Civil engineering offers a promising career. Dr Arun Vikas Singh tells you how students can make it a lucrative option, considering the constant advancements in the field

Civil engineering is one of the oldest disciplines in the field of engineering and has extended itself across many technical specialities over the years. It is a well-known and professional engineering discipline that ventures with sectors like planning, designing, constructing, developing and maintaining the physical and natural environment. With the ever-changing evolution of humankind, the development of infrastructure also keeps progressing. Subsequently, the civil engineering course also involves training students in improving the existing infrastructure and protecting the public and environmental health. According to a research report by Global Market Insights, Inc, the Civil Engineering Market size is expected to grow up to $11.72 trillion by 2025.

Over the course of years, the study of civil engineering has undergone a major transition. The advancing techniques for large scale construction have led to the production of spectacular skyscrapers, dams and bridges all over the globe. Conventional methods of building in bricks and masonry had reached the limits of feasibility in the 18th century itself. This makes it essential for educational institutions to keep upgrading their syllabus in order to train their students to keep up with the changes and make themselves ready for the progression that the future holds.

The four-year degree course of Civil Engineering equips students with tackling problems that the society faces and provides efficient engineering solutions in the various sub-disciplines.

Considering the constant advancements in the field, let us delve into the understanding of what are the steps that students should follow in order to be a successful Civil engineer and its scope:

Becoming a Civil Engineer:

Civil engineering is a branch of engineering that can be pursued post-secondary school and students who have a science background are eligible for the same. It also requires a strong base of physics and mathematics for the same. The degree covers a wide range of scientific topics like mechanics, hydraulics, materials science, the statistical analysis which enables students to be updated with the latest developments. Continuous advancement in the field can open up even more lucrative opportunities. After earning their professional license, students have the option of returning to school for a master's degree in engineering management or a master of business administration. A graduate degree qualifies engineers to serve as architectural or engineering managers.

Honing personal Skills:

In today’s highly competitive, global world, civil engineering students who possess the proper training, education, and experience often find multiple career opportunities and options for themselves. However, there are a few essential skills that students need to have a solid grasp of, apart from the theoretical knowledge that the college imparts.

These skills include mathematical training, technical knowledge, leadership skills, problem-solving, organisational skills and decision making. Honing these skills not just helps one ace at engineering studies but also gains the upper hand in building a promising career.

Job prospects:

Qualified civil engineers can find jobs in various sectors, particularly in the construction sector, on buildings and large structures of all kinds, transport and communications infrastructure. Traditionally, civil engineering was looked upon as a field that was approached only by students wanting to get a job in the public sector or the ones having a family background relevant to the field of construction. However, with the broadened scope of opportunities and progress that the industry has made, students can now tap the private sector as well as the international market.  A few job positions that can be tapped by civil engineering students after the studies are Construction Manager, Geotechnical engineer, Environmental engineer, public health engineer and urban planning engineer.

Specialised fields:

Students wanting to study further after their graduation can opt for specialisation as well. The various specialisations that the students can choose from after a BE or Btech degree in civil engineering could be either a Master’s programme or a certified diploma course in the below-mentioned fields:

• Civil Structural design
• Building Technology & Construction Management
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Coastal Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Earthquake Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering

Considering the above-mentioned prospects and career scope, one thing that can be concluded is that the civil engineering sector is advancing at a phenomenal rate and is no longer traditional.

 With the progressive innovations in technology and infrastructure, colleges need to upgrade their course as we enter this new transition of development through the face of civil engineering.

The writer is Principal, T.John Institute of Technology, Bangalore