Employment Options for Those with a Civil Engineering Specialization
Over the past two decades or so, there has been a significant rise in demand for civil engineers, and this has also translated into greater salaries. Civil engineers like Reddy Kancharla have seen the field become increasingly exciting and challenging, and this has given rise to thousands of jobs in various sectors. They also feel that these careers will continue to grow over the next few years. Today, civil engineers can be found anywhere, from research to the military, working on anything from laboratories to unique buildings. If you would like to work as a civil engineer, there are a few things that you need to think about, however.
What Does a Civil Engineer Do?
Civil engineers are highly trained individuals responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of virtually every structure around us, from skyscrapers to dams to single bedroom flats. While the profession itself has only been recognized for the past hundred or so years, civil engineers have actually been around since the beginning of times. Any manmade structure that exists on the planet is there thanks to the work of these engineers. Those fantastic towers in Dubai, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Sears Tower, all exist thanks to the civil engineers who were able to not just conceptualize these structures, but construct them properly as well.
Becoming a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers gain a lot of on the job experience. However, they also require more formalized training and they must be committed to lifelong learning. It takes years to become a true expert in this field. A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum requirement, and this program must have a strong focus on mathematics and science. Usually, civil engineers also complete a master’s degree, at which point they start to focus on certain areas of engineering, such as disaster management, earthquake proofing properties, design, construction, or hydraulics. It is very important, therefore, to think about which area of civil engineering you are particularly interested in.
Employment for Civil Engineers
The two biggest employers for these professionals are the military and the government. Governments at every level require these experts to ensure their infrastructure is fit for purpose and properly maintained. They also require engineers to adapt older buildings to modern standards, while also ensuring geographical areas can cope with increasing populations and the challenges this brings. Meanwhile, in the military, engineers can help to rebuild war torn areas, develop specialized military technology, create army bases, develop bridging structures, and so on.
As the global population continues to grow, and both styles and cultures continue to change, there continues to be a need for civil engineers. Today, there is a strong focus on making sure infrastructure and other forms of construction are eco-friendly, something that has driven even more demand for these professionals as older buildings have to be adapted to lower their carbon footprint. According to experts like Reddy Kancharla, it is a field that will continue to grow for years to come.
