Career paths for Civil Engineers

Looking ahead to your future as a Civil Engineer? We look at some possible paths through the industry

Jan. 27, 2023
Julianna Xoe Widlund
MJ
Longinos
Julianna Xoe Widlund
Julianna
Widlund, P.E

Civil engineering is a diverse and challenging field which offers a range of career paths for graduates. The field of civil engineering is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports our society, including roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures. As a result, civil engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that our communities are safe and functional.

One of the most common career paths for civil engineering grads is working as a consultant. Consultant engineers work with clients to identify their needs and develop solutions so solve these issues. They work on a wide range of projects, including designing new buildings or bridges, or upgrading existing infrastructure. Consulting engineers often work for eng consulting firms or as self-employed consultants.

The second most popular career path for civil eng grads is working as a project engineer. These Engineers take responsibility for managing the design, construction, and commissioning of a specific project. They work with a team of engineers and other professionals to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. Project engineers typically work for construction companies, engineering firms, or government agencies.

Civil engineering grads can also choose to work in the public sector. Government agencies such as the Department of Transportation or the Army Corps of Engineers employ civil engineers to plan, design, and oversee construction and maintenance of public works projects.

Other career paths include working as a construction manager, as a design engineer, as a research engineer, as a teacher/professor at universities, as a geotechnical engineer and many more.

In summary, civil engineering graduates have a wide range of career options available to them, including working as consulting engineers, project engineers, construction managers, design engineers, research engineers and many more. These careers offer challenging and rewarding work in a field that plays a vital role in society.


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