm currently a Respiratory Therapist looking to get into something I really would enjoy. How did your path turn out, are you still tracked for Structural Engineer?

[@anujapnair8896]

I am a high school student from India I really love to work as a structural engineer at NASA, is a bachelor degree enough for me to join NASA

[@sethchhorn8293]

How do you get into grad school with a 3.0 GPA?

[@MatPicardal]

Extra curriculars and doing well on the GRE's and writing a good admission letter. I participated and helped lead engineering design competitions at school and was a board member for a civil engineering student organization at school. It helps to have internships also, but I didn't have any when I applied.

[@hyderahmed312]

Hey mat, Could you please suggest me which specialization should I opt for MS,either Construction management or structural engineering.... according to the scope in US..... Iam passionate about both fields.... Please give me a suggestion according to your experience plz

[@mahishadalom]

Nice information...

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks!

[@ilirianlulgjuraj9923]

Hey Mat, I am currently a senior in high school and my time to chose my path for college is pretty close. I have been interested in Civil (Structural) Engineering for the past 2 years now and I find it very very interesting. I just have this fear that I will fail at it tho, like I won’t understand some subjects or I will fail my exams. I’m pretty good at maths, not the best in physics tho. But I am always willing to improve and learn new stuff. Do you have any tips for me ? Appreciate the amazing content 🙌🏻

[@copyright4138]

Have you chosen your path to college yet or are you still in high school?

[@ilirianlulgjuraj9923]

@@copyright4138 I have chosen Civil Engineering for my Major. So I still went with it.

[@nguyenhongquan1403]

I graduated at geotechnical engineering Do I have any opportunity to become structural engineer?

[@Deepak_BhanDari]

Watching from Nepal

[@Thakuryogender6]

Can you plz tells us from where to learn structural engineering softwares such as SAP 2000 OR ETAB ETC??

[@beditz1591]

Econstruct is best way to learn...is fees is high but is the best way to learn.

[@IndianWarriors]

Thanks a lot...

[@franklinfitzgerald2666]

Hello Matt, If know these equats. : P/A. and MY/I , can become struc. eng ? Because the old civ. engs. said that, according to the prof. J Maccormac, and I know one more wl2/8. Do not be too serious,enjoy !

[@harshildesai6663]

Great Informative video... I am from India and I am looking forward to do masters in structural engineering from Canada or USA, Can you suggest me some Universities as I have above average profile?? And also what type of problems do students face if they are international students while pursuing SE??( CODES & RULES)

[@giorgiocarmagnani2849]

Can anyone take the FE exam? Even being a foreigner?

[@rexrivera8821]

Hey Mat! Are u a flilipino?

[@MatPicardal]

Yes! Born there, raised in US.

[@nanjatartol7375]

@@MatPicardal wow...

[@yahyakhan3733]

Sir I wannna learn to you i am from India

[@NetSkillNavigator]

Are you a Filipino American?

[@MatPicardal]

Yes I am :)

[@nnurubey316]

Hello sir I am looking for job in structure engineering please help me people.........

[@PercyMIyela]

Hey Sir am doing Civil engineering in China and I would like to be specialized in structural engineering. Any recommendations or advice?

[@MatPicardal]

Statics is one of the most important classes you will take. Then try to take as many design classes as you can if you want to work in the industry. And try to get internships as soon as possible.

[@civilideas1925]

👍🏻

[@stevenseguro]

If you are a licensed structural just do inspections for the Real Estate Industry. Most code enforcement or appraisal conditions are racially contrived political extortionist bullish... and your.."letters of recommendation" pay $1000 per instance.. Experienced General Contractors are going to do the work anyway..

[@Jigar-10987]

Hey, Mat I am a civil engineering student in my final year. Right now I am learning software like Staad Pro V8i, etabs, Safe, RC DC from some online portal like udemy. What level of expertise do I require in these softwares ? Can you make a video on it?

[@MatPicardal]

Knowing how to operate software is good, but the important question is, how do you know what the software is outputting is actually correct? This is the skill I urge new engineers to focus on. Just because software tells you the design "passes", does it mean it's actually correct? Different ways to do this - backcheck results with handcalcs if practical, knowing what the design should look like before being inputted into software (e.g., tension steel on the tension side of a concrete member), backcheck with past drawings/designs for a similar project, asking a senior level engineer to review, using another software program to verify you're getting similar results, etc. Thanks for this video suggestion, I put it on my list!

[@mrengineer4629]

So this is basically the best Structural Engineering channel on KZbin. All the videos I've watched so far are quite informative, and the need for an INTERNSHIP is so real. Fellow engineering students, please do your internships, at least 1, 2 or more are even better, and please improve your skills in Sap2000, ETABS, Revit, AutoCAD, etc. There is so much to learn along the way.

[@MatPicardal]

Thank you for the kind words, it means a lot!

[@kontrolstreak3012]

I agree!

[@yeswaystation27]

Hi guys, how do I gain more proficiency in SAP/AutoCAD while looking for structural eng. internships? The courses I've seen online are so expensive...

[@emmaaudu3461]

@@yeswaystation27 for Autocad you can find free videos on KZbin, download a free software and just follow along. Not sure about the SAAP software though

[@skimpylemon8034]

I wish someone told me this during College. Now I'm unemployed.