Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is a highly sought after job. A career in this field requires a very specific skillset. A great civil engineer isn’t easy to find and the best are richly rewarded. If you are looking for a long term career, civil engineering is a great area to look into. As society develops and grows, so does the need for engineering. It is one of the very few future-proof jobs you can pursue.
Not only that, but the future looks very exciting in civil engineering. New technologies are opening up all kinds of new techniques and pathways. Bridges are becoming more magnificent and buildings are reaching taller. The technology that engineers deal with is among the most forward thinking on the planet. Becoming a civil engineer is a unique way to shape the world around you. So, have you got what it takes?
What exactly does a civil engineer do?
There are many different aspects to a civil engineer’s job. There is no ‘typical day’ in the office. The career covers such a wide variety of projects that you can really choose your preferred area. For example, civil engineers are responsible for the building of airports, bridges and skyscrapers. Any large structures, transport routes or facilities will all need the eye of a civil engineer. They design and build structures like football stadiums and Olympic villages.
Skills and qualifications
Civil engineers need a high level of understanding in maths and science. When choosing subjects at school and college, you’ll need physics, maths and design technology. Civil engineers need to understand all aspects of a build. This includes understanding the workings of Challenge Power Transmission products. Anything that is electrical or structural, they must be proficient in. The very best civil engineers also have an eye for design. They have a vision for a project and can see the big picture. A lot of responsibility rests on an engineer so they must be able to work under pressure too.
Start to specialise
All civil engineer jobs require a bachelors degree and a number of engineering exams. You shouldn’t wait until the end of these to figure out where your specialty lies. Try to figure this out early and design your degree program to suit. If you’re obsessed by earthquake-proof structures, take a module in earthquake design. Degrees are flexible and you should mould your classes around what you love.
Intern
Competition for civil engineering jobs is fierce. Stand out from the crowd by taking an internship or work experience while studying. Many civil engineering firms offer this type of experience. Perhaps you could enquire about summer work at an engineering firm. If you can squeeze this in between semesters then even better. Civil engineering is a very hands-on job. No amount of classes can replace the act of getting out in the field and learning on the job.
You should now have a good understanding of what a civil engineer does. If you still think you have what it takes, then you’re ready. You’re all set for a fruitful career in one of the most future-proof and exciting industries in existence.
