Civil Engineering Careers
As a civil engineer you would plan, design and manage a variety of construction projects. You could work on everything from bridges and tall buildings to transport links and sports stadium.
If you are interested in designing and building things then this job could be ideal for you.
To become a civil engineer you will need excellent maths and IT skills. You’ll also need to be able to explain design ideas clearly and be well organised.
Before you start in this job you would normally need to complete a degree or postgraduate master’s degree in civil engineering.
Work activities
As a civil engineer, you could work in any one of the following specialist areas of engineering:
- structural – dams, buildings, offshore platforms and pipelines
- transportation – roads, railways, canals and airports
- environmental – water supply networks, drainage and flood barriers
- maritime – ports, harbours and sea defences
- geotechnical – mining, earthworks and construction foundations.
These branches sometimes overlap but your regular tasks could include:
- planning requirements with the client and colleagues
- analysing survey, testing and mapping data using computer modelling software
- creating blueprints using computer aided design (CAD)
- judging whether projects are feasible by looking at costs, time and labour requirements
- assessing the environmental impact and risks connected to projects
- preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients, public agencies and planning organisations
- managing, directing and monitoring progress during each stage of a project
- making sure that sites meet legal guidelines, and health and safety requirements.
You would normally work on projects alongside other professionals, such as architects, surveyors and building contractors.