it's that time of life
Time is flying by me at the speed of light. I don't like the fact that I've gone through half of my year at UCLA. I absolutely hate the quarter system because I get the feeling that a lot of material is rushed due to the lack of sufficient time to cover everything. However, besides that, everything else has been quite an enriching experience. I am arriving at the point where I am searching for a suitable job, which is by no means an easy task. Part of my non-chalant attitude towards this matter is probably because my professor/advisor keeps telling us that geotechnical engineers are in high demand and there aren't enough students coming out with a masters. Supposedly I have a lot of bargaining power when it comes to my desired salary.
Recently I interviewed for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The whole process took about an hour and fifteen minutes; it was a one on one interview with one of the practicing engineers who has been with the county for 20 years. The problem isn't that I did poorly on the interview; I think I pulled through that ordeal with more grace than I expected for myself. The main issue is that I am torn between working for the government or going into the private sector.
Throughout the years, I've talked with classmates, professors, and others who have work experience regarding the difference between working for the public or private sector. Apparently, there seems to be a consensus that you won't be able to learn as much in the public sector as opposed to working for a private firm. The argument is that the public sector is so large that it becomes impossible to seek reliable help within your division. This also goes along with a large private firm. A small firm is supposed to nurture you and help you grow as an engineer.
Working for LA County certainly has its benefits. I get a competitive starting salary, I get a lot of health and dental benefits, and I get more vacation time than if I worked for a private firm (plus I get government holidays off). The public sector doesn't work for a profit, whereas the livelihood of a private firm depends on the amount of revenue it's bringing in. This translates to a work environment that is supposed to be less stressful and you're not obligated to pull in a lot of overtime. There appears to be a lot of stability holding a government job. The biggest advantage I see is that their office is on Fremont, in Alhambra. As much as I enjoyed living on my own at Berkeley, I can't ignore the amount of money I'll be saving on rent and gas.
Honestly, I don't know where I am going to end up several years from now. All I know is that I will most likely be somewhere in California. I cherish the amount of friends and family I have in Los Angeles and I can't bear the thought of wandering too far. Hopefully things will be much more clearer a month or two from today.
Recently I interviewed for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The whole process took about an hour and fifteen minutes; it was a one on one interview with one of the practicing engineers who has been with the county for 20 years. The problem isn't that I did poorly on the interview; I think I pulled through that ordeal with more grace than I expected for myself. The main issue is that I am torn between working for the government or going into the private sector.
Throughout the years, I've talked with classmates, professors, and others who have work experience regarding the difference between working for the public or private sector. Apparently, there seems to be a consensus that you won't be able to learn as much in the public sector as opposed to working for a private firm. The argument is that the public sector is so large that it becomes impossible to seek reliable help within your division. This also goes along with a large private firm. A small firm is supposed to nurture you and help you grow as an engineer.
Working for LA County certainly has its benefits. I get a competitive starting salary, I get a lot of health and dental benefits, and I get more vacation time than if I worked for a private firm (plus I get government holidays off). The public sector doesn't work for a profit, whereas the livelihood of a private firm depends on the amount of revenue it's bringing in. This translates to a work environment that is supposed to be less stressful and you're not obligated to pull in a lot of overtime. There appears to be a lot of stability holding a government job. The biggest advantage I see is that their office is on Fremont, in Alhambra. As much as I enjoyed living on my own at Berkeley, I can't ignore the amount of money I'll be saving on rent and gas.
Honestly, I don't know where I am going to end up several years from now. All I know is that I will most likely be somewhere in California. I cherish the amount of friends and family I have in Los Angeles and I can't bear the thought of wandering too far. Hopefully things will be much more clearer a month or two from today.