Civil Engineering Career Goals
Civil engineers develop, design and monitor the building of various structures such as roads, bridges, utility systems and buildings. Civil engineers deal in many facets of business and engineering, such as the environment, architecture, transportation and technology. Jobs in civil engineers seemed to be on the increase in the 2009 with the increase in demand for better infrastructure and a growing population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a civil engineer was $78,560 in 2008.
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Education
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Many, if not all, civil engineers are required to have a bachelor's degree in engineering if they would like to move up in their field. Education requirements also consist of taking and passing the fundamentals of engineering exam. Many high-level jobs in the field require the candidate to have at least a master's degree in engineering, a physical science or business administration. Professional associations provide educational resources, such as seminars, lecture series and classes.
Consulting
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A civil engineer's career aspirations may consist of working for a consulting firm, which assists construction firms, businesses and municipalities in their engineering endeavors. A small consulting firm can be a place where a civil engineer quickly moves up the ranks to management where they are responsible for overseeing projects and the firm's overall well being. In larger consulting firms, a civil engineer career goals can flourish through opportunities in the technical, managerial and business development roles that they can play. A larger firm can provide a place where a civil engineer can hone in on an interest area and become an expert in that arena.
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Business and Industry
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Civil engineers are needed in manufacturing, pharmaceutical and technology industries. Civil engineers in these sectors assume roles that involve the managing of facilities, project development and oversight, and developing and deploying goods and services to the consumer. Civil engineers are also employed in the retail, real estate, educational, energy and health care sectors.
Construction
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Civil engineers are always needed by the construction industry to develop and manage projects, processes and people. In addition, civil engineers who aspire to work for a construction firm can also look at the administrative side of the business. This includes business development, human resources, marketing, safety, risk management and quality control. Positions within construction firms include project engineers, field engineers, superintendents, directors and owners.
Public Sector
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Civil engineers may also find a career path with a municipality, such as a village or city. In these capacities, they may be responsible for overseeing utility, construction and road projects. Civil engineers may also work for agencies and departments on a state or federal level. These jobs can involve engineering of projects or the consulting on projects for the private and public sector.
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