Civil engineering is arguably the oldest discipline in engineering. It concerns the built environment and can be traced back to the first time someone put a roof over his or her head or laid a tree trunk across a river to make crossing easier. From ancient times to the modern era, civil engineers have played a vital role in the development of human civilization.

If you have an eye for a creative and challenging profession with a higher income and a good reputation, a career in civil engineering might be the perfect option for you. Here are a few guiding steps on ‘how to become a civil engineer.

What is a Civil Engineer?

A civil engineer is a professional who conceives, designs, builds, supervises, operates, constructs and maintains infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sectors, including roads, buildings, airports, bridges, tunnels, dams, and water supply and sewage treatment systems. They shape the world we live in. 

As a civil engineer, you will have knowledge of the following subjects:

• Fluid mechanics
• Soil mechanics
• Digital environment building
• Engineering geology
• Civil and architectural engineering
• Minerals and statics
• Geo-mechanics
• Structural mechanics

What are the roles and responsibilities of a civil engineer?

Generally, architects design structures, and a civil engineer checks for feasibility, makes improvements, and finally builds the structure. The role of a civil engineer is vast. Their responsibilities lie from pre-planning to supervision during construction to inspection and testing after completion of the projects. They are responsible for creating, improving, and protecting our immediate environment.

• Developing detailed designs.
• Doing technical studies, feasibility assessments, and site inspections.
• Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints and geological data for projects.
• Preparing and implementing project plans.
• Researching and providing estimates for projects.
• Assess potential risk, material and cost.
• Reviewing government regulations and ordinances.
• Monitoring and optimizing safety procedures, production processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Estimate the quantity and cost of materials and equipment needed for the project.
• Making recommendations or presenting alternative solutions to problems.
• Monitor progress and compile reports.
• Deal with clients and other professional subcontractors.
• Supervise and counsel junior engineers, trainees, workers and other staff.

Qualifications to Become a Civil Engineer

• Effective communication skills

An engineer must communicate with the project’s stakeholders, such as architects, planners, clients, government officials, and contractors. They must be able to speak with authority and accuracy. They must be able to communicate complex technical information to the listeners honestly and transparently.

• Creativity and critical thinking

Creativity is a valuable skill to have when developing solutions for clients. Civil engineers can use creative thinking to innovate and improve on previously implemented solutions while also brainstorming solutions for their clients' new problems. They must also critically analyze the issues, including the impact on a project's budget, schedule, and completion, to choose the best course of action.

• Technical skills

Civil engineers should have a solid mathematics, physics, and chemistry foundation. They must have expertise in the field they are working on. They must read maps fluently, review blueprints, design techniques, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. 

Additionally, civil engineers may require specialized technical abilities to work in various fields, including construction, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering.

• Leadership 

Generally, civil engineers oversee planners, technicians, technologists, surveyors, contractors, and others who contribute directly to projects. So they must have certain leadership qualities such as planning and prioritizing, managing time effectively, delegating duties, making decisions, implementing them and motivating all team members.

• Project management skills

An engineer must effectively coordinate a project from start to finish. They must acquire specific skill sets such as planning and forecasting, risk management, budgeting, monitoring, expertise in subject matter, etc. 

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Steps to Become a Successful Civil Engineer

• Develop a strong foundation in mathematics and science in high school.
• Pursue a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from an accredited university.
• Familiarize with design software like Autodesk, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and MicroStation.
• Gain knowledge of map creation software and photo imaging software.
• If possible, pursue an internship while studying.
• Choose a speciality/concentration.
• Look for an entry-level job in the desired field and gain some experience. 
• Licensing, Certifications, and Registrations to get registered as a professional engineer.
• Pursue a master’s degree in a chosen discipline. Some standard concentrations include construction engineering, structural engineering, land development and use, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydro science and marine engineering.
• Pursue a PhD in civil engineering to gain a doctorate in the field.
• Get professional Experience.
• Earn your license.

Degree Programs for Civil Engineers

Salary of a Civil Engineer

With the current global construction boom and the broader debate over environmental policies, civil engineering has never been more important or relevant to society than it is today. This translates to higher-paying jobs for graduates in the field.

Civil engineer salaries vary greatly depending on skills, experience, gender, and location. In the USA, civil engineers have a median salary of $78,000. The best-paid 25 per cent made $115,000, while the lowest-paid 25 per cent made $57,000.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Civil Engineer

Advantages

• Above average salary.
• High in demand
• Combination of a desk job and fieldwork.
• Not a routine job. 
• Work opportunity worldwide
• Challenging jobs with an opportunity for personal growth 
• Highly regarded and respected in the community
• Excellent job opportunities in government sectors
• Job satisfaction
• The Unique blend of technical expertise and creativity
• Multiple choices of disciplines for specialization
• Travelling

Disadvantages

• Little room for error
• Must be able to work in extreme outdoor conditions
• Extreme Pressure on the Job
• Long working hours
• Hazards at the work site
• High pressure due to increased liabilities
• Legal issues
• Increased Scrutiny
• Working under budget
• Corruption and Vandalism

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Career as a Civil Engineer

Civil engineers work in construction, design, specialized consulting, scientific and technical services, transportation, and government at all levels. You should gain experience and skills in building and construction, sustainable design, engineering and technology, and project management for a successful career. 

Projects involving renewable energy will require the efforts of civil engineers. Civil engineers will therefore be more actively involved in supervising the construction of buildings like wind farms and solar arrays as these new projects are approved.

Here are a few sectors and job positions you can apply for after your degree in civil engineering:

Sectors:

• Construction engineering
• Structural engineering
• Infrastructure Engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Water Resource engineering and hydrology
• Materials engineering
• Transportation engineering
• Surveying

Job Titles:

• Consulting civil engineer
• Contracting civil engineer
• Site engineer
• Structural engineer
• Geotechnical engineer
• Water engineer
• Town planner
• Building services engineer
• Engineering geologist
• Project Manager

FAQ Related to ‘How to Become a Civil Engineer’?

Do I have to have a good command of mathematics and science to be a Civil Engineer?

It certainly helps to be proficient in math and science. However, if you enjoy problem-solving and have a strong interest in mathematics and science, that's a good place to start.

Do Civil Engineers have long working hours?

Civil engineers are typically employed full-time, working at least 40 hours per week. Many people work standard hours, but civil engineers who work on-site for projects may have to work long shifts based on the job.

What are other professions that work closely with Civil Engineers?

Civil engineers might have to work closely with architects, construction managers, landscape designers, environmental engineers, mechanical engineers, urban planners, and surveyors, depending on the project.