Civil engineering is one of the oldest disciplines in engineering, dating back to about 4000 B.C. However, it was not until the 18th century when the term Civil Engineer was introduced. Through the ages, civil engineers have helped to shape the infrastructure of the world. In other words, modern life would be quite different if it was not for the civil engineer. So in this blog post we’ll be focusing on the career benefits of pursuing a degree in Civil engineering.

Civil engineers design, build, maintain and manage the construction of public and private facilities. For example roads, pipelines, bridges, dams, highways, tunnels, subdivisions, water treatment systems, and airports. Civil engineers manage both projects and people, taking an active hand in the construction of needed facilities. There are numerous career benefits of earning yourself a degree in Civil engineering.

High-demand job

One of the largest career benefits of a civil engineering job is, in fact, the job demand. The demand for new facilities and the maintenance of existing ones makes civil engineers always coveted. But if you’re working in the private sector, you might experience cutbacks on new building projects. Luckily, civil engineers can expect to have government-funded projects to fall back on in case this happens.

Job specialisation

Because of the wide range of the civil engineering field, there are a number of specialised areas. In particular, the main areas of focus for civil engineers include structural engineering, construction, geotechnical engineering, water resources, and transportation. Civil engineers can often hold supervisory and administrative positions, while others might choose to work in design, teaching or research.

Higher salary

Having a degree in Civil engineering comes with its perks for sure. One of the career benefits is having a higher income as a working professional.

Average salaries for graduates from Civil engineering degrees:

• In the U.S. – 75,000 EUR/year
• European countries – 49,000 EUR/year

Field work

Civil engineers do spend some time in their offices planning, making appointments and participating in meetings. However, much of their work time is spent outdoors at work sites. There they monitor buildings and projects and resolve project issues. As a result, the nature of the work keeps civil engineers active and on the move. It is also dynamic, which means each project has its own distinct design challenges and operational issues. Engineers also get to work closely with contractors, architects, and workers.

Project creativity

Engineers have the unique ability to combine strong technical competence with creative designing. They need to know the ins and outs of building construction, including electrical and plumbing systems and functional workings. However, engineers often love the challenge of making plans that balance functional value with aesthetic appeal. In communities that emphasize contemporary design structure, engineers often renovate or rebuild more creative structures where older, more traditional structures once stood.

Importance in the community

Civil engineers are central figures in community development. Without their unique talents, communities would not grow and prosper. Buildings and roads provide the basis of city infrastructure. Engineers not only provide them, but they use their skills to optimise the performance and efficiency of community systems. They also develop water and sewer systems that balance safety standards with the delivery of water and sewer processing. The latter two are key functions in city operation and residents’ health and comfort.

A career in civil engineering is satisfying, challenging and offers promising prospects for upward progression. The demand for civil engineers all over the world will only grow in the coming years. Are you interested in our Civil engineering study programme? Talk to our counsellor to get more information.