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Design / Which one should I go with AutoCAD or Microstation?

« on: April 26, 2010, 04:39:00 PM »

I am a recent civil engineering graduate and since I can’t seem to get a job, I have decided to teach myself engineering design software.  From what I understand, the two big players in this Arena  AutoCAD and Microstation. So, my questions to those who have previously used these programs is the following:

1.   Which of the two design packages should I focus on; and
2.   is there a way to get free licenses since I don’t have a job.

Any further advice will be much appreciated.
Thank you.

2

Career / Interviewing for an engineering job with a governmental organization

« on: October 05, 2009, 11:58:52 PM »

Today I had an interview with the FDOT for a project management position. This was my first interview with a governmental organization and I was caught completely off-guard by the interview style and procedures they used.
Typically, engineering interviews I have been involved in follow a similar format consisting of introductions, specific questions from your resume and your experience followed by a question-and-answer session.  Such is the kind of interview I prepared for only to be utterly surprised.
Well, the interview with FDOT followed a structured format which involved a list of preset questions perhaps used on all the interviewees.
What caught me off guard was the fact that the questions had nothing to do with my former experience but included hypothetical situational questions, the how-you-would-act-in-situation-X -given-constraints-A-B-or-C type of questions. These are the type of questions you would get in a customer service type of position.
So, next time you are interviewing be aware of this strategy which I assume is protocol for government engineering jobs.

Have you had to go through an engineering interview with the government?
What was your experience?
What types of questions were asked?