Civil Engineer Career
What is a Civil Engineer?
Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the physical structures that we rely on every day, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They also work on projects to improve the environment, such as wastewater treatment plants and flood control systems.
What does a Civil Engineer do?
The day-to-day work of a civil engineer can vary depending on the specific project they are working on. However, some common tasks include:
- Designing and planning construction projects
- Supervising construction crews
- Inspecting construction sites
- Testing and evaluating materials
- Preparing reports and drawings
What are the benefits of being a Civil Engineer?
There are many benefits to being a civil engineer, including:
- High salary potential: Civil engineers earn above-average salaries, with the median annual salary being over $$87,000.
- Job security: The demand for civil engineers is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as the population increases and infrastructure needs to be upgraded and expanded.
- Variety of work: Civil engineers work on a wide variety of projects, from small-scale residential developments to large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Opportunity to make a difference: Civil engineers play a vital role in the development of our communities and the improvement of our quality of life.
What are the requirements to become a Civil Engineer?
To become a civil engineer, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. You will also need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. In some states, you may also need to complete a period of internship before you can become licensed as a professional engineer.
What is the job outlook for Civil Engineers?
The job outlook for civil engineers is expected to be good in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of civil engineers will grow by 11% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the need to repair and upgrade aging infrastructure, as well as the need for new construction projects.
How do I become a Civil Engineer?
If you are interested in becoming a civil engineer, there are a few steps you can take to get started:
- Get a good education. The first step to becoming a civil engineer is to get a good education. This means earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university.
- Pass the FE exam. Once you have graduated from college, you will need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This exam is a national exam that tests your basic knowledge of engineering.
- Gain experience. After you have passed the FE exam, you will need to gain experience working as a civil engineer. This can be done through internships, co-ops, or entry-level jobs.
- Pass the PE exam. Once you have gained enough experience, you will need to pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. This exam is a state-specific exam that tests your knowledge of engineering principles and your ability to apply them to real-world problems.
Conclusion
Becoming a civil engineer is a rewarding career that offers many benefits. If you are interested in a career in engineering and have a strong interest in math and science, then civil engineering may be the right career for you.
