This can take many forms and the type of work is variable depending on your geographic location and your area of specialty. In my area of the country (PA), engineers that design bridges ONLY design bridges. Engineers that design buildings (usually) only design commercial buildings, or only design residential buildings. Very few do all these things well, so if you go into consulting make sure you pick a firm that has the type of projects that will keep you engaged long- term.

Experiences of engineers working in consulting vary as much as people do; if you go the consulting route and you don’t like your first job, be sure to try a few other firms. Often, it’s simply a matter of finding the firm that’s the right fit for you. This sector is what many would consider a “traditional” route, but can be suitable for any type of engineering personality. If you find the right firm (this is key!!!!), most engineers can thrive in this environment.

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OPTION 2: DESIGN/CONSULTING FOR AN ARCHITECTURE FIRM
I went this route immediately after college (before going to option #1 above three years in). I worked in the structural engineering department of an ENR 100 architecture firm. This was fabulous exposure to truly understanding what the client wants and understanding the holistic process of putting a building together since you are literally sitting next to architects (who became my clients when I went to work in a type #1 firm). I have never been invited to so many owner meetings in my life, which once again is awesome exposure to not just what architects want, but what clients want too.

Based on my own experience and in talking to other engineers who went this path, you should be aware that many architecture firms treat the engineering department as an ugly stepchild. Firm leadership is often 100% architects, who may or may not prioritize things like staying on the cutting edge of engineering. You should be aware that job openings for engineers working in the architecture firms that do have a reputation for being on the cutting edge will be fiercely competitive and will require extra effort on your part.

If you know early on that you may want to go into management, business development, or are considering starting your own consulting firm down the road, getting this perspective will be invaluable later in your career. Similar to option 1, most engineering personality types can thrive in this environment if they find the right firm.