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What exactly would I do as a civil engineer?
You could be involved in seeing through a project from design stage to construction and completion. These projects might include the development and construction of bridges, tunnels, roads, railways, dams, pipelines and major buildings.
One reason that young engineers give for choosing civil engineering is 'variety'. You might be in the office, working on designs at a computer or ensuring the client is kept up to date. You could be on site, leading teams, solving problems and literally being 'hands-on'. In the 2004 ICE salary survey, civil engineers reported a high degree of job satisfaction with 71% being satisfied with their employer and 75% being satisfied with their present role.
In general, the role you have on a project depends on the type of organisation you are employed by and what area of civil engineering you work in.
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Salary potential
Starting salaries for civil engineering graduates compare well with other professions and on top of that you get a chance to change the world in a unique way. There are also international and managerial opportunities, which make civil engineering a very appealing profession.
When you start work as a civil engineer, you can expect to be paid between £16,000 - £21,000. The average salary for a graduate under 25 working in engineering, is currently £23,200*. What you earn as you work your way up the ladder depends on the route your career takes. Once you gain professional qualifications your salary will rise significantly. The average income of ICE members is £37,700 for Technicians, £52,700 for Members and £81,400 for Fellows*.
Many jobs, particularly with site-based work, will have extra benefits which will push up the value of your package. This could include a company car or car allowance, life insurance, overtime and medical care.
*ICE Salary Survey 2006/7. All of the above figures represent basic income plus additional bonuses.
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Would I travel?
Many engineers take the opportunity to travel to places like the Indian sub-continent, South America and regions in Africa. They often work on civil engineering projects that can transform people's lives.
Even if you are working for a UK based company you may be sent overseas to work on individual projects. To find out more about the experiences of some young civil engineers overseas, visit 'People who work in civil engineering'
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I'd like to know more about building a better world
Apart from improving the quality of our lives at home, there are many challenges to be found in the developing world, where the important but basic requirements for clean water, sustainable energy and waste disposal have to be addressed for large sections of the population.
Civil engineers are needed after earthquakes and floods, during droughts and at times of war, to help the local population rebuild or maintain the conditions that will keep them alive.
If you have a real sense adventure and a commitment to help those in the greatest need, you could join RedR, an organisation that sends volunteers to disaster areas all over the world.
For more details on RedR visit the website - www.redr.org.uk.
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