Advice on Getting a Civil Engineering Job

I graduated back in May with a Civil Engineering degree. The problem for me is I wasn't able to get an internship, mostly due to my grades, though I did pass the FE. I've been trying to get a part time job around where I live (which I did get one, but I can't work there after December) and maybe ask someone in an engineering firm if I can work there a few days of the week for free to try and get some experience.

Other than that, I'm not really sure what I can do. I have applied to all the entry level positions that I find but am usually turned down. If anyone can give me advice on something I can do to help improve my chances, I'd appreciate it.

I guess keep your head up, The FE is weird, companies ask for it, but all my interviews have never asked me about it, but almost all asked me if i was getting my masters. I did not pass the FE, after scoring 75% in some areas and it was below average.

I would get a degree in electrical engineering, all my friends have jobs, as for civil friends, only 3 out of 50, and all three knew somebody.

I understand. Out of all my friends who got jobs, they either knew someone, were able to stay with the company they interned for, or were at the very top of the class with a lot of experience, but mainly the first two. Outside of that, most of my friends don't have civil jobs. I really only know one person and he has been trying to help me get a job with the DOT.

I've already settled on the idea of Master's degree, though. I'm going to go the non-degree route and try my best to get A's and hopefully the University will accept me, I just need to figure out how to pay for it.

As for another degree, I think it would be easier for me to get a mechanical degree since a few of the basic classes are the same for civils and mechanicals (statics, dynamics, strength of materials, etc). Either that or get a degree that is useful for civil engineering, like mining or geology, but like I said, I've settled on the idea of a Master's.

About the FE, I have never been asked about during interviews, just that it is required on the job listing. One of my friends got a job because of someone he knew with the DOT and he didn't pass the FE.

I'm still going to try the free internship idea because it doesn't hurt, but when I wrote this I wasn't aware of all the options I had and was trying to research for more, which what all I have said is all I have found.

Like you said, keep your head up. I don't know if you have had trouble with finding a job, but I hope what I've found is helpful to you.

As an FYI referencing Civil Engineering. My son graduated 4/11 with BS engineering physics, and after 4 months, 75 resumes and countless phone interviews he has finally landed a job. He was looking at mid to large companies, had 5 years of experience with hydrology/water transmission in the third world, design experience, FE, etc..Many of these companies have incredible sites for recent graduates, with verbage in regards to entry level, resumes needed, profiles, for rotational programs, etc.. and unfortunately none of them are actually hiring or if they are it doesnt lend credence to such a massive and extensive careers site. Infrastructure is a joke in this country, and any dollars spent by the govt. to the states and consequently to large corporations will be pissed away via Davis Bacon Act.
My recommendations to you is to continue looking, but concentrate on oil and gas, where he has had the most support, and response.
Best of Luck.

Quit wile you're still ahead. Change your major or emphasis, and do whatever you can to get out of civil engineering. This field is sadly in the middle of a bust. There are no jobs to be found anywhere. Electrical, mechanical, petroleum, chemical engineers, etc. are getting hired left and right at the moment, and at much higher salaries than any civil engineer can expect to see, even after 5+ years of experience. It's truly a reflection on supply and demand. Unfortunately there is an overabudnance of un/underemployed civil engineers in the market right now. Because nobody is building anything, or planning to build anything for years to come (since everyone is broke), there isn't any need for civil engineers. Hence why so many of them are witout jobs, or are working in jobs that aren't within the normal ranger of what would be considered a civil engineer. One of my meighbors used to be a civil engineer, but has since switched careers because he couldn't find any work over the past few years. But another neighbor is an electrical engineer, who happens to make a nice six figure salary. He's never been out of work before. That comparison just between my two neighbors is probably what you'll see across the entire country right now. If you can get out of civil engineering, do so immediately. Otherwise you might spend the rest of your life regretting your decision.

I graduated in May 2011, so it's too late to change majors. I did find a job that is sort of civil engineering and I'm treating it as the internship I never had. It's field tech work and if I choose to stay, then I'll eventually start doing civil engineering work. Though, I do hope to find work elsewhere after a year or so here.

Thanks for all the feedback.