Outlook for Construction Engineering Students

High school students who think they might like to focus on some technical discipline at university with a secure employment outlook should consider construction engineering. Prospects for students who graduate with good marks and high praise from their professors have a better than 90% chance of finding work immediately after receiving their degree. While prospects will change a little every year with shifts in the economy, the general outlook for construction engineers (or civil engineers as they are otherwise known) is tantalizingly good.

Starting Salaries and Peak Salaries

There really is no limit to how much a person can make in this profession if skills are taken out of the public sector but the average salary for a civil engineer starts at a little over $60,000 annually. This usually builds to around twice that amount when someone enjoys regular work, has garnered plenty of experience, and chooses high-paying jobs. Salaries vary according to pay rates from employers, projects they select, and the individual's specialist field.

Construction Engineering Areas

There are four areas of expertise a student will learn about at university: building, electrical, mechanical, and highway or heavy projects. The first one refers to relatively small residential or business construction while larger structures such as railway stations and airports are classified as "heavy." Electrical engineering speaks for itself while a mechanical specialty deals with plumbing and HVAC-related systems. Many civil engineers specialize and become experts in one of these 4 fields. Students also learn how to budget funds and time and how to lead employees.

Construction Engineering Projects

As a civil engineer, your duties are to develop infrastructure for the good of citizens such as sewage and drainage plants, dams and highways, and other developments for public use. Some projects begin from scratch and others are improvements or extensions. An example would be renovating or replacing old railway stations and airports. Many projects (like bridge construction) require several months of work from the very start to completion. There is usually pressure to stay within budget, to move things along a little faster, and to show respect for the environment.  Visit this website for more information.

Aspects of the Job

Students of construction engineering learn the many facets of this profession which can include design and design interpretation as well as planning and management. An engineer will be responsible for creating an estimate: that is, telling the client (a city council, for instance) how much he thinks a particular job will cost. His figures account for hiring labor, paying for inspection and surveying, and materials. He then has to control funds to ensure the project does not run over budget or is at least very close to the original figure. A head engineer will become overseer for the project and delegate responsibilities to less experienced engineers and other employees. It is his job to develop a competent and trustworthy team and manage that team by dealing with disciplinary issues, giving guidance, and solving problems. A less technical but still important role of civil engineers is to consult with various groups. These include local government agencies, environmental watchdogs, and sometimes the press.