Top products from r/MEPEngineering

Hi u/Ronnie_VB fellow sparkie here! I'm newer to the MEP field but joined in right after college. I will definitely say that MEP is a niche part of engineering for sure but the industry is in desperate need of more EE's (and MEs). I would first off definitely encourage you too find some local MEP firms and see if you can go and shadow one of their younger engineers to get an idea of what you would be doing right out of the gate.

1. I can only speak for the two firms I've worked for and now as I train some younger guys what I expect: Ohms law and how to use the index of code books. We realize that many engineers graduating from 4 year programs just don't have classes in most of what we do on a day to day basis. We will typically pair you up with a few engineers of varying experience levels and train you up that way. We send you to classes and have you work on various parts of projects with engineers that are experienced. If you are willing to learn Autodesk products (CAD and Revit) and willing to continuously learn as codes change, you're going to be just fine. I would say the biggest thing is we want smart engineers that have good COMMUNICATION skills!!
   
2. I would look into various local firms - you don't want to be far from home or wherever you reside. As long as you have a good resume that looks professional and you can present yourself well then you're all good. Communication and ability/passion to learn is typically what we are looking for.
   
   If you want to make yourself more competitive download Revit from Autodesk (free if you're a student) and then buy this book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947456253/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1 and work through it (general and electrical sections). While a lot of firms will build Revit out to their liking, being able to say you have experience with Revit is huge. We can spend less time bringing you up to speed giving you marks and teaching you have to draft and spend more time teaching you basic design. I can just give you things with light marks and you can just do it - more value to the company, plus more fun for you.
   
   Also sign up for free NFPA memebership and just learn about the NEC, being able to say you're familiar with that will also make you incredibly valuable.
   
   ​
   
   Feel free to drop me a message if you want more info.

I'm weird about my colored pencils, every survey must start with two sharpened pencils in every color. :) I also have two of every floor plan I'll need, printed at 24"x18". It's nice to have backups, in case you screw up or in case a coworker is with you and forgot their plans.

A Giant clipboard is also handy. I also keep Leatherman Multitool in my bag, which I use pretty often.

Not PM specifically, but generally a good book an keeping track of many things. Called Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.