Is there any benefit to a double major in mechanical and civil? I’m a junior undergrad civil engineering major I switched this summer from mechanical cause I wanted to do more work within environmental or architectural engineering, however I also might want to go into patent law after getting some experience in the field. I’ve heard that mech e is better for patent law and I’ve also learned that there are some ways to be a mech e and do environmental engineering. However, I’ve really enjoyed my civil classes more than mechanical yet some classes in civil engineering sound interesting (ex. Thermodynamics, Fluids II, Dynamic Systems and Controls). I also have undergrad research experience that involves Python heavily and I enjoy coding which aligns more with mech e and matlab applications etc. As I approach my senior year I want to know what my plan is and if I am going to do another year to double major. Any advice is appreciated.

should i use MIDAS Gen or STAAD? what are the pros and cons of each?

Hello! I have an extensive final project that is due soon for a CAD course at my university and I’m seeing some help. My project is about my local wastewater treatment plant (San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility) and we were given a part of the process to focus on and I have digesters. The project is quite in depth and requires a process mechanical diagram, P&ID diagram, electrical single line diagram, among other things (a civil tank installation drawing and a mechanical drawing of Tank/Basin design details)

I have gotten stuck because I have mainly found information on digester tanks themselves and very basic information at that. And I am looking for information on the whole digestive process. Since this is for a cad class my professor isn’t looking for details on the chemical process. Information I’ve obtained: About 10 years about the plant started a CIP, 4 digesters were upgraded and TPAD system was installed those use a gas mixing system. While the rest of the digesters mesophilic, and am not sure what mixing system is used. There is also a cogeneration system.

I have scoured the internet for information, looked at textbooks, checked the city’s website to look at their plans. Went to city hall, called the plant and the public works department, looked through the other public documents available on the city’s website, even filed a public records request, and spoke to the digester engineer(he gave me a bit of information but not much). My professor said this process was difficult and people don’t usually do well on it. I was hoping that people might have access to resources/documentation that isn’t readily available or just be able to provide more insight on the parts and processes since what I’ve found on the internet is lacking. Thank you so much!

I get this question so often. That and converting latitude and longitude to northing and easting. Mildly infuriating or first world problems. Thanks for listening to my short rant.

I have had a look at the software and on first glance it looks interesting but I can’t quite understand how useful it is. Is it worth learning for hydraulic calculations? Or do other software packages achieve the same thing better? I would be looking to use it for open channel and culvert designs primarily. Thanks!

Let me preface by saying I've got my in-year required CPD though paid seminars, technical workshops, and free virtual courses.

As we know, PEOs criteria for CPD credits is broad. Really, any format goes - per PEO, "these include CPD activities that are free or paid, self-paced or instructor-led, delivered virtually or in person or in a hybrid format, as well as events that are held locally or overseas."

I'm curious how Ontario PEng's are gaining their CPD credits as required under the peak program. E.g. in-person courses or seminats, virtual courses via YouTube, other more formal sites, self-study, etc?

I assume the format heavily depends on whether or not companies are subsidizing learning opportunities for employees, or whether the PEng is a sole operator with tighter budget.

Any thoughts or experience sharing would be great. TIA

I'm a 2nd year EIT working in the municipal water/wastewater sector in Canada. Technically my area of expertise is process mechanical however I graduated with a degree in civil engineering and our company has been using me for site civil design which I have some knowledge, but the projects we are currently working on have a pretty large civil scope and Im starting to feel a bit out of my depth. I've mostly been learning from looking at past projects and asking my senior engineer questions, but I was just wondering if there are some textbooks/resources anyone could recommend for site civil and linear works?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi everyone!

I’m a final-year MSc student in civil engineering in France, and I’m looking for advice or mentorship on how to focus my career path.

For years, I’ve been sure that I wanted to work on-site (field) infrastructure projects of any kind. I had a 6-month internship with a major construction company in Spain, (building construction) and I didn’t enjoy it. The experience was mostly dealing with endless calls and conflicts (subcontractors, administration, workers…), which made me rethink that path.

Now, I’m considering trying design for my next internship, which starts soon. I’m leaning toward transportation-related projects—like roads, railways, or similar—but I’m not sure if it’s the right move. On one hand, I think it’s a good idea to diversify my experience: I’d have 6 months in construction and 6 months in design, which might help me figure out what I truly enjoy. On the other hand, I know I partly enjoy fieldwork, and I have the chance to work on Europe’s largest infrastructure project—the Paris Metro extension.

I feel a bit torn, and I’m wondering what you’ve learned from your own career journeys. What advice would you give your younger self to help someone like me gain clarity?

Thanks for your time and insight

What sustainable aggregates are there that haven’t been explored much but should? I see concrete aggregates as a good way of minimising landfill by putting waste materials to good use from plastics to even fast fashion textiles. Or even better if I could possibly incorporate carbon negative material like olivine or biochar?

I am going to be doing various lab tests and research on a concrete with a sustainable aggregate and I need ideas to help to decide on what aggregate.

I want to take advantage of the uni vacation to learn some software that is commonly used in civil engineering work

Hi all,

I'm an EIT in the US with 2 YOE that's been working for a small, local municipality since graduating, and lately I've been considering leaving to go to the private sector. I feel like the work has gotten super stale and I'm missing out on the technical design experience I'd be getting in private. I am pretty proactive in trying to get involved with more technical work at my organization, but the opportunities and resources just aren't really there. I am basically a paper pusher mostly involved with permitting/regulation, and assigning work to consultants.

I think the toughest pill to swallow would be taking a paycut going to private. Based off firms I've been looking at in my area, I'd most likely be taking a 25-30% pay cut, not including benefits.... Public sector vacation and work-life is probably better, but a lot of the firms I've been looking at offer a hybrid WFH schedule, with some offering 4/10's and some with half-day Fridays, so I kind of see it as a wash. Practically every single firm in my area, from small companies, to midsize firms, to the AECOM's/WSP's/Jacobs', is hiring, so I can be pretty picky about where I want to go. Not sure if it's also worth noting - but I'm in my late 20's and don't have kids or a mortgage currently.

Any other early career bros/brahs been in a similar situation and happy/unhappy with the decision to switch? Any general advice?

Hi everyone! Are there any of you that sell sketch-up cracks? please help a broke student here. Thank youuuu

I’m getting my PE soon and it seems like I’m on the traditional consultant path of becoming a project engineer to then being a manager or a Township Engineer. While this path works for me I would like to know if there were cool career opportunities I never considered us PE’s would be great candidates for. I’ve heard some PE’s have left the civil field completely and went into business, some have went and worked sales for civil software, or construction products, etc. Is there a unique path anyone on Reddit has taken? I feel the salary expectations for a traditional civil path are not that great but are comfortable if in a two income household in the MCOL/HCOL areas.

As the title says, my grades in math aren't the best. People have said that you shouldn't pursue engineering if your weak in math. I took the Sat once, and only studied (although inconsistently) for two weeks (solely math), and got a 660 in reading and 570 in math. I got A's in junior high math, ending 8th grade pre algebra with an A, but ever since highschool, I have been averaging C+ to B in math. However, I'm taking pre calculus this year and mantaining an A, which is definetly an outlier. My lack of effort in the past years may have contributed to my low math grades. My physics grade is a B, mainly due to a strict teacher and low grades in assignments outside of tests, quizzes, and homework. I realized that most people go into this field being proficient in math. My other option/alternative is accounting. Realistically, am I unlikely to succeed in a CE program?

Any tips for applying to usajobs.gov? Been plodding along in the private sector applying to everything I can on that website (for civils), and I never get contacted for anything. Also, they are super unclear if they want a PE or not so I might just be applying to the wrong postings. Just an EIT

I’m used to LinkedIn, and obviously there’s going directly to company websites. What else has been a solid platform for you all to find legit job prospects? (PE, 6 YOE)

Hi, i am a 2nd year student, though i am pursuing computer science engineering, i have a deep passion(u can say hobby type) for the domain of civil engineering and i wanted to make interdisciplinary projects combining these 2 fields which for me will lead to more holistic and actual engineering learning

can someone elaborate more on the scope for the same and especially on the subdomains of both the fields which i should learn more or research more about for this(i hope u get what i am trying to say)

if u have to say anything else, please do say so, it will help me learn more

thanks in advance

What are the best laptops for civil engineering students under ₹1 lakh in India? Looking for options that can handle software like AutoCAD, Revit, and MATLAB efficiently, with good performance, display quality, and durability.

TIA.

Has anyone experience in Karamba3D/Grasshopper that would like to help a masters student out. Thesis on truss parametric design🐸

This question is specifically for people who have worked or are working in NYC, LA, ATL, CHICAGO… etc. Big cities in the USA.

I have been working in a smaller city in the states and been doing my thing, getting decent recognition, projects are moderately noteworthy. Life is a good balance. Money is decent from my perspective for the age and experience.

Is there a difference in pay scale, type of projects, lifestyle, career that should draw me to a bigger city? I am completely flexible to do so in my life right now if it’s worth it.

Would also love to hear from people who have experienced both.

I am a Nepalese citizen, just completed by bachelor's in civil engineering from Nepal and planning to study Masters in Australia in 2026 but I am confused about the major i should take. Me personally want to study structural engineering and be in the design team but from what I have heard pay and job opportunity for Construction Management graduate is much more. I need suggestions.

I am in the process of building a G+1 Floor House in India. We got a Structure design plan from a local civil engineer. However, I am not convinced with the design as I have doubts about its Stability and Durability. The Columns with 6inchx15inch size looks too weak for me with respect to load bearing capacity. Although the ground is very solid red soil, I would like to request the Experienced and expert Civil engineers opinions/Inputs. Attached are the pictures of the proposed design. Thank you very much in advance.

Please post your job openings. Make sure to include a summary of the location, title, and qualifications. If you're a job seeker, where are you at and what can you do?

What's a good and easy final project that applies principles learned in hydraulics and hydrodynamics. I'm a student and my budget is limited. Teacher told us no hydraulic lifts cos it's too common.