Civil engineering is an excellent choice when considering new career paths. The demand for civil engineers is high, and the average salary for those working in these roles is an estimated $95,490 per year. Plus, the work is incredibly rewarding, allowing you to build better communities.
If you’re curious about the world of civil engineering, here’s a look at what civil engineers do and what it takes to become a civil engineer.
What Does a Civil Engineer Do?
Civil engineers are professionals that design, build, and oversee infrastructure construction, maintenance, repair, and update projects. Usually, their focus is on public works projects, such as highways, bridges, airports, and specific buildings. Many work for government organizations, though others are employed by private companies that contract with government agencies.
Often, civil engineers spend some of their time in an office environment working on project designs and part of their time at construction locations, ensuring work occurs according to the project specifications. As a civil engineer, presenting projects or providing reports to various government authorities is commonly part of the role, as well.
How to Become a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers need specific technical capabilities and soft skills to perform well in the role. Usually, the first step toward entering the field is earning a Bachelor’s degree with a suitable major. While many professionals in this niche have a degree in civil engineering, other engineering majors – such as structural engineering – may also work well for launching a career as a civil engineer.
Getting an appropriate license from the state in which you’re working is also a necessity. The exact requirements for a license can vary from one state to the next, but most involve gaining experience and passing any mandatory exams.
When it comes to technical skills, a thorough understanding of mathematics and any related physics is essential. Similarly, knowledge of engineering systems and mechanics is a must. Surveying, estimation, construction, 3D design, CAD, site development, fluid dynamics, and similar technical capabilities are also often required. Plus, civil engineers need in-depth project management knowledge, including budgeting, delegation, and more.
As for the needed soft skills, communication and leadership are both critical, as those help with overseeing teams. Problem-solving is another must-have, ensuring you can overcome challenges as projects unfold. Organization is vital for keeping projects on target, while attention to detail is crucial for ensuring accuracy when creating designs and supervising construction. Plus, civil engineers need exceptional time management skills, allowing them to realistic project timelines and meet deadlines with greater ease.
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Ultimately, civil engineers play a critical role in developing and maintaining infrastructure, which keeps them in demand. Plus, the work lets you make a difference in your community, which is incredibly rewarding. If you’d like to learn more about what it takes to become a civil engineer or are interested in engineering job opportunities, Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us and speak with one of our recruiters today.
