Civil engineering is considered one of the oldest branches in engineering discipline. Perhaps, it has evolved after people started to put the roofs over their heads first. It shapes the modern civilization nowadays, as we cannot imagine our lives without proper sanitation, moving around the city from one river bench onto another one over the bridge or any water supply facilities. Normally, we refer to these facilities as a harvest of civilization, meaning that progress could not have been achieved without those basic standards of living, as power building construction, water supply and waste water treatment. It is becoming evident that civil engineering discipline is highly important in our everyday activity.
As far as I would love to contribute to these crucial activities in a daily life, create something valuable, which could facilitate many people's lives, I have chosen my major to be civil engineering. Perhaps, I could even help people in poor countries to have an access to main public commodities and services. This way I would feel as leaving some trace after my work. Moreover, it excites me to think that I can see the results of my work, once the bridge is constructed or the sanitary system is designed, for instance. I believe this kind of work could passionate me for many achievements and improve me as a personality. General engineering work requires many specific personal features, such as reliability, accuracy, discipline. I feel like I am able to answer the demand for this work and enhance my capability.
Civil engineering mainly encompasses the duties of planning, designing and overseeing construction and operation of various facilities and structures. Among them are dams, channels, bridges, airports, roads, railroads, harbours, water and waste water systems, etc. They include several areas, such as transportation, coastal engineering, structural, environmental, geotechnical, construction, architectural, engineering mechanics. As we can see, it does shape our modern society at a large scale.
This branch of engineering conducts several major tasks (CAREERPLANER.COM):
- in order to perform any project civil engineer is to analyse and learn maps, drawings, blueprints, reports or any other topography data;
- planning and designing of different system facilities according to the given buildings codes and government standards by means of specific designing software and tools;
- in order to determine design specifications it is necessary evaluate some technical parameters or criteria, such as flow rates or material stress;
- prepare the site and ensure the compliance of the maintaining work according to its design;
- perform construction and maintenance at the project site;
- perform techno-economic analysis for the costs of material, works and equipment;
- test and provide the materials, which would answer the requirements of the construction standards and existing project.
- provide any consultancy services regarding design, construction and planning of construction;
- conduct potential hazards and environmental impact of the existing project.
Environmental engineering and architectural engineering are the disciplines, which I find the most curious for myself. Environmental engineering studies those crucial topics as water and waste water treatment, gas purification, energy technology and so on. Needless to say, there are plenty of universities and university colleges, which provide full Bachelor and Master programmes on this discipline. It is the best way to pave the way for engineering. Moreover, I would pick up an institution, which can involve into some internship, because it is rather necessary for a student or young graduate to get mentoring in the studied topic. Another way is to write a Bachelor's or Master's thesis in the company, where you would prefer to get the first experience. That would be beneficial to see how the real engineering is performing, what obstacles can be encountered and if you definitely suit this role. Finally, I am intended to take part in any school teaching assistance, which is going to help in my job application process later and gives me an opportunity to try laboratory equipment. Many faculties in environmental engineering field are researching in the topics of CO2 reduction or storage techniques and biogas technology. I am passionate about biogas process, thus, I am looking forward to finding any chance of internship in biogas enterprise.
Since architectural engineering enables us to utilize such services, as air conditioning, ventilation and heating system, I find it necessary to emphasize on learning the material regarding these topics. Furthermore, it is important to be skilled in using design software in order to implement that into the project. Generally, the study programmes at university gives the courses to teach and guide students through the basics of programming and designing. I will also underline the importance of internships during studies, especially during your graduate programme. This will create the first work placement and introduce your into real engineering challenges.
Professional engineer and fundamentals of engineering examinations are great milestones in the career of any entry-level or experienced engineer. It is also needed to raise own level of knowledge in this way. I believe that the best way to prepare for it is going through the real previous exams, so that you can be fully aware of what to expect. There are plenty of websites, which can provide you any specific preparation manual or online tests for an extra fee. Another idea is to contact those engineers, who have passed FE and PE exams and can share their own experiences and tips on how successfully to manage that. Probably, you will have to recollect some maths formulas and refresh some essential engineering topics in your head.
Civil engineers are mainly employed in civil engineering consultancies. Among potential employees could be local authorities, water companies, environmental agencies, transport infrastructure companies, civil engineering contractors, etc. The activities of civil engineer may vary according to the size and specialization of the company. Small-sized company usually emphasize on some particular service, such as consultancy, design work or performing drainage, for example. It is important to get the necessary experience in a desired field towards chartered status. Perhaps, you may expect some international mobility, as it can broaden your engineering outlook, strengthen your skills and advance your career. Later on it is a great opportunity to get engaged into the company with multicultural environment. Once you achieve the status of chartered engineer, you can be promoted to senior engineer with a wide range of tasks and responsibilities (editors).
Work Cited
CAREERPLANER.COM. "''Civil Engineer''." 2. Print.
editors, AGCAS. "Consulting Civil Engineer." PROSPECTS 2014. Web.
