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© Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) |
"This world can only support one billion people. The fact that it is supporting six billion at the moment is in part due to the resilience of nature, in part thanks to civil engineering."
- David Bellamy, ICE Conference 1990 |
Civil engineering attracts a broad range of people because it offers so much as a profession and draws on a whole range of artistic and scientific talents.
What's it all about?
Civil engineering is all about creating, improving and protecting the environment in which we live. In fact, our society would not function without civil engineers and civil engineering. Top ^
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 (see 'Your guide to employers' for further information) and what area of civil engineering you work in - types of civil engineering.
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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, E-mail: info@redr.demon.co.uk or visit the Web site: www.redr.org.
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My next step
If you are still at school you'll need to make sure you take post-16 subjects which will be accepted for Higher Education. These will vary from one college or university to another; however most prefer A'level Maths and Physics. Other useful subjects to study include Geography, Design & Technology and Chemistry. If you are already studying for A' levels and have not chosen these subjects, you may still be able to enrol on a course which runs catch-up classes in key subjects. See 'Courses' for more information.
Your next step is to go to college or university to do a degree course. You can also choose a more vocational route by combining employment with part-time study. Choosing a course and where to study is a big decision. It is important that you choose a civil engineering course that is recognised (accredited) by the Institution of Civil Engineers as this will make it easier for you to gain a Professional Qualification once you have passed your course, and started working. (See the next section for more information.)
The course you study will determine which professional qualification you can apply for - so be sure to plan your path carefully! Visit 'Routes into Civil Engineering' for an overview.
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Gaining Professional Qualifications and ICE's role in my career
Once you have completed your formal education, you are well on your way to achieving a professional qualification as a civil engineer. One of ICE's main roles is to help civil engineers and technicians through this process.
A professional qualification is recognised as a mark of quality and defines you as a true professional capable of working in most countries of the world. Organisations within the industry will support, encourage and offer rewards for you to become professionally qualified. Your chances of being promoted will greatly improve once you have a professional qualification supported by your employer and ICE. The process of qualifying can involve interviews and assessments of written work.
There are three main types of professional qualification awarded by ICE. You can recognise who has these highly respected qualifications by letters (designations) after a name (e.g CEng MICE)
- An engineering technician (Eng Tech TMICE) applies proven techniques and procedures to solve engineering problems. They act as supervisors with technical responsibility.
- An incorporated engineer (IEng MICE) is a professional engineer who promotes today's technology and applies and manages its use within the broad field of civil engineering.
- A chartered engineer (CEng MICE) is an innovator who can lead teams of engineers and technicians developing solutions to civil engineering problems.
Find out more about becoming professionally qualified and enhancing your career prospects in civil engineering.
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Finding out more
To receive literature and further information about civil engineering and civil engineering careers, contact:
ICE Careers
c/o Communications
One Great George Street
Westminster
SW1P 3AA
t: 0207 665 2150
e: careers@ice.org.uk
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