17:00 27 January 2017
It’s safe to say that the world at large is still undergoing a technological revolution with professionals in the field establishing advances in science and technology each and every day. Therefore it probably comes as no surprise that a job in the engineering industry is currently regarded as one of the most highly ranked careers.
According to the National Science Foundation, the number of bachelors and masters degrees awarded in engineering fields has steadily increased year on year. However, even the increasing number of new graduates cannot keep up with the demand and corporate recruiters are going direct to the nation’s universities to seek out the best up-and-coming engineering students before they’ve even graduated. So if you’re considering embarking on an online civil engineering degree then now is definitely the time to do it.
Although the skills needed to be a civil engineer largely depend on which route you wish to specialize in, there are a number of main abilities that all civil engineers should have. You will need to have a good understanding of mathematics and physics in order to understand the technical side of construction. Good organizational and IT skills are crucial within any engineering role and a high level of creativity can be extremely beneficial when it comes to thinking up innovative ideas. However, if you’re interested in this career path, but some of these skills or knowledge is lacking, don’t panic because it can all be learnt through a civil engineering degree course.
There are a number of different courses available for students wishing to embark on a career in engineering. The skills and knowledge you gain from each course will no doubt vary, as will the areas of engineering that you can specialize in. If you’re interested in enrolling on a civil engineering degree you will likely be taught the design and construction skills that are necessary in order to be able to effectively supervise, plan and operate the infrastructures that are integral to the modern world. Many educational establishments, such as Ohio University, also offer the chance to do a masters degree in civil engineering, which could provide you with the opportunity to become a leader in this rapidly evolving industry.
There is a vast array of career options for graduates of a civil engineering program so it’s important to consider which direction you would like to progress in and what area interests you most within the industry. Popular jobs for civil engineer graduates are construction engineers, building control surveyors and water resource engineers. Positions such as these involve a high level of responsibility, as you will have to ensure structures or systems adhere to strict environmental and health and safety requirements.
There is plenty of scope within the industry to allow you to follow your passion and do something you’re truly interested in, and with the employment of civil engineers set to grow rapidly over the next decade there’s never been a better time than now.