If you’re fascinated by the infrastructure surrounding us, have a knack for problem-solving, and love the idea of building and maintaining the physical world, then a career as a civil engineer might be the perfect fit for you!
Civil engineering is a diverse and rewarding field that plays a critical role in shaping our modern society.
Join us as we explore what civil engineers do, the qualification pathways to becoming one, how to gain valuable work experience, and the top skills every civil engineer should possess!
What Does a Civil Engineer Do?
Civil engineers are the masterminds behind the design, construction, and maintenance of essential infrastructure projects we rely on daily.
Civil engineers are not confined to a single specialisation and often work collaboratively across disciplines to deliver complex projects that benefit society. They are responsible for ensuring our built environment’s safety, functionality, and sustainability.
Their work encompasses a wide range of areas, including:
Transportation Engineering
- Designing roads, bridges, and tunnels to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
- Planning public transit systems to reduce congestion and improve mobility.
Structural Engineering
- Designing buildings and structures to withstand various loads and environmental conditions.
- Assessing the integrity of existing structures and recommending repairs or improvements.
Environmental Engineering
- Managing water resources, including wastewater treatment and stormwater management.
- Implementing sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact.
Geotechnical Engineering
- Analysing soil and rock properties to determine their suitability for construction.
- Designing foundations for structures to ensure stability.
Construction Engineering
- Overseeing construction projects to ensure they meet design specifications and budgets.
- Managing teams of workers and coordinating project timelines.
What Are the Qualification Pathways to Becoming a Civil Engineer?
Becoming a civil engineer requires a strong educational foundation and a commitment to ongoing learning.
As with most engineering pathways, you’ll need to complete an appropriate degree and usually some postgraduate program to get started.
Here’s a typical path to becoming a civil engineer:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. This program usually takes four years and covers essential topics such as mathematics, physics, engineering principles, and specialised courses in civil engineering.
- Licensure: After completing your degree, you’ll need to obtain a professional engineering license. In Australia, each state and territory is responsible for the registration of engineers. Some don’t require an engineer to be registered, and others have statutory regulations that require it. Check-in with Engineers Australia to learn more about your state’s requirements.
- Continuing Education: Civil engineering is dynamic, and ongoing professional development is essential. Many civil engineers pursue certifications and attend workshops or courses to stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies. As a graduate, you might also want to look into graduate programs that help you gain experience and exposure to your target industry.
How to Start Gaining Work Experience
Gaining work experience is a crucial step towards becoming a successful civil engineer. Almost every engineering degree in Australia contains an industry placement component, which is a great way to start developing your skills.
Other opportunities to build your experience include:
- Internships, Traineeships & Cadetships: Look for internships, traineeships and cadetships offered by engineering firms or government agencies. These opportunities allow you to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
- Networking: Attend industry events, join professional organisations like Engineers Australia, and connect with experienced engineers. Networking can help you discover work experience and mentors who can guide your career.
- Entry-Level Positions: Consider starting in entry-level positions, such as junior engineers or engineering technicians. These roles provide hands-on experience and opportunities for growth.
- Volunteer Work: Participate in volunteer projects related to civil engineering through organisations like Engineers Without Borders. This can demonstrate your commitment to the field and allow you to work on meaningful projects even before you land a paid position.
Top Skills Civil Engineers Should Have
You’ll need a diverse skill set to excel as a civil engineer. Some of these you can develop through a wide range of activities, and many you’ll start to get through your studies.
Here are some of the top skills every civil engineer should develop:
- Technical Proficiency: Mastery of engineering software, and tools for design and analysis, alongside an understanding of building codes, regulations, and industry standards.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to analyse complex issues, develop innovative solutions and address unexpected challenges during projects.
- Communication: The ability to present technical information in a clear and understandable manner and communicate well with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
- Environmental Awareness: Understanding sustainability principles and environmental impact assessment and designing projects with minimal ecological footprint.
- Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to evolving technologies and industry trends and stay updated throughout your career.
Build a (Career) Bridge & Climb It With Fulton Hogan
Becoming a civil engineer is a rewarding journey that offers the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of society while working on exciting and impactful projects. It requires dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for problem-solving.
If you’re up for the challenge, the world of civil engineering awaits your expertise and creativity!
We’re fortunate to partner with Fulton Hogan, who offers a wide range of entry and early career programs for civil engineers to kickstart an exciting career in the sector.
Head to their dedicated profile to find out more!
