I'm writing this partly to vent, but I'd also genuinely like to hear from other structural engineers, especially those who are early in their careers or working outside the US and Europe.
I'm a civil engineer specializing in structural engineering, and I have around a year and a half of experience, including approximately a year working independently as a structural engineer on a project I designed from scratch.
The problem is that I'm struggling to find consistent work. I've spent weeks applying through LinkedIn, local job boards, and other platforms. Most positions seem to require 2, 3, 5, or even 8 years of experience. Entry-level opportunities are surprisingly difficult to find, and when I do find something, the compensation in my country, Colombia, is often disappointing considering the responsibility involved in structural design.
I've also tried applying for offshore opportunities, hoping to work with companies in the US or elsewhere, but so far I haven't found a company willing to give me that chance.
What frustrates me is that I genuinely enjoy structural engineering. I like understanding how structures behave, analyzing systems, designing members, and solving engineering problems. I've put a lot of effort into learning structural analysis and design software, understanding codes, and improving my skills. But sometimes I wonder what the point is if I can't get enough practical experience to become better at the job.
Another thing that has been bothering me is what employers actually prioritize. You see job postings asking for ETABS, SAP2000, AutoCAD, Revit, and a long list of other tools. But increasingly, it feels like proficiency in Revit and producing drawings is more important than understanding structural behavior and design. I understand that documentation and BIM are essential parts of the industry, and I'm willing to learn them, but it's frustrating when you want to develop as a structural engineer and feel that your ability to analyze and design structures is not enough to get your foot in the door.
I also look at people working in software and AI and wonder whether I've chosen a field with such a difficult entry point and such a low return, at least where I live. Structural engineering carries enormous responsibility. You're designing buildings that people will occupy for decades. Decisions have real consequences, and you need technical knowledge, judgment, and experience. Yet the compensation and opportunities available to someone starting out don't always seem to reflect that.
I know experience matters. I'm not claiming to be a senior engineer, and I understand that I still have a lot to learn. I'm not expecting to be paid like someone with ten years of experience. I just want a realistic opportunity to develop, do meaningful work, and build a stable career without spending years stuck in a cycle where every employer wants experience that nobody seems willing to help you gain.
At this point, I'm starting to question my career path. I still like structural design, but I also need financial stability. Sometimes it feels like moving into software, BIM, or another field would be the more rational decision, even if structural engineering is what I actually enjoy.
So I'd really like to hear from you:
- Did anyone else struggle this much to enter the structural engineering profession?
- If you're working internationally or from a country with lower salaries, how did you find opportunities with foreign firms?
- Have you found that the industry increasingly prioritizes drafting and BIM skills over structural analysis and design skills for junior positions?
- If you were starting over today, would you still choose structural engineering? What would you do differently?
I'm not looking for someone to tell me that everything will magically work out. I'd genuinely appreciate honest perspectives from people who have been through this, especially if you managed to build a sustainable career despite a difficult start.
Right now, I'm tired of applying, getting nowhere, and wondering whether all this effort will eventually lead to the career I wanted when I decided to become a structural engineer.