Engineering is a broad term which refers to many types of technical professions. They generally require a good head for math and some sciences. University graduates can almost certainly expect to find work with a construction engineering firm right away and consistent growth is expected in the industry for at least the next five years. What is this type of engineering?
Construction Engineering Overview
A construction engineering might also be known as a civil engineer; someone who takes part in large projects which benefit the public. Work might involve designing a water works department utilizing the latest “green” treatment systems. An engineer organizes and oversees a labor force, deals with various political and environmental groups, and handles budgeting. The top engineer oversees everything while consulting with engineering associates. They take the heat if things go wrong but receive accolades when a job goes well, which it usually does. One doesn’t walk into an executive position as an engineer without training and experience.
Types of Construction Engineering Jobs
Graduates usually lean towards one of the four main categories: electrical, building, mechanical, or highway/heavy engineering projects. Small commercial or residential premises fall under “building.” Foundation repair is another area of importance in this field. Heavy projects include very large structures like bridges. Mechanical and electrical engineers will often work together on connected issues within the same piece of work; for instance, when a drainage plant requires both plumbing (mechanical) and electrical elements. Some civil engineers don’t specialize: they are generalists who can be called upon to oversee elements of all these sorts of projects. Specializing makes one an expert in his area but generalizing makes him more versatile.
The Money Side
These are lucrative and generally secure professions to choose. A civil engineer has the opportunity to make over $100,000 yearly by the time he reaches a mature position in his area of expertise. Starting salaries aren’t bad either: about $60,000.
Job Demands in Construction Engineering
Although pupils study how to work with machines and systems, they also have to learn how to work with people. First, there is the client: the city hiring a team to build a ferry terminal or repair a bridge with structural issues. Next, there are lobby groups: environmentalists pushing for reforms to reduce water run-off, improve recycling, or stop the use of certain products considered dangerous to the soil or air. There could be a need to talk with journalists if a job is getting lots of press.
Overall, though, the biggest pressures are to complete a job on time and within budget. Many big projects take longer than estimated and cost more money than projected. The public and regional governments expect a few delays. Engineers are paid big money, however, to be able to foresee complications with laborers (dishonesty, drinking, arriving for work under the influence of drugs, etc.), machinery, and materials. They anticipate breakdowns and hiccups in the supply chain. Head engineers, in turn, put pressure on foremen to select qualified employees and on buyers to choose high-quality materials from reputable companies. Theirs is a many-faceted profession which never becomes boring.