Civil Engineers

Plan, design, and manage the development and upkeep of infrastructure projects including highways, trains, channels, bridges, airports, harbors, dams, and irrigation systems.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT CIVIL ENGINEER CAREERS

Roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, and airports are all designed by civil engineers. They apply their knowledge of materials science, engineering, economics, physics, geology, and hydraulics to build the physical infrastructure required for modern life. There are, of course, innumerable sub-specialties. 

Surveying and mapping engineers select the greatest construction sites. Dams, flood control, wells, and reservoirs are the primary concerns of hydraulic and irrigation engineers. Environmental engineers work with wastewater treatment plants, rubbish disposal facilities, and recycling plants. And traffic engineers are experts in the design of 'people-moving systems,' whether they are underground subways, commuter railroads, or new and improved roads and highways. 

The minimal educational qualification is a bachelor's degree. This is a five-year programme at some universities. However, co-op, junior college, and night school programmes are also offered. 

It takes a lot of effort to become a civil engineer. However, if you enjoy being a part of large, complex initiatives that enhance people's lives, this could be the career for you.

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Wages


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Characteristics

Exposure to job hazards
Dealing and handling conflicts
Leadership
Critical decision making
Level of responsibilities
Competition for this position
Communication with others
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Comfort of the work setting
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Physical demands
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines

Activities

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interacting With Computers Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Thinking Creatively Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Administration and Management Know More
Building and Construction Know More
Design Know More
Engineering and Technology Know More
English Language Know More
Law and Government Know More
Mathematics Know More
Physics Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Complex Problem Solving Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Mathematics Know More
Operations Analysis Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Speaking Know More
Systems Analysis Know More