Nature of work
A civil engineer designs and supervises large construction projects, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. He/she analyzes survey reports, maps, and other data to plan projects, and he/she considers construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors in planning stages. He/she also tests soils to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, tests building materials and estimates cost for materials, equipment, or labor to determine a project’s economic feasibility. Moreover, he/she designs software to plan and design transportation systems, hydraulic systems. He/she conducts survey to establish reference points, grades, and elevations to guide construction. In addition to that, he/she presents his/her findings to the public on topics such as bid proposals, environmental impact statements. He/she holds supervisory or administrative positions ranging from supervisor of a construction site to city engineer. Environment of work
Many jobs, particularly site-based work, will have extra benefits which will increase the value of his/her package. This could include a bonus, a car or car allowance, life insurance, overtime pay and medical care. Working hours typically include regular extra hours but not weekends or shifts, although site work can entail an extended working day. Self-employment work is sometimes possible. Several years of proven professional expertise and chartered status would be necessary to set up as a contractor offering special skills. Part-time work and career breaks are less likely. Opportunities are nationwide in most industrialized or more populated areas. Major contractors are increasingly regionally organized with smaller companies based locally. Hard hats and other safety equipment must be worn while on site. The work is considered to be challenged, demanded and pressured, but with considerable variety and job satisfaction. Extended periods away from home may sometimes be necessary when working on new projects. Travel within a working day and absence from home overnight is frequent. Professional life
A civil engineer can work on a variety of projects while gaining experience and working towards chartered status. Once he/she has achieved chartered status, he/she can take on further responsibilities and manage larger projects. Scope for gaining experience in different areas is usually related to the employer himself rather than the actual size. This means it is essential to fully research the industry and the approach of individual companies. Careers can develop in many ways and some employers may offer flexibility to choose a specialized area of work. With experience, it is possible to work abroad if he/she is employed by a large, multinational company. Generally, graduates begin at graduate engineer level. Once charter ship has been achieved, promotion to senior engineer level is possible, followed by principal engineer level with further experience. Progress may be possible beyond these roles. A civil engineer may find that his/her career prospects are negatively affected if he/she does not gain chartered status.Typical monthly starting salaries: from 35000 SYP.
Getting the job
A civil engineer must first complete a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or one of its related fields. Programs in civil engineering typically take 5 years to complete and include coursework in mathematics, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems, and fluid dynamics. Courses include a mix of theoretical learning and laboratory and field work.About one of every five civil engineers has a master’s degree. Further education after the bachelor’s degree is helpful in getting a job as a manager. A civil engineer needs both a license and experience to become a manager.
Skills
Along with his/her educational qualification and experience, he/she needs to improve specific skills in order to be a successful civil engineer. For example, he/she needs to have:Complex problem-solving skills. Because of working at the highest level of design and plan large infrastructure projects.
Decision-making skills. For determining the feasibility of plans, especially regarding financial costs and safety concerns.
Leadership skills. He/she must be able to lead surveyors, construction managers, civil engineering technicians, and others to implement the plan.
Math skills. He/she uses the principals of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Project management. To be able to monitor and evaluate the work at the job site as a project progresses.
Writing skills. They must be able to write clear reports that people who haven’t an engineering background can follow.
Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites:- The Order of Syrian engineers, Damascus, Tel: 6627256
- www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
- Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
Civil engineers design and build bridges, roads, railways, and tunnels. They design and build tall structures and large buildings such as multi-storey car parks, train stations, and even the Olympic stadium.Without civil engineers we wouldn’t have a constant supply of clean water, or sustainable energy to help us save our planet. Without civil engineers the world we live in would be completely unrecognisable.