Civil Engineer Career Information : Civil Engineer Pros & Cons

[iLOVENATURE2011]

kudos to all civil engineers in the world... they are probably the reason why we have sturdy buildings, bridges, and skyscrapers...

[eothel]

civil engineering well respected? LOL!

[yksrookiee69]

i'm 13 and last week i started to think about what i want to be when i grow up, my aunt and uncle suggested civil engineering and now i want to do this so im happy i know what i want to be already

[lovelplants]

civil engineer is a great profession and they design the building accordingly to it's safety.

[jake8384]

Look at that computer!

[GodLovinConservative]

I'm going to get my BA in this. I hope it's the right descion!

[nightfrog65]

People will always need civil engineers, even during a recession. Society requires roads, buildings, bridges, toilets, and clean water. Civil engineers provide these items.

On the other hand, fields like Aerospace engineering depend more on government influence and the economy-people don't build $100M satellites and fighter jets if the economy sucks.

[Ares197666]

I want to be a Civil Engineer someday !!!!!!

[Tehandpickid]

Why thank you!

[CODBESTPLAYER]

The pay in the UK can reach a peak of about 70k a year. Architects can earn up to 80k a year but their average pay is lower. I have a question if I got a degree in civil engineering and architecture could I work as both? Thanks

[crudeoilsystems]

thanks gerry

[HurtsTheTruth]

I'm doing civil engineering at uni. I find it boring, but it's respected, and the pay... WOW.

[HurricaneDominic]

@wazzmalo In the UK the average starting salary is £24,000 and the average salary of a Civil Engineer is around £54,000 . .

[mexicankid27]

What about the women, and the after partys

[conorharten]

im currently in my last year in college doing civil, i had the same feelings at the start but dont worry it seems daunting but its really not..your college will train you properly and make sure your competent enough and as long as you do the work you will be grand and you have the right background needed so dont worry its a good profession..

[Ghaiyst]

Im really good at math and physics and I either want to be a structural or civil engineer, but I feel like I won't be good at it for some reason. It's probably mainly has to do with the fact that engineering doesn't seem too math oriented? how do you use math when applying yourself to this type of engineering?

[b0ondockz]

@Ghaiyst Just because someone is good at math and physics does not mean they will make a good civil engineer. There are a lot of construction aspects to this field that not just anybody has the knack for. I find that a lot of the geeky types aren't just afraid to approach construction but it just doesn't come naturally to them. However if you are comfortable around this type of environment and are also good at math & physics then thats a plus.

[Kobaganda]

@shakeri84 You can still become an engineer by going the "non-academic" route.

Research it, not all engineers will have gone to university/college .. sufficient experience will stand you in good stead.

[Giovani646]

Hello everybody I got a question if I study to become a civil engineer in a Latin American country would I be able to find a job in the USA?

[tdr124]

@salmasexynose Go to Dive school then... Ohh wait same type of deal.

[kadonagaw]

civil engineering is the fastest growing engineering field.

-Pay for civil engineering is rather high.

-It is a very low stress job.

[Kobaganda]

@kadonagaw If you are expecting a civil engineering position to be a "low stress job" you're kidding yourself.

[MYBABYPARTZKOH]

what is the difference of the word "designed" use by an architect compare to the word "designed" use by a civil engineer???

[Starsandfunk]

@MYBABYPARTZKOH crudely speaking, a civil engineer designs the physical and the arhcitect designs the layout and asthetics.

e.g. a civil engineer is responsible for designing a skyscraper to ensure it will remain standing during high wind, earthquake, snow load, etc and that it is physically buildable! Whereas an architect designs the internal layout and astheic appearance of the skyscraper 

[shutupsuckling]

@itookapissinyourtea Probably, depends what you're in to. Weigh up what you like and what you're good at. Don't pick a career because of peer pressure or something.

[cliccme]

O.H Water Tank

What is the meaning of O & H please help

[ryanc519]

@itookapissinyourtea go for electrical or biomedical engineering for greater job prospects

[FinancialBailoutPlan]

I'm an aspiring Real Estate Developer. Will getting my BS in Civil Engineering help me become a better developer?

[b1bass]

@FinancialBailoutPlan I'd suggest going for contract management and law or maybe architectural engineering. As a developer you be better with a broader knowledge.

[TheDevilsism]

how much does civil engineer make....bachelor degree n master..

[DirtyDiesel29]

Civil Engineering is not an exciting field that is well respected and pays well. The pay is decent unless you are a principal or the top of the food chain at a city or county job. trash collectors make more money than civil engineers. Hell, I have my PE and I know people with no education that drive around the neighborhood collecting recycle that make equal or more money than me. Nothing exciting about having an architect changing the plans the day before the plans are due. Yippee

[PeeEssThree]

@DirtyDiesel29 50k straight out of college is good money. With a median earning of 75k- 90k.

[EternalLoveism]

@DirtyDiesel29

Absolutely, i am also Civil Engg from INDIA n think same.

[Starsandfunk]

@DirtyDiesel29 what you have said is exactly right. I wouldn't advise anyone to go anywhere near this profession. I switched to IT 2 years ago and am already making twice as much for doing half the amount of working and enduring a fraction of the stress! Civil engineers get treated like dirt - fact.

[quest8899]

Engineering is one of the best majors

[dgmcl3284]

@ChRIs23696 agreed. although I don't need the subtitles, it is very annoying that they are always half a sentence ahead of the voice.

[DanielCMM]

It does NOT mean that other engineering fields are out of the game. Specially Industrial, Chemical, Electrical engneers have it easy to get a job any where in the world. Civil engineeris are just in the top, the rest is just pretty close to it.

[Leeeeeeeeeeeeeee25]

I am going to graduate this year. what career or major would offer good job opportunities................a­nd pay pretty good.........but really i care more about good job opportunities. Thanks!! if you could help

[scottyizsmall]

hey i am a kid and i do alot of machanical and civil engenering type projects and i am realy instristed in becoming a civil engeneer and i want to ask you a question. do you think that playing with legos as a kid will eventualy come in handy in a future jub like civil and machanical engenering? please respond.

[breakmillion]

@scottyizsmall Structural/Civil Engineering requires a keeness in math, good spatial abilities, well versed in code/standards & decent level of common sense. If you like building structures with legos perhaps you can try become a builder? But if you're set on engineering - especially structural, make sure you like maths & reading. Hope that helps.

[PhysStud2006]

@breakmillion Just for clarification, what did you mean by builder? Did you mean real estate developer? What alternatives are there to civil engineering that entail building?

[parttroll1]

@scottyizsmall Well Lego will help you in some respects as when you build a model from the instructions you are actually developing your ability to read and understand the drawings. Also if you are building a model from scratch of your own design you are developing ideas and concepts and spatial awareness which is part and parcel of what a Civil Engineer actually does. If you are interested in this area of Engineering you need a sound grasp of maths, science, technical drawing and english

[alex471996]

One thing I've always wondered is: Could you study Civil Engineering at say ICL (Imperial College London) then spend a few years in the millitary (say as a regular not an engineer) and then go into an engineering profession. Or will that time gap be too great and job prospects won't look good?

[OPrankster69]

im in my 2nd year in college, im a business major, primarily due to my love for economics and marketing. i like my major pretty much.

however, there is a part of me that is interested in civil engineering. i like the building and creating of an efficient and cohesive city like new york or london. it seems awesome designing subways that have stops next to important locations such as office buildings, hospitals and schools.

[sultan432100]

search in google

ENG CREATOR

[killgroup]

Good pay, my cousin is a senior civil engineer and he gets paid around £80k.

[rolingpingu]

My question is...

Civil engineering is about construction, so does it mean that sometimes u gotta be freakin' far from the floor and not very safety? Cuz I'm scared of heights...

[crazy7lover]

Not really, I'm a civil engineering student in Montreal and we actually make the structural designs of buildings, bridges, etc. We do go on site to make sure the work is advancing properly, but we don't have to go on top of skyscrapers to make sure that it is being done properly.

[rolingpingu]

Good thanks :) haha nice, Cuz I live in Montreal too

[Showko22Milk]

so hw old r u ?

[crazy7lover]

21 years old

[Raheel197]

no its possible to have a office job 24/7

[marab90]

thanx

[gylinfinity]

Jerry Elliot (a.k.a. another David Duke in disguise)

[gylinfinity]

Those women are lucky then because they knew/still know people in all of the right places!! A brother, uncle, cousin, in law, etc. gave them a chance to shine from post graduate entry level on up to where they are now. Those qomen of course are white because they are definately related to someone in upper management!! How many colored sucsessful Civil Engineers have we all seen out there? 1 to 3 most out of 800?? Fuck the KKK in disguise!! Minority Engineers will plancheck your horrible designs!

[JESSFALLINGDOWN]

I've seen very successful woman in this career.. not common, but certainly viable. My company has several key principles that are gals.. all making $200K+.

[Raheel197]

what company is this? sounds like a nice comapany.. i want to apply for an industrial placement..

[hotdogdog2]

@JESSFALLINGDOWN you should hire me:}

[gylinfinity]

Of course there are alot of Civil Engineering jobs out there. As long as you are an introverted white male, the opportunities are endless. Beware to all minority/female Civil Engineers! The private sector is ran by evil and greedy corporate 2 faced white devils of the male race! Private Sector Civil Engineering is the most advanced and sophisticated level of racism here in America!! Start off by college interning with DOT, Federal, or the City and stay there until you retire at 65!!

[zdhitman15]

I think this is the type of engineer i want to become... I've searched all the other different varieties of an engineer, and this one clearly stands out for me.

Civil Engineering, itself, sounds interesting just by viewing what you would be working on in the field and in the office. The classes at my High School

( Bear Creek High ) are: Pre-Engineering I, II, and III...

So far, My classmates and I, have completed PRE-ENGINE I and II.

This is my PASSION! AutoCAD & AutoDesk baby! Hahahah

[hops152688]

At my school we have AutoCAD and Inventer and Inventer blows AutoCad out of the water.

[zdhitman15]

YUP! Inventor's the BEST! ( My Favorite )

[ArtofKimberly]

So about females in this careers?

[make009]

Im about to start college this year and im thinking in studying this carreer. I love construccion, during my summer breaks i always used to work for construccion since i was 16years old i started off working in foundations for two summers now im working as a part time bricklayer.. i just love the way we work with measurements, reading the blue-print and then building it. Im so excited but sometimes i get scared and think "what if this is not for me?"

[xxhasudin]

I study construction management and I am wondering after I complete the degree should I go an extra 2 years to get a civil engineering degree.

[damonH24]

Keep in mind that not every1 is from the same country...In the United State, Civil Engineering is in demand. If I remember correctly, it was one of the very few postions that saw an average salary increase in 07' and on, comparing to previous years.

[ozziyescobar]

There is a lot of jobs out there but theyve got Senior in front of them, 90% of positions are for Snr level, once the window for level entry closes, thats it your stuck in limbo. I recently read there is on average 50-60 applicants for each level entry position. I kinder anticipated this and sought experience for a year working almost for free on a site. 1 year down the line, experienced, graduated yet no job.

[stealthkiller2107]

There are a lot of morons posting in here. Civil Engineering is actually the fastest-growing engineering field. There are almost 300,000 Civil Engineers in the American workforce which is more than any other engineering field. That number is expected to grow by 18 percent too which is why it's the fastest-growing.

Believe me, you are going to have a much easier time finding a job as a Civil Engineer than you are as any other engineer.

[Civ1l7]

@stealthkiller2107

china produces 200,000 engineers per year

[stealthkiller2107]

@Civ1l7

Funny how you fail to mention that most of those engineers in China graduated from schools that American companies would not consider accredited institutions.

You also don't seem to understand that in order to be a civil engineer in the USA, you're going to need a PE license for your local jurisdiction.

[xSeiichix]

@stealthkiller2107 I don't mean to be rude but uhhh, it isn't the fastest growing. Biomedical engineering is expected to grow by 72%. Civil does have the highest workforce, but certainly not the fastest growing.

[adsfasdf12341234]

@stealthkiller2107 Fastest growing? Obviously, you are not a Civil Engineer since I have seen the majority of my graduating class graduate without a job. Engineering News and Record has reported that construction has been shrinking for the past 2 years. If nobody is building anything, there is nothing for Civil Engineers to design. I have a job but many of the construction workers make more than me especially the electricians and the HVAC installers.

[Lan5in6]

@adsfasdf12341234 well to be fair that was posted 2 years ago lol

[ozziyescobar]

4 years ago Snr lecture stood up in our first lecture saying "You guys are truely in a good field right now, (civil eng), best time to be a civil

4 years down the line hardly any of us got a Job !!

[HIMrocksHIM]

i don't quite follow you , can you please explain?

[380JOE]

@ozziyescobar did u ever get a job yet in civil engineering and do you thing it would be more jobs opening in like 6 more years

[edratliff]

@ozziyescobar ...took me nearly two years to find a job in CE. BEST TWO YEARS OF MY LIFE!!!

[rayyf69]

@ozziyescobar He's an engineer, not an economist.

[tjackolantern]

@ozziyescobar whered you go to school??

[enlighteneveryone]

@ozziyescobar Jacque Fresco's "The Venus Project" is looking for great Engineers and whatnot to help support and really bring about a Resource Based Economy. Don't know if there's payment, since it's goal is to rid the world of a monetary system and into a system more towards technology to support the entire human race.

[didierlassus]

Hard to believe but it's true

[France2234]

I'm a 2nd year structural engineering student.

Personally I would encourage other students to get experience in the field. I was lucky enough to work for one large civil engineering firm in Australia during my holidays after my first year of uni and it confirmed this is the job for me.

It allows you to applie practically all that theory that you study and so forth. Even volunteering is good since it allows you to network and create bonds with such companies.

[aqd2008]

hi,

can you tell me the difference between bng and bsc engineering course as I am about to study it next year and do not know which one is better to choose

[Raheel197]

hello brother,

BEng, is better, As a BENG engineer, you are more qualified than BSC student. You will take less time to get chartered status (around 2 years for BENG i think)

BSC study the same thing as Beng (almost) and they study some other stuff too but it takes them alot more time to reach the BENG level....

BSC jobs are more to do with outdoor on site jobs i think.

whatever, BENG is beter

[Frances3654]

you can be liabel for errors in your scemetics, thats scary.

[thearaban]

If you have your professional engineer's license, PE, then yes you will be liable for your design and work.

[PeAceLovEr262]

i've chosen civil engineering and currently in 2nd year. but im not quite sure is this the right choice.. hmm i am confused.

wherever i go, as i mentioned i am studying civil engineering and people goes like, "you are?! well i am... i thought u take medic education or something."

[ogasiaexpat]

Both have prospects there but it also depends on what industries u wana go into aside from diciplines. This job site, (W W W . E A S T S T O P . C O M) specializes only in Engineering jobs in Asia. Seems to focus in wide ranges of industries in Asia. Not bad a start for Asia region for grads. (",)

[mps25000]

I am trying to decide between

Electrical and Civil Engineering

[MeganoOdles]

I've being deciding whether to choose Mechanical or Civil (both cover electrical)

I picked Civil, because there a shortage of Civil and Structural engineers

*MeganoOdles* from London =]

[GeneralRdot09]

ME TO LOL

[OldTommyFlynns]

As regards to one of the cons - Being subject to the recession and cash flow ect and possibly a lack of work during these times, Im 18 and applying for civil engineering this year but have done work experience on site and asked a few of the engineers the same question and they said that due to the stimulus packages and investments in infrastructure during an economic "slow down" - you can get even more work coming your way. I don't know if this is a rule but would be great to have some feeback!!

[MikeW259]

Keep in mind...If you live in the usa...the nations infrastructure needs replace ment so there is a lot of work coming in about 4-10 years...

[didierlassus]

A lot of people have relatively the same intelligence and can learn the same things. Mindset can turn the "dumbest" into the smartest.

[cmj108]

you are exactly right.

[vegeta2332]

great POST .. best.. from New YOrk

[amilcar46]

Thus is a respnse to Sotocron I am a civil engineering student and I will tell you that it is never too late to learn. You will have a hard time and with enough hard work you can do it. I know this because in my school of engineering wich consisit of less than 4000 students in all engineering fields we have old and young pepole wotking hard to pass our classes. We do not admire the smart person but we admire the hardest worker.

[addieroxrev09]

hmm. interesting. but i heard that civil engineers and chemical engineers make the most money than any other engineers. this is so true, and ive heard that from many people

[Sotocron]

Question I have been laid off and my plans is to return to College. I am thinking of entering the civil Enginering studies but I have one question. I am 35 yeas old is it too late to enter this feild are businuss asking for younger minds?

[didierlassus]

It's never too late to enter the field of civil engineering. In my course there was a lady who would have been in her late 80's who was studying the course. I saw her in all of my classes but never again after first semester. If she can do a semester of university you can do the whole degree.

[RothmansRenaultF1]

You are never too old for anything. Go for it!

[XxAJourneyToSunriseX]

Thank you for this.=]

[KoreaXFan]

thanks, all your videos are really helping me. =]