Civil Engineer Schools and Career Info

Things you need to know, but nobody tells you

I found it very helpful when I decided to follow methods of other experienced engineers but also involved my own methods I learned in college. Always be open to new...[full comment]

I was surprised that it takes so much out of my life. Also I found it surprising that my schooling isn't really as helpful as hands on experience for my...[full comment]

The best thing is that there are many specialties within civil engineering, such as structural, construction, environment, and transport. Civil engineers usually work in areas such as industrial and commercial...[full comment]

You should have: Confidence in the essential values of the individual. Respect for individual rights. Broad understanding of society and its potential. Recognition of duties and responsibilities. To serve everyone...[full comment]

I appreciate the flexibility in the hours I work, as long as I have my 80 for the two week pay period I can pretty much adjust my schedule as...[full comment]

I think civil engineering is a great career, you get to be inside the office and do things outdoors too. It's very rewarding to see your designs actual get constructed...[full comment]

The best parts of my job include working on different projects which makes it interesting. I am always learning new things on every job. Its extremely enjoyable to see what...[full comment]

There are many different branches of civil engineering (structural, transportation, geotechnical, environmental. Speak to as many people as possible in the field to determine what branch is best for you....[full comment]

Being able to interact with a wide variety of people as well as gaining an understanding of how everyday things work is one of the best things about my career....[full comment]

A strong background in math and structural design would be very beneficial. You constantly need to rely on Trigonometry and Geometry in your daily activities and a good structural understanding...[full comment]

The best part of my job is that I truly feel I am doing something to improve people's lives. It is satisfying to see a transportation project I worked on...[full comment]

Try to gain some experience through an internship which basically gives you on-the-job training, even if you have to do it for free. An internship teaches you the political and...[full comment]

 
 

School and Career Surprises: Tips From People on the Job

Each comment from a civil engineer includes their career and school satisfaction ratings.

Career: "I found it very helpful when I decided to follow methods of other experienced engineers but also involved my own methods I learned in college. Always be open to new concrete finishing techniques, you will be able to apply the technology part to your work when you do so. I was surprised to find out in my first paving project that one must have to be very flexible and have a flexible time slot because some projects can be at night or very early in the mornings."

School: Studied Civil Engineering at Georgia Southern University in Georgia; completed Bachelor degree in 2011.
Career: Concrete Finisher, male, 1 years of experience, currently based in Georgia.

Career: "I was surprised that it takes so much out of my life. Also I found it surprising that my schooling isn't really as helpful as hands on experience for my career."

School: Studied Civil Engineering at University Of Illinois At Chicago in Illinois; completed Bachelor degree in 2010.
Career: Engineer, male, 1 years of experience, currently based in Illinois.

Best & Worst Things About This Career

As reported by people currently doing the job

"Being able to interact with a wide variety of people as well as gaining an understanding of how everyday things work is one of the best things about my career. I get to be a part of building various structures that will last for many years and provide service to many. One of the worst things about my career are the hours required to be effective. My day starts at 7 am and usually I am not home until after 7pm. I also have to work many Saturdays during the summer time."

School : BS in Electrical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Career: Engineer, currently based in Virginia.;

"The best part of my job is that I truly feel I am doing something to improve people's lives. It is satisfying to see a transportation project I worked on being built and making life better for others, and to tell people I worked on that. The worst part is that my job is dealing with the politics among elected officials. The larger good of the region doesn't always prevail when it's confronted by the clout of special interests."

School : BA, Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia MA, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Colorado at Denver
Career: Transportation Planner, currently based in Colorado.;

Tips for Succeeding in This Career

Helpful Info From Insiders

"A strong background in math and structural design would be very beneficial. You constantly need to rely on Trigonometry and Geometry in your daily activities and a good structural understanding is extremely beneficial when dealing with steel and concrete. Get as much experience as you can in the field before trying to move up to managerial positions. It is extremely important to understand how to do things before you can direct others to do them. Use your resources and more experienced workers to build on your knowledge base."

School : BS in Electrical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Career: Engineer, currently based in Virginia.;

"Try to gain some experience through an internship which basically gives you on-the-job training, even if you have to do it for free. An internship teaches you the political and environmental processes that have to be followed before a project can be completed. Develop your presentation and technical writing skills, since anything you do to improve the general welfare of the public must be communicated well. Good presentation skills are important in working with neighborhoods and elected officials to clearly explain a proposed transportation project. Good technical writing skills are important because most of your work needs to be documented for public review."

School : BA, Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia MA, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Colorado at Denver
Career: Transportation Planner, currently based in Colorado.;