Sunday 12 July 2015

Career as Civil Engineering


Probably there is no one in the world who don’t amaze by seeing the pyramids of Egypt, or beautiful temples of ancient Greece and Rome or the Great Wall of China. The first thought when you see such a wonder would be how they built that kind of monument. It wouldn’t have been possible without Civil Engineers. The good historical monument to your own living roof, the brain behind the structure would be a Civil Engineer.

What ever the construction may be, engineers apply scientific and technical knowledge to address requirements of a construction project. They address the problems and tasks faced by businesses and governments. A fundamental part of engineering is the practical application of specialized scientific knowledge. Engineers need to consider safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. However, in recent times, particularly in the last ten years, Civil Engineering course was neglected, as many opted for Computer Science, going by the boom. After effects of this negligence had resulted in to shortage of Civil Engineers in huge numbers globally.

An Overview:

Civil Engineers primary responsibility is to design all construction work as per the given specifications. They are involved in the planning, research, survey and construction of all kinds of buildings as also roads, airports, dams, traffic and transportation systems, irrigation and power plants, water supply and sewage disposal plants, ports and harbours, oil rigs, etc. Basically, they are responsible for planning and designing a project and having it constructed to the required scale.
Structural engineering, water management engineering, highway engineering and environmental engineering are some of the areas civil engineers specialise in. The civil engineer has to plan, research, survey and design the project and then get it constructed to the required scale.

Engineers are often the crucial link between the goal and reality. Once a company or government agency decides that it needs a certain product or process, the next step is for an engineer or team of engineers to create it as efficiently as possible within a budget. Engineers have a hand in all the phases of development, from idea conception, design and development, implementation and testing to customer support.

The engineers have to ensure that the structural framework of the building is strong enough to withstand the load for which it is being constructed and also should be able to withstand heat, cold and tremors. Engineers test and inspect products and structures to increase cost-effectiveness and safety.

Requirements:

Organizing ability, practicality, spatial reasoning, excellent analytical and logical reasoning skills are some of the qualities needed to make it as a civil engineer. It is also necessary that you like working with tools, drawing sketches, and conceptualizing forms and structures. The ability to express your ideas precisely to others is a must here. You must be mechanically inclined and ready to work with your hands.

Good logical and mental ability, problem solving skills and an ability to grasp concepts quickly are essential. An ability to express oneself using figures and words, perseverance and judgement are some of the other skills required.

Engineers need to be able to work with a team. Breaking problems down in a systematic way helps to divide the work among team members. You will usually serve as supervisor, ensuring that all team members co-ordinate their parts and communicate effectively to keep the project running smoothly.

The most successful engineers have a balance of creative and scientific skills and can master both established techniques and innovate new ones. Discipline, patience, and perseverance are also important qualities in an engineer-the ability to communicate with others is also a key skill, as engineers need to communicate effectively within their teams and with others.

How to get in:

After your SSC (10th Class) you can opt for a diploma course after which, you can go for a degree. Alternatively, after 10+2 one can study engineering by any one of the following options:

Through Joint Entrance Exam JEE- IIT (Indian institute of Technology) or EAMCET or AIEEE, one can join National level or state engineering colleges.

Eligibility for B.Tech Civil: Your marks scored in 12th exam, particularly in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Maths are also taken into consideration along with entrance test score.

The BE/B.Tech degree course in civil engineering covers structures, construction and surveying, foundation, fluid mechanics, hydraulics, environmental engineering, irrigation engineering, soil analysis, strength of materials, cost and works management and pollution control.

After graduating students can go in for postgraduate studies in India or abroad that will culminate in a master’s degree. Further study up to Ph.D. level is also an option.

Specializations:

Master of Planning in Urban & Regional Planning/Housing/Transport planning

Master in Computer Application

P.G. Diploma in Cement Technology/Construction/Quality control.

M.Tech in Earthquake Engineering, Remote Sensing

Job Opportunities:

You can start private practice as a consultant or work with municipalities, government construction, regulatory agencies, transportation authorities, architects or urban planners. Others can seek employment in construction or manufacturing companies. You can also work for organizations like ONGC, Railways and various departments of state and central governments.

Employment opportunities are exist in the government sector, including the railways, departments of irrigation, public works, roads, airports, harbors municipal corporations, telecommunications departments, etc. You can also work as a commissioned officer in the defense services, Research organizations and laboratories.

Career Prospects:

The entry of multinational companies has increased the demand for good engineers. Mainly due to the opening up of the economy and privatisation of infrastructure developments there is expected to be a good demand for civil engineers. Though students still doubtful on Civil Engineering course, It is all the attitude that pays a lot this kind of speciality courses. If you are passionate about creating wonders in construction, designing and planning, you can select this course. The growth momentum is high in this segment as shortage of civil engineers is huge.

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