🏗️Engineering & Architecture
Civil Engineer
Builds buildings, roads and structures
Designs and oversees the construction of residential, industrial and public buildings.
What they do
- ▹Calculates foundations, frames and load-bearing structures
- ▹Draws up schedules and cost estimates for construction work
- ▹Oversees the quality of masonry, concrete and assembly work on site
- ▹Signs off on finished structures and prepares as-built documentation
Skills you need
- ▹Engineering calculations of strength and loads
- ▹Reading design and working drawings
- ▹Knowledge of building codes and site safety
- ▹Managing a crew on site
- ▹Working with construction equipment and materials
Focus on these subjects at school
MathematicsPhysicsDrafting
Where they work
- ▹Construction and contracting companies
- ▹Capital construction departments under local government
- ▹Design-and-build institutes
- ▹Residential developers
- ▹Donor-funded road and bridge infrastructure projects
Pros
- + Construction never stops — there's work in any city
- + Fast track to site foreman or section manager
Challenges
- − Constant time on site in heat, cold and dust
- − Delayed material deliveries and missed deadlines are routine
Programs that lead to this profession
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