24,June 2021
Whether we talk about building a flyover, a water treatment plant, an aircraft, or a military base, the fundamental contribution of civil engineers to society, including all its units, shall always be primal. Which is to say, in 10 years or 100, civil engineering as a profession will always be blooming as the demand for instilling more sustainable infrastructure rises. In such a day and age, young aspirants looking forward to building a career in civil engineering are set on the right path. Considered to be one of the oldest branches of engineering, civil engineering primarily deals with the design, plan, and manufacture, and maintenance of structures and building, taking into account every brief technical detail that goes into it.
We’re living in an era where a lot of emphasis is being laid on environmental issues and climate crises. The only plausible solutions to these major problems can be handled under the expertise of civil engineers. For instance, handling the water retention and distribution process are the work area of civil engineers specialised in hydrology, erosion, habitat preservation etc. Without their guidance and practical input, taking a step towards the cause is impossible.
At this point, it is irrefutable to say that computers and computing have changed the face of the modern world. The amalgamation of computer-aided design (CAD) software with civil engineering has allowed the engineers to craft 3rd-dimensional models of infrastructural projects, thereby aiding them to cut extra time and costs to be invested in undertaking construction projects. This has in turn enabled more smart and more disruptive infrastructure fundamental to an effective economy, thus expanding the scope of civil engineers.
Gone are the times when civil engineering encompassed hours of ground-level work with tedious up-and-downs and a restriction of working only on civil construction projects. This field has been continuing to evolve over the years and has now entailed multiple profiles, both independent and in combination. Whether you want to work as a field professional, office goer, designer, supervisor, private consultant, educationist, or even a manager, civil engineering offers you a wide array of employment opportunities to carve a personalized career path.
After completing a btech degree in civil engineering, students can pursue higher education by opting for a Mtech degree in a specialised branch of civil engineering. To lend an idea of prospects available for engineering students, there are domains like Aerospace engineering, Construction engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, material engineering, urban planning and development, Hydraulics, water resources planning and development. transportation, structural engineering, and many more.
Civil engineers also have an option of pursuing a doctorate in their chosen specialization and take up research opportunities to devise new findings that help in solving specific problems pertaining to infrastructure. The scope of research in this domain of engineering is vast because of the availability of so many specializations, and the urgent need of turning plausible solutions into definite plans to facilitate the building and construction of upcoming and diverse projects.
Civil engineers, along with the private sector, have the chance of working in the government sector as well. Every year, various authorities like SEBI, UPSC, IISc and IITs, etc. conduct various exams like GATE, IES , SSC JE, RRB JE and SE to allow engineers a chance of working in government sectors. Civil engineers sometimes also get the prospect of working for government projects after several contesting firms pitch their proposals. For example, the ongoing Central Vista Project 2021.
A civil engineer essentially works at various infrastructural projects, that hone their project management skills through constant practice and experience. Engineers with ample experience are often appointed as managerial heads at large companies to oversee ongoing projects, revise strategy, supervise the workforce, track progress, and also assist in technical accuracy. These abilities are imparted in civil engineers with time and ensure an open channel of lifelong job prospects, especially in the management sector.
Right after graduating with a btech degree in civil engineering, maximum students are either placed into big companies through campus placements or apply for jobs at various prestigious civil engineering companies. A btech degree in civil engineering fetches the students the power, prestige as well as opportunity to work at top tier firms with excellent compensation, job stability, an opportunity for advancement, and a challenging as well as adaptive work environment. Following are the various profiles that civil engineers can work at, along with their description.
| S. No. | Job Profiles | Job Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Architectural Engineer | Designing, building prototypes, ensuring the implementation of designs and altering them whenever required. |
| 2. | Aerospace Engineer | Designing aircraft, monitoring aerodynamic performance, testing and improving their capacities to facilitate its usage. |
| 3. | Structural Engineer | Designing functional and visually appealing structures using computer software. |
| 4. | Geotechnical Engineer | Overseeing the adequacy of construction materials required for a strong foundation, determining construction methods, and developing excavation techniques. |
| 5. | Project Site Inspectors / Construction Engineers | Scheduling construction activity at every step, coordinating with designers to facilitate an effective and flawless outcome. |
| 6. | Transportation Engineer | Designing transit models, improving structures through reconstruction, renovation, and maintenance. |
| 7. | Project Managers | Assume full responsibility for compliance with safety codes, supervising sequential progress and ensure the alignment of all aspects of construction. |
| 8. | Chief Technical Officers | Overseeing any/all technical upgradation at all levels and ensuring all operations are in sync with the latest technology. |
| 9. | Engineering Consultant | Assisting companies in solving all technical issues/ doubts and guiding them towards the best course of option after considering all inputs. |
| 10. | Analyst | Compiling and analyzing data to interpret suitable measures towards the company’s interest. |
| S.No. | Job Profiles | Average annual Salary (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Architectural Engineer | 4 - 5 lakh |
| 2. | Aerospace Engineer | 8 lakh |
| 3. | Structural Engineer | 6 lakh |
| 4. | Geotechnical Engineer | 6 lakh |
| 5. | Project Site Inspectors / Construction Engineers | 5.2 lakh |
| 6. | Transportation Engineer | 5 lakh |
| 7. | Project Managers | 12-14 lakh |
| 8. | Chief Technical Officers | 15-20 lakh |
| 9. | Engineering Consultant | 15 lakh |
| 10. | Analyst | 6 lakh |
Considering the numbers given above, one thing is crystal clear, the scope of pursuing civil engineering is not only professionally rewarding but also profitable. In the ongoing times, several technologies have shaken hands with civil engineers as more lucrative projects are emerging, thus opening up the pool of opportunities available for them. Hence, the career options after btech in civil engineering in 2021 are many and each of immense value. As young professionals in the domain of science and technology, civil engineers must brace themselves for working at valuable positions and change the shape of tomorrow through their skill-based efforts.