 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I am co-owner of AMI Consulting Engineers and manage the marine and industrial departments. We provide complete structural and marine engineering services throughtout the United States with our main office located in Duluth, Minn. Within the Marine Department, I perform engineering services above and below the water. I have performed underwater inspections and assessments on bridges, docks, dams, tunnels, pipelines, ships, potable water facilities, industrial facilities and pretty much anything else you can think of that is submerged. I have designed repairs and salvage plans for many underwater and topside structures. I also design and prepare plans for all types of new waterfront and industrial structures throughout the United States.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
The key factor for me was finding something that kept me challenged and gave me variety. I'm not a person to sit in an office all day every day, so adding the deep sea diving to my career added the adventure and challenge I needed.
What do like most about your career?
The variety. Every project I work on adds some new dimension and challenge to my life. My experience and knowledge grow with each new project, and this allows me to share and teach others.
What do you like least about your career?
Preparing and writing specifications for engineering projects. It involves many hours of reading and editing of technical data and contract language.
What do you do to relax?
I like water sports, fishing, four-wheeling, working in my shop and playing with my kids. I love movies and eventually want to build a home movie theater in the loft of my garage.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
I don't really have any one hero, but respect those people in life with a positive attitude and a can do spirit. Life is too short to be negative, so when life deals you a problem, keep you head up, work hard and you will make it.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Don't cut corners! There are many good engineering and deep sea diving schools out there, but don't worry about the name or the glamour of the institution. Find one that fits you as a person and interview them! You're paying for it, so demand excellence from them. Don't get swallowed in by what that institution wants from you, but get what you need. Once you are out of school and have your degree, it matters very little where you went to school; just make sure you love your career choice and the rest will all fall into place naturally.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
Right now the opportunities are increasing. In the U.S., everything is getting old and requiring significant repair and/or replacement. We are just making a dent in what's to come!
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
Hopefully the same types of things I'm doing right now! I would like to do more underwater salvage work; it's a real challenge! I also like being involved in specialty projects that are out of the ordinary and hope to do more of these types of projects.
Salary:$60,000 - $80,000
Email:chad.scott@amiengineers.com
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