The Scope of Civil Engineering for BS Students

Civil engineering is a specialized field of designing and developing infrastructure projects. This can be related to the development of nationwide transport systems or water supply networks such as developing of small roads or buildings.

A civil engineer is responsible to plan, design, budget, survey, construct, manage and analyze all aspects of building. An interesting thing about civil engineering is that it adapts to the demands and desires of society. With the passage of time, civil engineering is helping to address issues of pollution and deforestation, while considering the potential of sustainable energy within the industry.

Generally, there are two kinds of civil engineers: consulting engineers and contracting engineers. The consultants are responsible for the designing part of the project and work mostly in an office whereas contractors take the design and implement them while constructing a project. They work on site and manage the construction of the building.

So whether you are a consulting engineer or contracting engineer you need to take these tasks accordingly:

·       Carry out technical and feasibility studies including site investigations

·       Using a range of computer software for developing complete designs

·       Handle complex calculations

·       Develop liaison with clients and various professionals including architects and subcontractors

·       Compile job details and handle procedures

·       Decide design and discuss development problems

·       Manage budget issues and project resources

·       Schedule material and equipment purchases and deliveries

·       Understand legal aspects of health and safety

·       Evaluate the sustainability and environmental impact of projects

·       Ensure that projects run smoothly

Usually civil engineers who are consultant follow normal office working hours with extra hours at weekends to complete the deadlines.  On the other hand, contractors work in shifts and at weekends as they are outside most of the time.

The scope of civil engineering is very broad. BS students can opt for industrial sector jobs including water and rail. One can work for client-based organization in a design based, maintenance-based industry. They can opt for airport projects which involve modifying existing airports, runways, maintenance, cargo facilities and terminal buildings. Civil engineers have clear understanding of structural engineering and a knack to work closely with highways, geotechnical, railway and environmental engineers.

Another career option for civil engineers students is to focus on protecting coastal communities against rising sea levels and erosion using sea defences. They can also be hired to build and maintain ports, offshore wind farms to produce tidal energy. BS Civil engineers can work to build an offshore wind facility to create energy. As a geo technical specialist, civil engineers can access field data about the ground and explore ways to make sure that foundations are safe. Civil engineer graduates can oversee temporary projects and find ways to reduce traffic crowding and improve road safety.  They can use their technical knowledge to design, build and maintain railway system’s infrastructure keeping in view the cost effective factor.  The education of civil engineering allows you to take decision on specialist structural and geotechnical issues related to tunnel engineering.

Your chance of becoming a civil engineer depends on your personal preferences: modules and projects you enjoy from your course and internships. There are always handful of firms companies that are growing and need engineers.