Introduction to Career in Civil Engineering
Construction and related works are there from very old days itself. So civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines. Civil means “related to ordinary citizens and their concern”, so the discipline distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Here we discuss about career in civil engineering.
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings (Wikipedia). Thus civil engineering involves planning, designing and executing structural works related to ordinary citizen.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer
The role of a civil engineer is wide and spread across many disciplines. Many engineering branches now considering as independent are earlier a part of civil engineering. Some of them are architecture engineering, environmental engineering, construction engineering, etc. A civil engineer is involved in designing, supervision and construction activities of structures like, roads, bridges, buildings, dams, airports, ports, etc.
Other than designing and construction of new structures, a civil engineer has to do repair and maintenance works of existing structures.
Educational Qualification Required
An engineering degree (BE / BTech) in civil engineering or a diploma in civil engineering is the basic requirement for becoming a civil engineer. Many institutions like IITs are offering such courses. One can also go for postgraduate courses in civil engineering at engineering colleges and IITs to get into good career and high growth opportunities.
For getting admission for engineering course a student has to get good score in entrance exams conducted by IITs or national level or state level entrance exams or exams conducted by various engineering colleges. Only a good score can give you an opportunity to study this course in desired college. The basic qualification required to write these entrance exams are 10+2 science or equivalent examination, with PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) as the optional subject.
Skills and Knowledge Required for Career in Civil Engineering
A civil engineer requires various skills and knowledge related to the role he plays. Along with good knowledge in the field of civil engineering, he / she should have supervisory skills. Since the designing part now includes computer usage using software, a civil engineer should possess knowledge in related software also. A civil engineer should have adequate knowledge in cost and its estimation of the project he/she has to build.
A civil engineer should have observation skills, understanding skills, knowledge in legal regulations and rules. He / she must be a good administration and have inter personal relationships, presentation and communication skills, etc.
How to become a Civil Engineer?
To become a civil engineer, he/she must choose PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) stream in 10+2 science. Also score good in Entrance exams conducted by IITs or in national or state level entrance exams like JEE Main. Some individual colleges also conduct entrance exams for admission into engineering colleges. Post graduate degree can be obtained after BTech, admission for which is done through GATE exam.
Working people in the private and public sector, or diploma holders can acquire a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering by appearing for the Associate Membership examination of the Institute of Engineers (AMIE). This method gives an opportunity to those having degree in electronics or mathematics or physics to enter into this career field.
Where do I get the Job?
The job opportunity for civil engineer extends to many fields. They can get job in construction companies, public services, government organizations, semi government organizations, etc. A civil engineer can get job as a supervisor in construction site. The job is available in a private concerns where there is a need for construction of any structures required.
A civil engineer can work as an independent consultant. This has also become more popular and can earn a good income. This requires great practice and experience in the field.