7 of the most common civil engineering myths, busted

Civil engineering is an exciting and rewarding career, where you literally get to shape the world around us.

But for some reason, there are still some misconceptions about the job and the people who do it - and we want to put this right.

In their own words, civil engineers from a wide range of backgrounds bust some of the most common myths about the profession and the brilliant opportunities it provides anyone looking for something that’s more than just a job.

Myth 1: it’s a man’s world

It may have started out that way back when ICE was founded, but this is no longer the case.

“What a load of rubbish!” says Emma Watkins, Skanska engineer and one of ICE President Andrew Wyllie’s Future Leaders.

“I’ve had so much support and lots of help ever since I started and have been given nothing but respect for working in the industry.”

That’s not to say that there’s not still some way to go before the number of women in civil engineering matches that of men.

The good news is that the figure is rising. The ICE’s own records show that 17% of the total membership is female, and the percentage of female engineers on ICE training agreements has grown to 26%.

“Yes, the industry does have large numbers of men, but there are many inspirational women doing amazing things in the engineering industry,” says Virtue Igbokwuwe, assistant project manager at Ringway and award-winning STEM ambassador.

“Once you join, you’ll see that things are changing.”

Read more: how can we help encourage more women into engineering?

Myth 2: you have to be good at maths.

If maths is not your strong point, fear not.

Hiba Khan, Mott Macdonald engineer, says that she’s “barely doing much maths”, and she’s over 10 years into her career.

“I mostly find myself managing projects and people, talking to clients and pitching ideas,” she says.

“It’s not all about calculations and computers,” says Jane Collins, Arup director and ICE Fellow.

“It's about understanding what does and doesn’t work and often the key skill is just being able to observe what is happening and listen to what people are saying.”

Myth 3: you have to be good at physics

Bianca Wheeler, construction engineer at Jacobs, was told as a student that she’d have to be good at physics, only to find that this was untrue.

“Yes, principles that stem from physicists’ work and theories are present in engineering, especially when working in design, but this is more about structural mechanics rather than quantum physics and such that you learn in A-level physics,” she says.

Myth 4: engineers are boring, and so is civil engineering

No one likes to think of themselves as boring, and many civil engineers are quick to prove the opposite is true.

“In my experience, engineers are some of the most interesting and passionate professionals,” says Craig Thackray, vice president for the Middle East and Africa at AECOM.

Many we have spoken to have loads of hobbies and interests outside civil engineering, from music and dancing to sports, photography and travelling.

Tania Hyde, technical director and circular economy lead at Beca in New Zealand, has several herself. Gardening, mountain biking, Pilates and reading to name a few!

“These aren’t just hobbies, they’re how I recharge, reflect, and stay connected to the things that matter, especially when the scale of climate challenges feels overwhelming,” she says.

“They help me stay focused on what I can influence, and keep moving forward.”

Socialising and sport are key to many civil engineers' work-life balance.

Graduate engineer Inez Plugge Porter really appreciates her employer's clubs. She's been part of the Mott MacDonald football, lacrosse, running, frisbee and netball teams.

Having struggled with mental health at university, she's found that it's “completely turned” around thanks to the friends she made at work through all of these sports.

The team aspect of civil engineering is significant, as a common misconception is that engineers are loners who don’t interact with other people much.

“Completely the opposite,” says Monika Szczyrba, Skanksa engineer and another of ICE President Andrew Wyllie’s Future Leaders. “It’s all about the team effort.”

Myth 5: engineers aren't diverse

“Put your stereotypes away,” says Ayo Sokale, ICE Policy Fellow, who says that the industry welcomes anyone and everyone who’s ready to take on the challenges that civil engineers try to solve.

Major Rob Ridley, from the Royal Engineers, agrees.

“The profession needs people with diverse skills; creative thinkers who can develop concepts to solve problems, highly analytical people who can dig into the detail, people in offices, on site, all over the world,” he says.

“There’s a space in engineering for most inquisitive people.”

And as for the industry not being LGBT-friendly, Tara Fraser says that your skills are much more important than your gender.

“My experience has been that sites and contractors are far more interested in your professional delivery of projects and couldn’t care less about gender or sexuality,” she says.

Myth 6: it’s all hard hats, concrete and hi-vis vests

Yes, there are parts of civil engineering that will involve you wearing the stereotypical safety gear, but who says you can’t have fun if you do, Sakthy Selvakumaran poses.

“There are so many other sides for those who aren’t as keen on working in the mud,” she adds.

Some people go an entire civil engineering career without ever wearing a hard hat!

This myth can lend itself to an “image problem”, with people thinking that construction isn't for them because they view it as “dirty and dangerous”, as Skanska's CEO and president, Katy Dowding, says.

“In reality, an engineer working in construction could be involved in high-tech projects just as exciting as working for a Formula 1 team.

“It's a tough challenge for our sector, but by changing perceptions early on, we can show that construction offers dynamic and rewarding career opportunities.”

Myth 7: engineers love Lego

“Not all civil engineers are obsessed with Lego,” says Jack Rose.

And believe it or not, a number of civil engineers we spoke to have never built anything with Lego in their lives!

So, if the iconic building blocks haven’t played much of a role in your childhood, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you can’t be a civil engineer.