How to Become a Civil Engineer

If you choose to become a civil engineer you will be joining one of the oldest branches of the engineering profession, and one with a very proud record of achievement.  The world’s great bridges, dams, airports, and roads are stellar examples of the work of civil engineers. As well as designing such constructions, civil engineering jobs entail costing projects, taking into account environmental hazards, and complying with laws and building regulations. It is fascinating and challenging work and you need a first-class education to undertake it.

Training as a civil engineer

You should aim to earn at least a bachelor’s degree to launch your career as a civil engineer.  Expect to study a wide range of subjects in breadth and depth.  Examples of your likely core topics are

• Engineering design
• Fluid mechanics
• Structural design
• Engineering mathematics
• Engineering materials
• Concrete and steel structures
• Geomechanics
• Hydro-engineering
• Computer aided engineering design
• Transport engineering
• Infrastructural engineering

Add to that courses in cost control, business management, and elective courses in specialized engineering and you will certainly have earned your degree! You will also be equipped with a formidable range of knowledge and skills to prepare you for a wide variety of civil engineering jobs.

Civil engineering jobs

Civil engineering is the largest engineering branch. With 237,000 civil engineers working in 2004 there is no shortage of civilengineering jobs.You may choose to work in particular fields of civil engineering, such as construction, transport, or water supplies.You may also work as a designer, a construction manger, an urban engineer, or a consultant. These are just a few examples of the many openings your civil engineering degree will create for you in this growing profession.

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