What can you do with a Civil Engineering Degree?

What can you do with a Civil Engineering Degree?

Are you looking for an answer to the question: “what can you do with a civil engineering degree?” for you to decide if you should go ahead to take the course or not?

If yes, then you are on the right page as we have detailed the various jobs that you can get with a degree in civil engineering.

Why Civil Engineering Degree?

Civilizations, asides their political and social attributes, are largely identified by their technological and construction concepts.

Structures such as the Paris Eiffel Tower, The Great Wall of China, San Francisco Bridge, and other numerous edifices have become iconic fronts for their various geographic locations.

It only goes to say that the structures and buildings in an area can be used as a parameter to determine the level/quality of civilization peculiar to a specific region.

Building and construction works have seen continuous metamorphosis, evolving from temporary wobbly shelters to sturdy architectural wonders; many thanks to civil engineers who have played important roles in the evolution and development of building strategies, ensuring the construction of safer and more aesthetic structures.

They employ mathematics and scientific concepts in the design and consequent construction of buildings.

Civil engineering majors during the course of their education acquire various transferable skills among which include ability to analyze and solve problems, the capacity to communicate effectively, as well as strong number-crunching skills.

These skills, among others furnish them with relevance in various other sectors such as business, I.T, and consulting.

Civil Engineer Salary

Civil engineers are among top-earning engineering professionals, taking home an average pay of $82,220 annually according to 2015 BLS report.

The job outlook for civil engineers is projected to grow by 8% from 2014-2024 implying an average job growth rate.

A civil engineering degree is rated 42nd most popular college degree in the U.S with 19,203 degrees awarded from 2013-2014 as published by Matchcollege.

What Jobs can you get with a Civil Engineering Associate’s Degree?

To pursue a career in the field of civil engineering, an Associate’s degree in civil engineering technology can go a long way to preparing you for jobs positions as:

• Civil Engineering Technician: They perform the duties of assisting engineers with the resolution of technical problems related to space management and development. They help with the design and grading of roads/expressways, construction of buildings, conducting research for the development of construction methods. They earn as much as $82,220 annually according to 2015 U.S BLS projection for civil engineers.
• Construction Technician: They specialize in general/specific construction duties that involve activities prior to the completion of a building. They assist with the laying of foundation, electrical wiring, and installation of plumbing materials and woodwork on a construction site. They also take care of appointments, safety adherence and review of contract documents. They are estimated to earn an annual median salary of $85,630 according 2014 BLS report.
• Architectural Engineering Technician: They carry out the tasks of assisting with the design of buildings and edifices. They source for suitable construction materials, calculate technical specifications, monitor projects and ensure contract standards are met. They are projected to earn up to $76,870 annually according to 2015 BLS report.

What Jobs can you get with a Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?

To increase job prospects, civil engineering Associate degree graduates can further their studies up to a Bachelor’s degree level.

A baccalaureate in civil engineering distinguishes one as a bonafide engineer and presents a platform for jobs as:

• Site Engineer: Their duties involve preconstruction supervision of a project to map out, level a site, assess architectural designs for inconsistencies, and monitor general construction activities. They ensure the proper selection of materials, bargain for fair prices, and they work with subcontractors and entire construction workforce to maintain efficiency and safety of operations.
• Quantity Surveyor: They are responsible for the cost management of a construction project. They carry out cost analysis/risk management of a building undertaking to proffer advice on work allocation and procurement plan. They help clients perform project feasibility assessment as well as analysis of tenders.
• Structural Engineer: These graduates are responsible for the construction of sturdy structures that can endure natural and artificial impact. They employ their knowledge of mathematics and sciences to ensure the durability and stability of a building. They evaluate materials and monitor construction processes to make certain a project meets the design specifications.

• Contracting/Consulting Civil Engineer: They are responsible for the design and supervision of a construction project. They create building plans and work with other engineers to oversee a construction, tackle technical issues, and monitor the logistics/supply of materials. They also give appropriate instructions to direct the activities of a building project.
• Building Control Surveyor: They specialize in ensuring the adherence to building policies and regulation during the design and construction of a structure. They conduct inspection of a construction project to ascertain if policies bordering on accessibility and public health have been maintained. They proffer recommendations, issue certifications of compliance or prosecute defaulters.

What Jobs can you get with a Civil Engineering Master’s or Doctorate Degree?

To become an expert in the field of civil engineering, you can go for advanced degree studies to obtain a Master’s degree and subsequently a doctorate degree.

With advanced degree in civil engineering, you will qualify for positions as:

• Environmental Consultant: With a good knowledge of space management, civil engineering majors can take up consulting jobs where they provide clients with professional advice on the environmental effects of a construction plan/project. They ensure management of waste, land, air and water resources.
• Urban Planning Engineers: They specialize in the co-ordination of construction works in a community. They usually work for government agencies to oversee the construction of major projects ensuring they don’t pose a risk to residents.

Conclusion

A civil engineering degree is a highly applicable and well-paying course of study, providing several job opportunities to graduates of all levels.

What would you like to do with a civil engineering degree? Please make your comment in the box below.

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