What is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering can be defined as a specialised branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of bridges, buildings, dams and other structures. Human civilisation cannot exist without major contributions from this branch of engineering and it is thus an indispensable discipline.
Civil Engineers are employed in both the private and public sectors. They can become a research fellow in universities or branch out and become a surveyor, technical report writer or even a project manager. Thus the possibilities and avenues for growth are endless. These specialised technical personnel have to have an eye for detail and an inherent ability to improvise.
Engineers involve themselves in feasibility and technical studies and conduct detailed investigations in the initial stages itself to avoid costly lapses in the later stages. The design and architectural aspects of a structures are also studied in detail to ensure that the project complies with existing regulatory guidelines.
Equipment quality and reliability is another important aspect for which civil engineers are responsible for and they have to ensure that near and accidents do not happen in the construction site. A good knowledge of finance is required to ensure that the project is completed within budget in a timely and efficient manner. Thus a civil engineer needs to be an all rounder.
They have a very challenging work environment and are one of the best paid professionals in the world. Job satisfaction is also high since the spirit of 'I helped build that' runs through the blood of every civil engineer.
What do I enjoy the most about studying Civil Engineering?
The main aspect of the civil engineering course I enjoy is obviously where I go after I leave university. Travelling to different countries is an exciting prospect and civil engineering is very important all over the world as buildings and maintaining structures will always be important everywhere. I have always wanted to make a career out of my life rather than just having a job, and hopefully if things go well I will end up with my own engineering company and to be my own boss. I wanted a job where I could have an office yet not be confined to it. I needed to be able to work in the field and see the structures that I designed.
The demand in the market is now more towards the information technology and industrial sector, how does civil engineering still fit in?
An increase in the industrial sector means there is a need for more industrial areas to be developed. Developing new industrial area requires more factory, infrastructure and road access. For efficient import and export processes, it is essential for the road and transportation networks to be constantly monitored and updated.
Furthermore, in today's fast developing technology sector, more business parks and buildings for new companies need to be constructed.
Furthermore, in today's fast developing technology sector, more business parks and buildings for new companies need to be constructed.