I'm a civil engineering graduate for 2 years and currently I'm in a dilemma. Currently, I'm working as a site engineer in a contractor company but around three weeks ago, I got an offer from a consultant company (Project Engineer for Kumpulan IKRAM). I know this company is one of the most established in Malaysia so I took the offer immediately. Also the salary offered is a bit higher than my current one.

I was due to start at my new company very soon but my current boss threw me a last minute offer. If I stay, I would be in charge of a new construction project from the ground up and will be promised future salary increments based on my performance. I should also say that my current company has a good track record in Sabah, with successful projects one after the other.

That got me thinking since I haven't got many experience in my field yet, and this could be a great opportunity to learn more about site management works ( which I am more familiar with). On the other hand, I will be in charge for building assessment forensics and design works for the consultant company. I am a tad weak in this area but I'm ready to learn. I should add that I'm planning to take my professional engineer license in the future.

Here's my question.
1. Is it better to stay in familiar grounds or go to the uncharted territory?
2. Anyone have any working experience with IKRAM before? What is it like? Is the future career advancement bright?

Seniors in this field, I would be really glad if you can advice me on this matter. I'm really indecisive now.

go for consultant if ur into design. and want to work 5 working days a week. and u can do yr IR summore.

if ur willing to work 7 days a week, work until 1am or 3am or even till the next day. into project management, hands on construction execution then go for construction.

This post has been edited by homi: Nov 2 2014, 03:24 PM

If you put it that way, it makes it easier for me to choose. Haha

Though I've heard from my friends who works in consultant firms, salary increment is a bit slow compared to contractor. Is it true?

depends laa how.

contractor is a very brutal environment. make sure if u work u can claim overtime.

Basic RM2.5k with OT working 24/7 also can reach 5k for a fresh graduate.

consultant firm... yeah. salary a bit low normally. but u can do part time design n stuff to earn extra also.

depends which route u wanna choose.

u want to become pro in design go for consultant. can do yr IR.

u want to become project manager go for contractor. work with maincon if possible. u will deal with client, subcon, consultant directly. on site progress depends on u.

for example me.. currently working with maincon. i can learn a lot from every department.

planning department.
authority department.
safety department.
quality control department.
operation department.
finance department.
architecture department.
civil and structure department.

u master all this + finish one project from start until handover + 3-5 years experience. u can become a project manager


for your case... whichever is ok. no problem. u can go for consultant first master all the design, do yr IR then jump into contractor again. No problem. Thats what my Project Manager did before this. Master the design first then go for construction & execution.

Site Engineer > Senior Engineer > Construction Manager > Project Manager > Project Director.

Your working experience will become much more valuable depends on which project ur handling. If housing... so-so only. If shopping mall, high rise, airport, mega infra, bridges.... then ur experience will much be look up after

This post has been edited by homi: Nov 2 2014, 04:38 PM

Working for contractor for almost two years now and handling 4 projects (3 small fries,1 mega project), it was very fun, challenging and a humbling experience. I too learned a lot about work coordination and site works (but not enough to qualify myself as a project manager). Which is why I've considered staying with my current company a little bit longer because I still have a lot to learn.

However, I have nearly forgotten all that I learned during uni times due to lack of practice. Study revision after working hard under the sun is basically impossible for me because of the exhaustion. Hari-hari balik rumah saja terus tertidur. There is fear that after 5 years++ working with contractor company only, my theoretical knowledge will disappear altogether .

That being said, my mind is clearer now. A million thanks for your advice, good sir.

Go read the requirement of becoming an IR, 2 exams and 1 interview for BEM? 1 year design and 1 year site supervision, 4 years experience under supervision of a PE? Having said that, the guide does not say you must be 1 year contractor 1 year consultants. I have MY friends who got their licenses working solely for contractor or consultants. You just need to be guided by a PE in your work.

For design, Malaysia switching to Eurocode soon? Then you are not so far behind, most of the old guys also need to start learning the new code.

Btw, what is the rate for a 7 years exp engineer, foreign PE, maybe senior position, in Sabah? Never work there before but would want to go back to my hometown .

This post has been edited by JohnJon82: Nov 2 2014, 08:00 PM

hi, i am new fellow here, i also just graduated, may i know how much the expect salary in market now?(for consultant and site)

thx so much

how was it bro? my starting salary rm2900 and 6 working days

bro u are in contractor or consultant?which location u are working?

now i go for contractor bro coz urgently need money. 6 month experience, now they revised my basic salary to rm3300 and rm400 car allowance. working in kl but the hq in pj

Seems nice bro.how do u find ur job?graduating on May.i am looking contractor job as well but it's hard to get those information online.appreciate if u can tell more about contractor job

This post has been edited by keu0000: Feb 26 2017, 12:29 AM

ts, why not you join reputable contractor company? here is the company list

yes, very true. increment based on performance of your department. also divided same all department members