Expert: Arshad Khan - 4/28/2003

Question
1. What do you like most about your job?
2. How did you become interested in your career?
3. Briefly describe some of your Job responsiblities.
4.Describe the education and/ or training necessary for your job.
5. Aproximately how many hours do you work per week?
6. What is the approximate salary range of your area?
7. What do you least like about your career?


Answer
Hi Karmi,

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 again!
> >
> > *********************
> >
> > 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
> >