Establishing, Operating, and Controlling an Engineering Consulting Firm

Abstract

Unlike other professionals, engineers are not prepared to expect to go into business for themselves. As a result, many engineers establish a consulting firm without giving adequate consideration to the business requirements of the practice. The basic groundwork, including the selection of the legal structure and establishment of internal systems to create management information, should be the first step in establishing the firm. Serious thought and planning in these areas will provide the practice with a solid foundation for success.