Expert: Arshad Khan - 4/18/2003

Question
I'm a college student who is checking ot the different fields of engineering.  I was courious as to how much you like your career, how much work there is for graduates, about how much you might make entry level, how much you can make over time, and any suggestions you might have reguarding the carrer.  Thank You!

Answer
Hi Joey,

Let me forward you the Q&A below which may answer many of your questions.
This was in answer to questions raised by several students considering
their career paths. After reading this if you have further questions,
please feel free to ask!

*********************

The main subjects in structural enginering are maths and
physics, including geometry, trig, etc. You will also need to be good with
computers, as much analysis & design is done by such means. I have in the
past answered questions from students, so I will cut-and -paste these
below for your info. I hope this helps!

****************



Here are the Q &A:

****************


> What skills are required to become a successful civil engineer?
>
> What courses did you take in high school in preparation for civil
engineer
> training in University?
>

The main subjects at school are maths, physics and chemistry. At
University the student will learn many different subjects depending on
which field of civil engineering one follows. Drawing and 3-dimensional
visual skills also are very important, especially for structural
engineering. Try visiting the following website for more info:

www.ice.org

This should help you further.



> Why do you think you need a good fundamental knowledge from High School
> and University to become successful in civil engineer?

Because without that you will not be able to do all the calculations and
have an appreciation of the tasks.
>
> Why did you choose this field of study?

I had an interest in models, drawing and woodwork- all very useful for
this career.
>
> What inspired you into this field and what do you like most about the
> subject?

The fact that you help to make life better for humans and that whatever
you design or build will be there for all to see and use for anything
between 50-150 years.
>
> Would you like to achieve or learn more in this field of civil engineer?
> If so, what would you like to learn?

More on the environmental protection aspects and also in sustainable
engineering.
>
> What are the challenges to your career and does it affect your
occupation?

Many projects require innovative and lateral thinking- not all projects
are routine. Sometimes one is working at the edge of technology, and hence
there are risks and worries- can be a stressful job!! Also, one is
constantly aware that any mistakes can lead to large scale injury or death
to users.
>
> Other than civil engineer, what other fields of studies did you want to
go
> into as a kid to now?

Architecture and Aeronautical engineering.
>
> How much do you enjoy your occupational career and did you ever regret
of
> selecting such a path?

Very much, and no. I have designed buildings of up to 40-stories which I
can proudly show my children.
>
> What do you value most about you and your occupation?

The fact that I have contributed to a nation's development and that people
daily use facilities I have designed.

>
> What is a typical day for your occupation?

This varies depending on whether you are on site (construction), or in the
office (design). The former involves long hours supervising construction
in sometimes harsh environments. The latter involves more calculations,
meetings, liaison, presentations, brief site inspections, etc.
>
> Do you have anything that you find bothersome or disturbing in your
> occupation?

Yes- the pay is not commensurate with the responsibilities (c.f. lawyers,
doctors, accountants, etc)
>
> Can you describe what is generally happening in this industry?

There are ups and downs, but these vary country by country. After a war
(e.g. Yugoslavia), there is lots of work!!
>
> What do you think the needs of civil engineer in the future would be?

The needs will continue in pace with population growth and development of
under-developed countries, especially in Africa and Central/East Europe.

>
> Is there any personal advice that you can give to an interested student
in
> this field?
>

Do not choose a field that you do not have an interest in or talents to
suit (e.g. for structural engineering, if you cannot visualise in 3-D,
forget it!- go for water or sewerage or roads). Also you need to be good
at maths and drawing, and have excellent communication and inter-personal
skills.


I hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Arshad