A Career in Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering What is Civil Engineering About Civil Engineering Structural Environmental Geotechnical Water Resources Transportation Construction Urban Planning Possibilities for a Civil Engineer Private versus Public Sector Registered Professional Engineer (PE)

What is Civil Engineering? “Civil engineers are changing the world. They dream up creative, practical solutions that benefit the everyday lives of people and the communities in which we live. They work with smart and inspiring people to invent, design and build things that matter.” American Society of Civil Engineers

About Civil Engineering Civil engineers are wherever people build anything. Some work in offices or labs, and many work at construction sites. Civil is the largest field of engineering in the United States. 193 Universities offer ABET accredited civil engineering programs. Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering career fields. The American Society of Civil Engineers ( is a professional organization for civil engineers.

About Civil Engineering The need for civil engineers is expected to grow faster than average compared to other occupations. Most Civil Engineers attend a 4 year school, obtain a master’s degree, and then combine experience and exam completion to obtain licensure and the title of Professional Engineer (PE). Civil engineering technicians (2 year degree) and technologists (4 year degree) work closely with civil engineers.

About Civil Engineering Civil engineering is a diverse field. Most specialties fall under the categories of –Structural –Environmental –Geotechnical –Water Resources –Transportation –Construction –Urban Planning

Structural Structural engineers design structures to support their own weight and the loads that they carry. Structures are designed to resist natural forces such as wind, earthquakes, extreme temperature, hurricanes, and other natural and human-made forces. Examples include buildings, dams, highways, bridges, etc.

Environmental Environmental engineers improve and maintain the environment to protect and enhance human health along with the world’s ecosystems. Includes safe disposal or clean up of potentially harmful waste and the design of strategies to protect the environment in products, buildings, recreation areas, etc. Images courtesy of DOE/NREL

Geotechnical Geotechnical engineers analyze the properties of soil and rock to determine engineering properties. Includes projects such as tunnels, foundations, offshore platforms, etc. Images courtesy of DOE/NREL

Water Resources Engineers design, supervise, and evaluate systems for controlling, storing, moving, and conserving water. Includes providing clean drinking water, protecting beaches, preventing floods, providing irrigation, treating wastewater, etc. Images courtesy of DOE/NREL

Transportation Transportation engineers design, supervise, and evaluate systems for moving people, goods, and materials safely and efficiently. Examples include highways, paths, airfields, ports, mass transit, etc.

Construction Engineers use technical and management skills to turn a design into reality on time and on budget. Image courtesy of DOE/NREL

Urban Planning Urban planners coordinate the development of a community. Examples include projecting street patterns, deciding where parks and recreation areas are best located, determining where residential, commercial, and industrial areas are to be located. Images courtesy of DOE/NREL REPLACE

Possibilities for a Civil Engineer Private Sector Public Sector Academia Research and Development Marketing and Public Relations Combined with Other Disciplines

Private vs Public Sector Private Sector PROS Better than average starting salaries Merit pay increases and/or incentive compensation CONS Shared health plan costs Lower than average holiday and sick allowance No employer Pension plan Public Sector PROS Better than average holiday and sick allowance Employer paid heath plan Employer paid Pension plan Pay increases based on employment level CONS Lower than average starting salaries Both offer Project Challenges and Opportunities based on ability Opportunities for Professional Growth

Registered Professional Engineer (PE) Graduation from an ABET accredited school/university Fundamentals Exam (FE or EIT) Work Experience Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (PE)

Civil Engineering What is Civil Engineering About Civil Engineering Structural Environmental Geotechnical Water Resources Transportation Construction Urban Planning Possibilities for a Civil Engineer Private versus Public Sector Registered Professional Engineer (PE)

Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (n.d.). Clip art. Retrieved March 18, 2009, from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2008). Photographic information eXchange. Retrieved March 18, 2009, from

A Career in Architecture

Architecture What is Architecture? About Architecture Design Architects Project Architects Construction Managers Draftspersons Landscape Architects

What is Architecture? “Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.” - Louis Kahn

What is Architecture? “Architecture is the imaginative blend of art and science in the design of environments for people. People need places to eat, work, live and play. Architects transform these needs into concepts and then develop the concepts into building images that can be constructed by others.” - ARCHcareers.org

About Architecture Architects are licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design who develop the concepts for structures and turn those concepts into images and plans. They typically design facilities intended for human habitation

About Architecture

Management structure and job titles vary among firms. Smaller firms are sometimes comprised of one architect who fulfills all tasks. Larger firms work in teams. Some common titles include design architect, project architect, construction administrator, and draftsperson.

Design Architects Generally have many years of experience Create the overall look and feel of a building Envision the big picture and attract clients May stay involved with the entire project but not with the finer details

Project Architects Make sure that the drawings are put together correctly Make sure that the building can actually be built Make sure the design meets codes and zoning laws Make sure the design meets the functional needs of the client

Construction Administrators Oversee a structure’s actual construction Work closely with the designers and architects Generally spend more time at the build site than in the office

Draftspersons Enter an architect’s design into the computer Are often beginning or interning architects – others may be CAD technicians with a 2-year degree

Landscape Architects Design exterior areas to be functional, beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment Design residential areas, public parks, play areas, college campuses, shopping areas, golf courses, and parkways Design the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans such as wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas, and forested land

Architecture What is Architecture? About Architecture Design Architects Project Architects Construction Managers Draftspersons Landscape Architects

Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (n.d.). Clip art. Retrieved March 18, 2009, from