Civil engineer
Civil engineers design and manage construction projects such as buildings, bridges, transport links and sports stadiums.
Typical Salary
£28,000 – £60,000
per year
Working Hours
40–42
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a civil engineer, you could:
- work closely with clients to understand what they need
- map and analyse data using mathematical modelling methods
- create design plans and models with computer software
- assess the risks and environmental impact of projects
- monitor progress at each construction stage
- lead a team of engineers, co-ordinate work and manage a budget
Skills needed
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of building and construction
- maths knowledge
- design skills and knowledge
- thinking and reasoning skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
It's important to continue your professional development while working as a civil engineer.
For example, you could look to get incorporated or chartered engineer status. This would allow you to get positions with more responsibility, such as senior management roles on large scale projects.
With experience, you could also:
- specialise in a particular engineering field
- work in research
- become an engineering consultant
- work with international development organisations or disaster relief agencies