Civil Engineers
Civil engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbours, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, and power plants, and water and sewage systems.
From bridge design to water treatment, the work of civil engineers has a daily impact on the lives of most people in the world. Civil engineering jobs can land in various domains like transportation, water supply and waste management, estate planning and even taking up offshore projects. Civil engineers presume two roles, that of a contractor and a consultant. A contractor supervises the construction and manages the project on ground level to convert plans into realities. A consultant works with the client to plan, design and manage the projects.
You need a bachelor's degree or a civil engineering technology degree to pursue a career as a civil engineer and earn a civil engineer salary. These civil engineering jobs require knowledge of math, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems, and fluid dynamics, depending on the speciality.
For a successful civil engineering career, one needs to possess certain qualities and skills. The first and foremost are technical skills. Secondly, they should be skilled in project management. Engineers need to be able to innovate, think critically and provide solutions. Lastly, the ability to communicate effectively is a highly sought after skill.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Civil Engineering
- M.Tech Civil Engineering
- B.E. Civil Engineering
- B.E. Structural Engineering
- B.Tech Civil Engineering
- B.Tech Structural Engineering
Tasks
- Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
- Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- Direct or participate in surveying to lay out installations or establish reference points, grades, or elevations to guide construction.
- Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.
- Prepare or present public reports on topics such as bid proposals, deeds, environmental impact statements, or property and right-of-way descriptions.
- Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
- Conduct studies of traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify engineering problems and assess potential project impact.
- Analyze manufacturing processes or byproducts to identify engineering solutions to minimize the output of carbon or other pollutants.
- Design energy-efficient or environmentally sound civil structures.
- Design or engineer systems to efficiently dispose of chemical, biological, or other toxic wastes.
Progression Routes
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