Hello everyone! I am a recent graduate (graduated 2024), I already passed the PE Structural exam and I am currently studying for the SE exam. Because of the work experience requirement in Utah, I still have two years more to get my PE Civil license. I have this strong desire to be an entrepreneur, I know it’s hard but I know it’s worth it. My internal battle is that almost every structural engineer I have talked to recommend I have at least 7-9 years of experience before I even consider doing my own thing. This discourage me from wanting to stay in engineering, I was hoping to start my own thing as soon as I got my PE license, something small like doing residential observations and providing stamped reports or something like that. I don’t really care what I do as long as it’s my own thing. What are your guys’ thoughts? Am I just being unrealistic with my goals? Any thoughts @Zane Pucylowski as the most experience engineer here? I appreciate everyone in advance!

Big takeaways from today’s call with Zane: • Early in your career, broad experience is great, but over time you need to build real expertise. Don't fall into "10 years of one year of experience." • Find a niche and get really good at it. Specialists are the ones people seek out. • Get clear on what you actually want from your career. Your decisions should match your long-term goals. • If you feel stuck, talk to your employer. Ask for more responsibility and opportunities to grow. • Starting your own firm is tougher than most people expect. If possible, partner with someone, buy into an existing firm, or build experience before going out on your own. • If you're doing side work, understand liability, insurance, contracts, and don't underprice yourself. • Don't think only in terms of hourly rates. Focus on the value you provide, not just the time you spend. Lots of great advice in this one, especially if you're early in your career, thinking about specializing, or considering starting your own firm. If you missed it, check out the replay, and feel free to drop any questions below.

Step 1: Get your LinkedIn profile updated! Banner, title, dates, keywords, connections, professional memberships. Get it all to flow and match. 'But Zane, I don't know what to put on my profile' ...... well, find 10 people that are 5 to 10 years ahead of you in the industry / job you want to work and pattern them. They all have a gearbox in the background, you have a gearbox in the background. They all have blue shirt and tie on in their photo, you have blue shirt and tie on. They all joined ASME, you joined ASME. Pattern for success. Get this done and post below with your link / questions / results.

For those that started your own company, or bought an existing one, or even worked as a principal. What would you say was the main thing that made the company keep improving? Many people talk about hiring A-players, but in my opinion, now days that is so rare that it would take so long to find an A-player when your company needs someone ASAP. Also, people talk about being so skillful, but once you are the owner or a principal, you are mostly having other people doing the actual work. I know there has to be a balance, but I believe having the right systems in place and being the leader people want and need can get you further than anything else. Thoughts?

I would really like to obtain a solid understanding of the growth that I can undergo in Structural Engineering, what is required to be successful in this field, and how I can get started on climbing the ladder