Wanna Be a Civil Engineer? Think of These Important Decisions
If You Want to Be a Civil Engineer, Think of These Important Decisions First.
Civil engineers defined by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) as someone who design, build, and maintain the foundation for our modern society – our roads and bridges, drinking water and energy systems, sea ports and airports, and the infrastructure for a cleaner environment, to name just a few.
Source: University of Arizona, UA Engineering Ambassadors
Anyone who wants to pursue a civil engineering degree is bound to choose between two core fields of practice: design or site. A civil engineer can work in a consultancy company or work in a contracting company.
Source: Newcastle University
Consultants are involved with projects from the outset and work closely with the client. Civil and structural engineers who work at a consultancy firm are involved heavily on structural design, so they are armed with local codes and standards. This work entails so much time at an office in front of the computer and at some days, some site visits.
Source: Faculty of Engineering – EMU – Eastern Mediterranean University
On the other hand, contractors are the ones who implement the designs of the design companies. They can let subcontractors do the work or do the work themselves within their framework. It is construction engineers, site engineers, and project managers that handle the work in the field. They oversee construction methods and processes to meet the design requirements.
Source: Colorado School of Mines
But other than that choice between consultancy or design is to choose which aspiring civil engineers want to work with. There are several industries that can be specialized in like airports, bridges, buildings, coastal and marine, energy and power, environmental, geotechnical, highways, offshore, rail, tunnelling, and water and public health.
As you choose which industry you want to work with, align your modules to such while you study and take your civil engineering course. Take the necessary subjects that will draw you to the technical knowledge your future engineering job requires
