Title: How to Become a Civil Engineer (Career Path)
Headings: How to Become a Civil Engineer
How to Become a Civil Engineer
1. Research the profession
Job description
Essential skills and qualities
Working hours and conditions
Salary prospects
In the UK
In the US
2. Get the qualifications
For the UK
For the US
1. Attending an accredited university program
2. Completing an engineering internship
3. Undertaking practical training on the job
4. Becoming a professional engineer
3. Land your first job
4. Develop your career
In the UK
In the US
Other Options
Kyriaki Raouna

Content: Their work is evident in a wide range of man-made structures, which includes but is not limited to buildings, bridges, roads, dams and canals. They help create the buildings and structures that allow us to live a modern, urban life and work in various disciplines. They are trained to create infrastructure to counter some of the greatest challenges faced by society such as forces of nature. Some of their key responsibilities include: Designing and constructing building infrastructure, which are fit for service and can withstand even the worst conditions
Designing and constructing road networks for easy transportation from one part of the country to another
Designing and constructing airport facilities
Researching and investigating materials and their properties
Designing and constructing next-generation bridges that can span several miles and distances
Designing coastal infrastructure for seaports and waterways
Designing and constructing rail networks, for improved transportation systems
Designing and constructing high retaining wall structures and foundations
Using Computer Aided Design software’s for drafting purposes, as well as to create working drawings for projects
Conducting site work and supervision during ongoing projects
Estimating the costs needed to complete a project
Considering the relevant planning requirements and solving any issues
Assessing potential risk to the environment
Preparing and submitting bids for tender
Overseeing the project once building has commenced
Maintaining the building or structure once it has been completed
Essential skills and qualities
Here are some of the key skills and qualities every successful civil engineer needs to possess: Creative and innovative thinking
Great communication skills
Excellent organisation, risk and project management skills
Good decision making and analytical skills
Good research/investigation skills
Skilled in various CAD application
Excellent understanding of maths and physics
Excellent team-working skills
In-depth computer skills
Ability to explain designs and plans to clients and colleagues
Ability to absorb large amounts of information in a short space of time
An eye for money-management and budgeting
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Working hours and conditions
As a civil engineer you will work in an office environment 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may also work evenings and weekends and spend time on project sites. Some days you will have to make frequent visits to construction sites to supervise ongoing projects or to carry out investigations on existing site conditions. It’s also very common for them to work late nights and maintain irregular working hours to meet project deadlines. Salary prospects
In the UK
According to Prospects, the starting salary for civil engineers is around £23,500.