Civil engineering is one of the most important fields for optimising and enhancing the efficiency and functioning of the modern society. Combining different disciplines, such as engineering, design, management and even art, civil engineering represents a diverse and challenging profession that contributes to the general well-being of society. Civil engineers plan, design and build infrastructures, including buildings, roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, railway systems, seaports, etc. Thus, if you’re considering studying civil engineering, here are several reasons that will show you why this is a great choice.
Excitement and creativity
Contents
Owing to its diversity, civil engineering is a unique and interesting major with a lot of opportunities for creativity. Instead of focusing on the same calculations and crunching the same numbers over and over again, you’ll have an opportunity to engage in different projects and work on their various stages. From the very beginning of your studies, you’ll be able to engage in different projects concerning civil structures and then conduct research in university laboratories, having plenty of possibilities for expressing your personal creativity in problem-solving. Relying both on technical competence and creative designing, you’ll be able to design a truly unique structure. Just keep in mind that some of the most famous civil engineers include Leonardo da Vinci, Gustave Eiffel, John Bradfield and others.
Wealth of job opportunities
Considering the fact that civil engineering is a quite diverse and versatile discipline, civil engineering graduates have a wide range of options considering their future employment. Not only will you come across job opportunities directly related to your major, but you will have other possible career choices. Consulting civil engineer, contracting civil engineer, building control surveyor, design engineer, water engineer, structural engineer, nuclear engineer and site engineer are all jobs related to your field. Job opportunities where your degree may be useful include environmental consultant, building services engineer, engineering geologist, sustainability consultant, patent attorney and others.
High employment rate
Considering the wealth of job options for civil engineering graduates, the employment rate in this sector is quite high. The unemployment rate is just 4.8 percent, with 78.4 percent of civil engineers being employed and 9.1 percent continuing their further education. When it comes to type of work, 75.2 percent of civil engineers work in engineering- and building-related fields. Thus, after earning a degree in civil engineering, you don’t have to worry about fierce competition and unemployment because this field offers plenty of opportunities to everyone.
Great salary
Civil engineering major is quite valuable, which is why graduates have a decent starting salary. The average starting salary of civil engineers can even amount to around $50,000 in the subject area and $19,067 in non-related fields. As for the average salary of a civil engineer who has been in the field for a while, majors typically earn a median of $90,200. Considering the fact that this field is in high demand and that there’s a limited number of individuals with enough knowledge and experience, the labour market price is quite high.
Practical experience
Considering the nature of civil engineering and its subject matter, civil engineer students are encouraged to gain as much practical experience as possible. Universities provide their students with plenty of opportunities to put their knowledge into real-life context through practical projects, internships and field work. Not only does this enable them to gain practical experience important for their future employment, but it also brings excitement and enthusiasm to their studies. Most of the courses in civil engineering include options for industry placement, with a great number of students getting paid. Therefore, if you opt for civil engineering as your major, you will have plenty of opportunities to find useful and exciting civil engineering internships that will provide you with practical knowledge and experience, as well as valuable skills, which will help you distinguish yourself from the competition. Such internships are designed to help students enhance and expand their knowledge and equip them with the skills that employers are looking for.
Civil engineering is an exciting, diverse, challenging and rewarding discipline that will provide you with plenty of job opportunities, possibilities for creativity and thinking outside the box and excitement both during your studies and work.
Raj Kumar is a qualified business/finance writer expert in investment, debt, credit cards, Passive income, financial updates. He advises in his blog finance clap.