3 answers
Lynzie
Student
Arlington, Texas
1
Question
Asked
411 views
What would be the best course of action to create my own engineering firm?
I have a strong connection to the environment and have made it my goal in life to protect the earth in anyway that I can. The route I would like to pursue is through engineering products/ procedures for households and businesses that eliminate waste, while also using natural materials that are plastic free.
However, I'm struggling to even pay for college currently so opening up my own firm seems like quite the personal challenge. Any advice for any stage would be greatly appreciated. Some specific things I would like to know are: What classes would be best to expand my knowledge? What are some sustainable companies that might have internships available? What is it like working at an engineering firm? What are the steps to opening one? I really believe I have a vision for the future and I would love to work hard to see it happen.
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3 answers
Blaine Fredrickson
Software Development
12
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Blaine’s Answer
Lynzie -
I noticed that Enana (above) recommended business classes. I would highly encourage that, as well as civics. Since your passion is engineering, but you want to open your own company, you'll find yourself draw toward engineering, but away from business. You might wind up doing poorly as a business because of this, or relying on a business manager that doesn't have the passion and focus you have.
Consider becoming a factory rep or factory authorized dealer / service person for product(s) that fulfill your mission. This might be the best path to get started.
- Blaine
I noticed that Enana (above) recommended business classes. I would highly encourage that, as well as civics. Since your passion is engineering, but you want to open your own company, you'll find yourself draw toward engineering, but away from business. You might wind up doing poorly as a business because of this, or relying on a business manager that doesn't have the passion and focus you have.
Consider becoming a factory rep or factory authorized dealer / service person for product(s) that fulfill your mission. This might be the best path to get started.
- Blaine
Enana Ali
Architect
15
Answers
Tartus, Tartus Governorate
Updated
Enana’s Answer
🌺 Hi Lynzie,
First off, your passion and vision are exactly what the future needs—don’t let the challenges you're facing right now discourage you. Many successful founders started with limited resources but big purpose, just like you.
Here’s a breakdown of how you might approach building your own sustainable engineering firm, step by step:
🌺 1. Build a Strong Foundation (Even on a Budget)
💎 Best Classes to Take:
✨Environmental Engineering
✨Sustainable Design / Green Architecture
✨Materials Science (focus on natural alternatives to plastic)
✨Entrepreneurship / Business Basics
✨CAD and 3D Modeling Tools (often free student versions like AutoCAD or Fusion 360)
Tip: Look for free or low-cost options online through platforms like Coursera, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare.
🌺 2. Gain Experience and Mentorship
💎 Internships / Companies to Look Into:
✨Terracycle
✨Biomason
✨Loop
✨Pela Case
✨Ecovative Design
✨Local green building firms or startups near Arlington or DFW
Check out Handshake or Green Jobs Online for listings, and don’t be afraid to reach out directly to companies—even if they don’t list internships.
🌺 3. Understand the Industry
💎 What’s it like at an engineering firm?
✨You usually work in teams: designers, researchers, project managers, etc.
✨Projects vary from creating prototypes to managing timelines and budgets.
✨Sustainability-focused firms often collaborate with environmental scientists or NGOs.
Try job-shadowing or informational interviews—reach out on LinkedIn.
🌺 4. Steps to Start Your Own Firm
💎 Gain Experience – Work for a few years in engineering or sustainability roles to build skills and a network.
💎 Create a Niche – Focus on a specific sustainable solution (like zero-waste packaging or compostable construction materials).
💎 Build a Portfolio – Document your designs, case studies, and successful projects.
💎 Make Connections – Attend green tech meetups, pitch competitions, or startup incubators.
💎 Secure Funding – Look into grants for green startups (like those from the DOE or local clean energy programs).
💎Form Your Business – Start small, maybe as a consultancy or design studio, then grow into a full firm.
🌺 5. Keep the Vision Alive
You clearly have a mission. Stay inspired by following sustainable creators, staying active in eco-communities, and always learning. Keep a notebook of ideas—you never know when one becomes the blueprint for your future firm.
🌺 You’ve got this. The world needs more people like you building the future.
First off, your passion and vision are exactly what the future needs—don’t let the challenges you're facing right now discourage you. Many successful founders started with limited resources but big purpose, just like you.
Here’s a breakdown of how you might approach building your own sustainable engineering firm, step by step:
🌺 1. Build a Strong Foundation (Even on a Budget)
💎 Best Classes to Take:
✨Environmental Engineering
✨Sustainable Design / Green Architecture
✨Materials Science (focus on natural alternatives to plastic)
✨Entrepreneurship / Business Basics
✨CAD and 3D Modeling Tools (often free student versions like AutoCAD or Fusion 360)
Tip: Look for free or low-cost options online through platforms like Coursera, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare.
🌺 2. Gain Experience and Mentorship
💎 Internships / Companies to Look Into:
✨Terracycle
✨Biomason
✨Loop
✨Pela Case
✨Ecovative Design
✨Local green building firms or startups near Arlington or DFW
Check out Handshake or Green Jobs Online for listings, and don’t be afraid to reach out directly to companies—even if they don’t list internships.
🌺 3. Understand the Industry
💎 What’s it like at an engineering firm?
✨You usually work in teams: designers, researchers, project managers, etc.
✨Projects vary from creating prototypes to managing timelines and budgets.
✨Sustainability-focused firms often collaborate with environmental scientists or NGOs.
Try job-shadowing or informational interviews—reach out on LinkedIn.
🌺 4. Steps to Start Your Own Firm
💎 Gain Experience – Work for a few years in engineering or sustainability roles to build skills and a network.
💎 Create a Niche – Focus on a specific sustainable solution (like zero-waste packaging or compostable construction materials).
💎 Build a Portfolio – Document your designs, case studies, and successful projects.
💎 Make Connections – Attend green tech meetups, pitch competitions, or startup incubators.
💎 Secure Funding – Look into grants for green startups (like those from the DOE or local clean energy programs).
💎Form Your Business – Start small, maybe as a consultancy or design studio, then grow into a full firm.
🌺 5. Keep the Vision Alive
You clearly have a mission. Stay inspired by following sustainable creators, staying active in eco-communities, and always learning. Keep a notebook of ideas—you never know when one becomes the blueprint for your future firm.
🌺 You’ve got this. The world needs more people like you building the future.
Valeria Fernanda Miguel
Ingeniera civil
6
Answers
Pedro Luro, Buenos Aires Province
Updated
Valeria Fernanda’s Answer
"Realmente creo que tengo una visión para el futuro y me encantaría trabajar duro para verla realidad" Esta frase es la que te va a llevar muy lejos.Siempre en un mercado debemos destacarnos y dar soluciones concretas ; creo ahi esta la cuestion.
"El camino que me gustaría seguir es a través de productos/procedimientos de ingeniería para hogares y negocios que eliminen los desechos, a la vez que utilizan materiales naturales que no contienen plástico".Debes armar un equipo de trabajo donde cada uno tenga una tarea ; o sea no solo diseñar casas sustentables sino concretarlas con los materiales adecuados y entregala llave en mano.De esta manera tu empresa va a ir creciendo a pasos agigantados.
"El camino que me gustaría seguir es a través de productos/procedimientos de ingeniería para hogares y negocios que eliminen los desechos, a la vez que utilizan materiales naturales que no contienen plástico".Debes armar un equipo de trabajo donde cada uno tenga una tarea ; o sea no solo diseñar casas sustentables sino concretarlas con los materiales adecuados y entregala llave en mano.De esta manera tu empresa va a ir creciendo a pasos agigantados.