Boston

[JayW]

Im really starting to plan for my future now and have decided on my major (civil engineering at umass amherst) and am thinking of where i'll be in just a few short years possibly even less with internships etc. I'll most likely be getting a job in some big city such as Hartford, New York or Boston with the degree that I get. Anyone have any experiences working in Boston of any of these other places and would like to talk about the lifestyle and your experience with it would be appreciated. I know it may be a little early yet but time flys by and you never know what can happen.

[Toad]

Wish I could help. Was station on 2 cutters in Boston in the early 70's. It's a different city now. BPapi. After you get your degree let me know. My step brother is a heavy for NY DOT. Has one hell of a job. Got it after he graduated from college. Great bennys, good work.

[grimfisher]

I actually did my undergrad in civil engineering at Northeastern, which has a well-established co-op program, so I have both lived and worked as a civil engineer in Boston. I loved living in the city, and certainly wouldn't trade those years for anything. Boston is the perfect size to make it feel like your own city if you spend enough time in it, although people that just commute into the city every day tend to only be acquainted with the block outside their office. As an engineer, you can probably afford to live in the city (definitely if you're a bachelor!). Most of the civil engineering firms have offices actually IN the city (or in Cambridge), so your 15 minute T-ride will be a blessing compared to traffic.

Though things are winding down now that the Big Dig is fading away, Boston is still a major civil engineering hub - lots of big firms with impressive portfolios of innovative projects completed across the globe. I did 3 & 6-month stints with the following: 3 months with CDM (environmental engineering), 9 months with Walsh Brothers (construction management), and 9 months with HNTB (highway/transportation engineering).

Regarding fishing though, I never fished until I moved out to Amherst, although I now realize there's plenty of fishing in the Boston area. In general, now that I've "returned to the woods" I don't think I'll ever live in a city again. But then again, I'm also not a civil engineer anymore.

Good luck with school, and feel free to ask me more about Boston or civil engineering.

[JayW]

Thank you Toad and Grimfisher for the quick responses.
Grimfisher I was actually going to go to Northeastern but then when the financial aid came in I was like thats out of the question. Its very expensive but you get to live in a great city and get a good education. The co op program there is also very good. I kind of figured that Boston/Cambridge area is where a lot of firms are based out of. I can definatly see myself working in Boston someday and with the great commuter rail system makes it better.
I was actually thinking on getting my bachelors in civil enginering and then getting a minor in construction management. How is construction management? Would I be better off by getting a minor in it? Thanks again for your responses. This information really helps me out a lot. Thanks again.

[noresman]

With the computer skills you've shown getting this site up and running I'm kind of suprised you aren't going into some sort of programming field. My brother-in-law graduated from Lowell Tech before it became part ot U-Mass with a degree in Electrical engineering. Now he's a senior programming engineer for Fidelity Investment making good money. He also turned down his first chioce of college for financial reasons. (MIT) Good luck with whatever you pursue.

[grimfisher]

Bpapi,

Construction management can definitely be very rewarding, since you are directly involved in the end product, and you get to watch the whole project come to fruition before your eyes - plus, construction is just damn cool! Of course, with all that comes a lot of headaches, since cost & schedule NEVER work together nicely.

A minor in CM is probably worthwhile, since it will most likely familiarize you with some scheduling software, cost estimate techniques, etc. - stuff that looks good on a resume. But, in CM your coursework is usually secondary to your REAL education, which takes place in the field. Experience is definitely the best and maybe only way to learn about everything that needs to be done, how it's going to get done, who's going to do it, and most importantly, when & how much! Internships wil be very beneficial, so definitely try to get one after your freshman or sophomore year, even if you're doing dinky take-offs in some small construction office. You can always learn by asking 1,000 annoying questions if you're in their office.

I've got a million things I could say about civil engineering, so ask away.

[fisher16]

Bpapi have you looked at Wentworth College?? My grandfather is a graduate and was a civil engineer now retired. Worked on alot of projects in Florida, and abroad other countries. During bridge work, panama canal ect, ect, and ect. My two uncles are both Civil Engineers one works for Florida Power and Light the other is a big boss at some Construction Co down in Florida. They both went to Florida State to get their degrees.

If I were you I would apply for all the loans, scholarships, financial aid you can get. Your young and once you get out of school get a good job you'll be able to pay off those remaining balances rather quickly. Boston is a great place to live rather expensive but I'm sure you would have a good time living and attending school there.

[Tuc]

I lived in Cambridge and Somerville for a few years when I first married.For a single guy you will have the time of your life.Fishing abounds out there, both fresh and salt.Living on the outskirts in a small bach pad will give you a chance to save money.Before I got married I would say the best part of living in the Bean Town was the night life.Unless u smell funny or have a 3rd eye,you will have a very busy night life.Comedy clubs abound and that was my ticket into a dates bed.Enjoy Boston while your young and dont get married like me.

Tuc

[Toad]

Bpapi...one of the biggest bennys that my step brother had working for DOT in NY was being on the roads in upstate NY. He did a lot of fishing on his survey trips and got to get into places where most folks aren't allowed.