Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design roads, bridges, and buildings that keep communities running.
What they do
Civil engineers plan and design large structures like bridges, roads, dams, and buildings. They make sure these structures are safe, strong, and good for the environment, using math and science to test their designs before construction begins.
Work environment
Civil engineers split their time between offices (designing and calculating) and construction sites (checking that work matches the plans). The job often involves teamwork with architects and builders.
How to become one
Earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. To lead projects, engineers become licensed Professional Engineers (PE) by passing exams and gaining work experience.
Skills you’ll need
- Math and physics
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Project planning
- Communication
A day in the life
An engineer might review blueprints in the morning, use software to test whether a bridge design can hold enough weight, then visit a construction site to make sure everything is being built correctly and safely.