What Job Opportunities do I have? If I Study a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering.
You’ve decided to study civil engineering at university. Now you want to know what jobs you’ll be able to get after graduation.
Civil engineers design and build structures such as roads, bridges, buildings, dams, tunnels, airports, railways, and pipelines. They also plan projects and manage construction sites. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts job growth in the field through 2024, with employment projected to increase by 16 percent over the next decade. A civil engineering degree sets you up for work in the construction industry as well as in the business, management, and financial sectors.
There are many career options in civil engineering, from project manager to structural engineer. Some of these positions require a bachelor’s degree, while others don’t. Find out what types of jobs you can expect to land after graduating from college.
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Building control surveyor
- CAD technician
- Consulting civil engineer
- Contracting civil engineer
- Design Engineer
- Estimator
- Nuclear engineer
- Site engineer
- Structural engineer
- Water engineer
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Building services engineer
- Construction manager
- Engineering geologist
- Fire risk assessor
- Geotechnical engineer
- Patent attorney
- Quantity surveyor
- Sustainability consultant
- Urban designer
What professional skills will you learn in civil engineering?
1. Project Manager
Project managers oversee and coordinate the work of different people involved in a project. They may be responsible for planning and managing the budget, hiring contractors, scheduling workers, and coordinating meetings. A bachelor’s degree is often necessary for this position.
2. Structural Engineer
Structural engineers design and construct buildings, bridges, highways, and other infrastructure. They use math and science skills to calculate how materials should be combined to create strong structures. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is usually required for this position.
3. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers help protect the environment by designing systems that prevent pollution and clean up hazardous substances. They may test water quality and air quality, inspect industrial facilities, and analyze wastewater. A bachelor’s degree or higher is generally required for this position.
4. Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical engineers design and build underground structures like mines, tunnels, and dams. They use math and physics to determine whether a site is suitable for building. A bachelor’s degree and several years of experience are usually required for this position, although some employers hire candidates without a degree.
5. Land Surveyor
Land surveyors measure and map property boundaries and record ownership information. They use surveying tools like transit and total stations to make sure their measurements are accurate. A bachelor’s degree along with several years of experience is usually required for this job.
6. Construction Management Professional
Construction management professionals oversee the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. They ensure that everything goes according to plan and manage budgets and schedules. A bachelor’s degree plus several years of experience is typically required for this position. Many companies offer apprenticeships for those who want to learn the trade before they graduate.
7. Water Resources Engineer
Water resources engineers develop plans to conserve and reuse water. They may design reservoirs, dams, and treatment plants. They may also conduct research about the effects of climate change on water supplies. A bachelor’s degree with several years of experience in the field is usually required for this role.
