Expert: Arshad Khan - 10/26/2006

Question
Dear Arshad Khan,
   Hello, my name is John O'Donnell and I want to become an engineer. My brother is an engineer and it sounds neat. Where is the best place to get a job for engineering? What is your favorite part? I hope you can get back to me soon.
                                Sincerely, John O'Donnell

Answer
Hi John,

I am asked this question quite often, so if you do not mind, I will cut and paste a Q&A below, which should answer most of your questions:

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

Well, it's a very exciting and fullfilling career, but not as highly-paid
as other professions such as doctors, lawyers and accountants. (but who'd
want to be that, eh?).

*****************
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 3 websites for more info:


http://www.nceplus.co.uk/careers/?ChannelID=69

http://www.eng.ucalgary.ca/csce-students/civil1.htm

www.ice.org

These should help you with further info.


> 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 75-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 depending on
the eceonomy. After a war (e.g. Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq etc), there
is lots of work!! Also for the London Olympics FROM NOW TILL 2012!!
>
> 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 all this is of help!

Kind regards,

Arshad.