Facts About Civil Engineering

By Carey Bourdier


The world of civil engineering is vast and it can be an excellent career choice for someone who really enjoys learning higher level math skills as well as a person who loves to construct things. A civil engineer is a construction expert, and this includes a myriad of structures, such as buildings but much more. These types of engineers build bridges, construct dams, and build mines, roads and much more.

There are many different types of civil engineers, so you could specialize in a number of interesting industries. You might consider construction engineering, and these professionals are tasked with the management and delivery of various construction projects. You will plan out the construction tasks and supervise the process as well as inspecting the project once it is completed. Civil engineers work in an office setting as well as going out in the field and using devices such as optical instruments and various alignment instruments and angle measuring equipment.

Surveying is another job that a civil engineer might select and you could consider land surveying or perhaps construction surveying. With both types of surveying you will learn how to use many interesting optical instruments, such as theodolites and clinometers or inclinometers and other tools used for angle measuring. Surveyors are need for many types of projects including settling land disputes, planning out building construction and road construction and even building and maintaining mines.

Earthquakes are a serious and common issue all around the globe and earthquake engineering is a specific field that deals with building roads, bridges and structures that can hand seismic activity. In addition to using alignment instruments and optical instruments, there are other interesting tools used in this line of work. This also can be a great job for someone who enjoys traveling, particularly in areas known for quakes, such as along the Pacific Rim.

If you love the great outdoors and have a passion for protecting the environment, then perhaps ecological engineering is the career for you. Not only do these professional help minimize the impact of construction on the environment, they help manage natural areas and even help design artificial ecosystems. For instance, you might work to help create green space in a housing development or on a golf course or a new park. Another option for a passionate environmentalist might be a water resource engineer and this person helps manage water use, conserve water and much more.

There are dozens of other interesting options for those interested in a career in civil engineering. In order to prepare for a career in this field, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or branch of civil engineering. Many civil engineers also have master's degrees and even Ph.Ds. In addition, some disciplines require additional testing and field experience prior to earning a license as an engineer.




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