How to be a Self Employed Engineer

Summary

In the first episode of *The Shadow War*, the narrator gives an inside look at their job as an assistant to their father, a freelance engineer who works from home. Using software like AutoCAD and Revit, they create detailed building plans and manage tasks such as email communication and client interactions. The father shares insights into the challenges and benefits of self-employment, comparing it to working at a larger firm, and offers advice for aspiring engineers, emphasizing the importance of internships, construction experience, and strong communication skills. The episode also highlights job site inspections and the long-term stability of this career path, providing valuable information for those considering engineering as a profession.

Takeaways

• 😀 Freelancing as an engineer offers more freedom compared to working in a larger firm, but also comes with added responsibilities such as client management and invoicing.
• 😀 Being self-employed means you don't have a boss, but you need to handle everything on your own, from project management to finances.
• 😀 Drafting and using design software like AutoCAD and Revit is a major part of the job, especially when creating structural plans for buildings.
• 😀 Strong communication skills, including writing and interpersonal skills, are crucial for engineers, as many struggle with these aspects.
• 😀 Engineering work often involves collaborating with architects and other consultants to ensure a building's design is structurally sound.
• 😀 Aspiring engineers should seek internships or experience in architectural or engineering offices to understand how the industry works.
• 😀 Math and science, particularly courses like differential equations, are key for aspiring engineers, with civil engineering being a strong career path.
• 😀 Engineers who want to stand out should focus on both technical knowledge and developing soft skills like communication and client relations.
• 😀 Self-employed engineers often face challenges like getting paid by clients, but understanding client needs can help improve payment terms.
• 😀 Working from home offers flexibility, allowing engineers to work at any time of day, but it can feel isolating without the camaraderie of a larger office environment.
• 😀 On-site inspections are part of an engineer's job, often involving troubleshooting and problem-solving to ensure construction issues are resolved before a building is finished.

Q & A

What is the primary role of the narrator in their father's business?

The narrator assists their father, who is a self-employed structural engineer, by managing tasks such as sending emails, printing plans, and delivering documents.

How does self-employment in engineering differ from working in a larger firm?

Self-employment offers more flexibility and control, but it also involves managing clients and finances, whereas a larger firm provides structure, a steady paycheck, and less responsibility for the business side of things.

What software tools are used in the engineering work described in the video?

The primary software used in the engineering work is AutoCAD, and sometimes Revit, which are used for drafting and designing building plans.

How does the narrator’s father handle getting paid for his self-employed work?

He writes invoices and follows up with clients for payments, sometimes offering discounts or improved services to encourage prompt payment, ensuring good client relationships.

What advice does the narrator's father give to someone wanting to pursue a career in engineering or architecture?

He suggests getting internships to understand how projects work, gaining construction experience to understand how buildings are put together, and focusing on math and science courses, particularly differential equations.

What is the narrator's father’s educational background in engineering?

The narrator's father has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and he also mentions that some engineers pursue a math degree before going to graduate school for engineering.

What is one challenge of managing a larger team in engineering, according to the narrator's father?

Managing payroll for a larger team was challenging, as it required collecting enough money to meet payroll each month and balancing the demands of multiple employees.

Why does the narrator’s father prefer working with fewer employees now?

He finds it easier to manage projects and payroll with just a smaller team, as it simplifies communication and oversight, and reduces the complications of managing a large workforce.

How does the narrator’s father feel about working from home despite almost never being there?

He appreciates the convenience of working from home, especially the ability to work early in the morning or late at night, although he misses the camaraderie of larger office settings.

What type of engineering work does the narrator’s father specialize in, and who are his primary clients?

The narrator’s father is a structural engineer specializing in building design, working primarily with architects who rely on him to ensure the structural integrity of their designs.