Civil

Civil engineers can either be consulting engineers who advise on projects and design them, or contracting engineers who turn their plans into reality and maintain the structures once they are built. Typical civil engineering work activities include:

undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations

using a range of computer packages for developing detailed designs

undertaking complex and repetitive calculations

liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors

compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures

resolving design and development problems

managing budgets and project resources

scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries

making sure the project complies with legal requirements

assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects

ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time

Working as a civil engineer you may be required to work away from home for periods of time. Frequent visits to sites may also be necessary, especially for new graduates. Travel abroad may be possible with a large consultancy company. While regular office hours are the norm, you may have to work long days and some weekends close to project deadlines. Overnight and weekend stays may be required for site inspections. Site engineers and managers can be on call 24 hours a day.