Becoming a Civil Engineer

Everyone has heard of a civil engineer, but no one is entirely sure what they do. There is alot of career titles ending with engineer, like software engineer, electrical engineer, structural engineer etc.. Sure, we know that engineers design alot of the things we use today, but how many of those things does a civil engineer work with.

What is a Civil Engineer

A civil engineer is responsible for designing safe structures, while meeting building codes in the region. Each area has a different code, which needs to be followed. It is the job of the civil engineer to know these codes and survey the site.

He/she is responsible for design, planning, construction and maintenance on the site. A civil engineer can work for a private construction firm, government organization or for a university as a teacher.

To give you an idea of what a civil engineer does. A couple of weeks ago a fuel tanker exploded under a bridge in Los Angeles. The bridge had to be closed down due to safety issues. A civil engineer would have to come and visit the site to understand the structural damage and assess the situation. Then he would have to design a new and structurally sound bridge that is able to pass building code.

Different Jobs of a Civil Engineer

• Survey a site
• Write technical reports about the job and area
• Figure out a design or plan for the structure
• Design the foundation
• Estimate the cost and ensure economy
• Construct structures such as buildings, bridges, highways, tunnels and dams
• Maintain or repair building structure
• Survey roads, rails, highways, airports, seaports, train stations and freeway, to make sure traffic is flowing evenly and without disruption. (if a highway is crowded with traffic, a civil engineer will devise a plan to expand the roadway)
• Design electrical transmission towers and radio signals
• Run and manage a private construction firm
• Teach students at a University
• Construct canals for water supply
• Processing and purifying organic materials, such as environmental impact studies
• Manage coastal areas

Salary of a Civil Engineer

A civil engineer can average around $84,000 a year and this doesn’t include the added benefits, such as 401K, paid time off, retirement, health insurance and life ensurance. Starting pay is around $50,000 a year and will only get better with the more experience. The more experience and certifications one holds, the more they will get paid.

It takes a bachelors degree in civil engineering to become a civil engineer. A student needs to have good grades and hold an internship with a company for at least a year.

The more experience you can receive the better. Being a civil engineer requires alot of responsibility. It is important that an intern is capable of all aspects before taking on their own job. If mistakes are made, companies will not hesitate to fire.