How do I get a job in civil and structural engineering?
There’s a clear career path if you want to become a civil or structural engineer – you just have to know how to find it. Whether you want to learn about graduate entry routes, areas you could specialise in or the realities of working life, we’ve got it covered.
A career in civil and structural engineering gives you a real opportunity to shape the world around you. Civil and structural engineers design and oversee the construction of the built environment. Civil engineers focus on infrastructure and provide the facilities for everyday life, while structural engineers design and supervise the construction of all kinds of structures.
How can I get a job as a civil or structural engineer?
This is an area that really does need relevant expertise: almost all positions require a degree in civil, structural or another branch of engineering. There’s also no substitute for practical experience – a great many civil and structural engineers find a job after doing a placement with a company. Many courses offer the opportunity to spend a year in industry, but if yours doesn’t, try to find a summer placement – have a look for internships and work experience opportunities.
What qualifications and skills do I need?
To become a civil or structural engineer, you need a BEng or an MEng in civil or structural engineering, accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). In a few cases, you can get a job with a related degree (such as geography or another branch of engineering) or by pursuing postgraduate study.
Technical skills are essential, and you should have developed them during your university course – but they must be complemented by soft skills. The top skills that employers look for include:
- interpersonal skills
- teamwork
- flexibility
- commercial awareness
- communication skills
- planning and organisation.
Where can I work?
There tend to be two main types of employer in civil and structural engineering:
- Consultants focus on design work, spending a lot of time in the office or working with clients.
- Contractors do the physical construction, and are more likely to be based on site doing hands-on work.
However, there is no rigid divide: almost all engineers spend time both on site and in the office. And there are plenty of other places you could work – you just have to choose the right employer for you.
What are the different areas of work?
There’s a host of areas you could specialise in – and a few are open to graduates from a non-engineering discipline.
What does the application process involve?
The larger engineering employers tend to prefer online applications. Smaller, specialist firms might want a CV and covering letter. Most employers accept applications throughout the year, but some have deadlines as early as November. In any case, it pays to apply early, as organisations may stop recruiting once all the positions are filled. Training an engineer is expensive, so expect a challenging recruitment process – you might well be asked to attend an interview, a technical interview and an assessment centre.
What’s the competition for graduate programmes like?
It’s an exciting time in construction with many big projects coming up, such as the London 2012 Olympics and Heathrow Terminal 5. Civil and structural engineers are in high demand, and some areas of engineering are experiencing a skills shortage so they are eagerly recruiting. But don’t expect to just walk into a job: you’ll have to showcase your skills. The outlook is positive: around 80 per cent of engineering graduates find employment within six months after graduation.
What about career progression and becoming chartered?
Professional qualification is essential if you want to progress as a civil or structural engineer. Professional status is granted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). Membership shows your technical and professional competence and dedication: chartered engineer status is internationally recognised and opens career opportunities worldwide. The routes to professional status differ according to the institution’s requirements.
What is working life like?
A contracting engineer is usually based on the construction site, keeping a vigilant eye on all the stages of building. If you opt for a consulting role, you are more likely to spend time in the office, drawing up plans and modelling possible situations for the structures you design. Find out more about working life from the graduate profiles and have a look at the features on projects:
How much will I earn?
The average starting salary for a graduate engineer is around £23,000 – according to the advertisers in TARGETjobs Civil & Structural Engineering 2008. This will increase as you climb up the career ladder, particularly when you gain professional qualification. Salary packages often include benefits such as a pension scheme, life insurance, health insurance, bonuses, a company car and overtime pay.
What are the highs and lows?
Most civil and structural engineers love their jobs. It’s exciting to play a major part in projects worth millions of pounds, which may affect millions of people. Seeing the tangible results of your work is incredibly satisfying: you can walk along a street and say ‘I built that!’ In some areas of specialism, the hours can be long and are often unpredictable but the work/life balance in civil and structural engineering is better than in most professional careers.
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