Consulting Electrical Engineering Textbook

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seanyb16

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Hello All,
I have just graduated with my EE degree and landed my first job for a consulting engineering firm. I have noticed a majority of what I learned in college does not apply to this industry which is based around power, drawings, and specifying not the Tech stuff I learned. Does anyone out there know of a textbook that could teach me about consulting engineering?? I could really use the help, thanks so much!!
 
The first thing I would do is quit that job and go to work for a contractor for at least 3 years, preferrably more. Start as a truck driver, apprentice, apply to the Union, whatever.

The union apprenticeship can't be beat but you have to commit to work for a number of years afterward or you owe them the cost of the education plus it takes roughly 5 years to complete.

The ABC has a decent apprenticeship program now as well, takes less time to complete and is easier to get in to without the commitment, I think, but don't know for sure.

After you're done with that go back to a design firm. Work under a PE for 4 years then take the PE test.

You'll be light years ahead of any of your peers at the design firm or the in the industry period. You can spend all that time sitting in front of AutoCAD and the code books and Stallcups design book and the American Electricians Handbook etc. but you never will get to the same level as you will by working for a contractor first, especially if you carry the tools for awhile.

When I quit the contractor life and went to a design firm I was absolutely amazed at what the Engineers DIDN'T know - and at what I DID and DIDN'T know.

How do I know this? I started out running material (truck driver) for a union EC after college. I was humbled quickly being the hot shot new Purdue Engineering grad I was. Best thing anyone ever did for me. 16 years and a Masters license in one pocket and PE license in the other later and I'm in pretty good shape.
 
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Been Both Places

Been Both Places

Some thoughts: I have been an electric engineer for 30 years with the last 7 as a consultant. The world of school is very different from the real world. You need 10-15 years of hands-on experience to really know your business. So, try to spend as much field time as possible for the first few years.

The few engineers I know who have spent their entire career being consultants tend to be "know it alls" and do not have much hands on experience. If you want to focus on "studies", you may be able to do the same. If you want to be in the construction end, you need some field time.

There is no book. Listen to the people you work with who have experience. Keep your mouth shut and listen. Read everything you can get your hand on. Scour used book stores for old books. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Ask people with experience to review your work. Don't take it hard if they tear it apart, that is how you will learn. Hang in there.
 
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