Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Become a Civil Engineer

Are you looking to make a real impact in your career? A civil engineer is a professional who designs, builds, and maintains our built environment – from homes, highways, bridges, and dams to buildings. If you have a penchant for problem-solving and an unshakeable commitment to innovation, then civil engineering could be the path for you. Here are five great reasons to consider it!

Design and plan exciting projects

Civil engineers get to design, plan and construct all sorts of exciting projects. Many of these are cutting-edge buildings that push the boundaries of engineering and architecture – like the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai. But there are also highways, railway lines, tunnels, and dams to construct.

Civil engineers are responsible for every stage of a project, starting with drawing plans and then making sure the building is delivered on time and on budget. It’s a challenging job as civil engineers have to take into account local building regulations, soil conditions, and climate conditions, plus ensure both the safety of workers and the public. During construction, it’s their responsibility to inspect work sites and make sure building practices are being followed correctly. But most importantly, civil engineers strive for monumentality – buildings that stand the test of time both structurally and aesthetically.

Make a living working outdoors

As a civil engineer, you’ll be working in the great outdoors. Sure, there may be some days in the lab or an office, but for much of your time, you’ll be outside. This means that if you love the great outdoors, then you’re sure to enjoy your work as a civil engineer. From construction sites in sun-drenched surroundings to riverside pathways and roadways – each day will bring a new adventure.

Civil engineers can work in a range of environments, from traditional engineering offices to metropolitan public works departments. Job responsibilities can include the design and construction of roads, bridges, buildings, systems such as water and sewage networks, transportation systems, and dams. You’ll also be involved with land use planning projects and engineering surveys that require some time outdoors in order to properly complete them. Plus you’ll be working with a diverse group of professionals on large-scale projects that make an impact on local communities and the world around us. So if being outside is your idea of living the good life – then civil engineering is for you!

Strengthen public infrastructure

Civil engineers play a huge role in keeping society alive, safe, and connected. Responsible for building roads, bridges, dams, and more, it’s no exaggeration to say that every time these are used by thousands of people – they have the civil engineer to thank. As an engineer, you will be able to create structures that support the day-to-day lives of individuals and the economy at large. From housing developments to industrial sites – if you work as a civil engineer, your work will benefit members of the community whether they notice or not!

Civil engineers have a crucial role to play in furthering public infrastructure and creating smarter, more sustainable cities. They develop techniques that utilize the best available resources, create transportation networks that optimize efficiency, and design energy-saving buildings while protecting them from natural disasters. As an engineer in this field, one of your greatest accomplishments could be helping to strengthen existing structures, build new ones or even restore communities after a disaster. With an engineering background, you can help ensure resilience can be built into these important pieces of infrastructure

While engineering is often viewed as abstract math and physics, civil engineers turn those theoretical principles into practical solutions that form the backbone of our everyday lives. They need to understand how structures interact with the environment and design solutions accordingly. Civil engineers are currently at the forefront of projects in renewable energy, natural resource management, and transportation. By using modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) – along with traditional engineering techniques – civil engineers have the power to shape a better future for generations to come.

Get involved in meaningful work with lasting results

Civil engineering offers the opportunity to participate in various projects that could potentially have a positive impact on the wider community. As an engineer, you have the chance to help build sustainable water and environmental management systems, design new bridges to transport people or goods more efficiently or improve infrastructure for healthcare and industry. Whatever project you’re involved in – your work will be able to make a lasting difference!

Civil engineers are also held in high regard and have a great sense of satisfaction when looking back at their accomplishments. From the legacies of skyscrapers to the bridges that help transport people from one place to another, civil engineers could leave behind a lasting transformation in society. Through their work, they are able to find creative solutions to the multiple problems faced by society, while collaborating with others and learning new technologies.

Be part of a thriving, growing field of work with room for advancement

A career in civil engineering offers long-term job security and the potential for growth both professionally and financially. With an increase in infrastructure projects such as those related to renewable energy, robotics, etc. there are many exciting opportunities to participate in a variety of civil engineering projects with new technologies, procedures, and methodologies. With plenty of experience, you could progress your career into specialized roles such as project manager or even head up a team of engineers.

Most civil engineering programs require rigorous coursework that covers topics like physics, mathematics, geology, surveying, and design. You will also be expected to understand technical concepts such as building materials and structural design principles. Once you have gained experience in the field, you can specialize in various aspects of civil engineering such as transportation systems, urban infrastructure, or environmental protection. Civil engineers are required to possess several important qualities including an analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and communication capabilities.  With the right combination of education, experience, and personal attributes, it is possible to make significant progress within this fulfilling career field.

Contact a Staffing Agency

Reaching out to a temp agency means being able to contact multiple potential employers or supervisors at the same time. Your recruiter will be able to highlight any relevant training or research projects that you completed as part of college requirements. Be prepared to answer any questions about your engineering background during interviews.

We’re hiring for a variety of civil engineering positions, including entry-level. NESC Staffing has an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, was awarded by Forbes as America’s Best Recruiting and Temporary Staffing Firm, and has been successfully putting people to work since 1984. You can see our latest opportunities here or contact us.