Civil and Environmental Engineering Q's

[AngeloG]

I'm 19 and I feel I have a good grasp of Physics & Mathematics. I also did very well in Chemistry. I like to tutor/help out a lot and I feel that my advice is somewhat useful :p (hopefully).

I was looking into either Architecture or Civil & Environmental Engineering. I feel Civil & Environmental Engineering will be my key really. Though, I have a weird feeling that it's very difficult to get into.

Any civil engineers out there? How are the jobs in terms of finding them? I'm a bit afraid coming out of college and finding a decent job to pay off the debt.

My goal is really to develop and design homes that are natural disaster resistant? If that makes sense. I'm from Asia heh. As you know, Asia is rattled with typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis. Some pretty crazy natural disasters heh and it's constant.

I know civil engineering is a pretty broad field. Though, I don't know where my skills would help me the most. I really enjoy Physics; specifically forces and energy.

I'm not sure if it's the right thing for me. And what field to really get into to specialize. Also, not sure how it goes after getting a B.A. Will that be enough to get a decent job? Or should I pursue a Masters/PhD?

I'm not sure how to go about it. More than anything, I need to make money now =p. Get some debt off my list and also help my parents out & family in Asia.

 

[TonyG]

It's great to hear that you have a strong grasp of physics and mathematics, and have done well in chemistry. These are all important subjects for a career in civil and environmental engineering. It's also wonderful that you enjoy tutoring and helping others – this is a valuable skill to have in any field.

In terms of your concerns about getting into civil and environmental engineering, it is true that it can be a competitive field to enter. However, with your strong background in science and your interest in the subject, I believe you have a good chance of being accepted into a program.

As for job prospects, civil engineering is a growing field with a high demand for professionals. In terms of designing disaster-resistant homes, this is a very important aspect of civil engineering, especially in regions prone to natural disasters like Asia. Your skills and knowledge in physics and energy will definitely be useful in this area.

It's important to note that civil engineering is a broad field with many different specialties. It may be helpful for you to do some research and talk to professionals in the field to see which area interests you the most. This will help you determine which courses to take and which skills to focus on during your studies.

In terms of education, a bachelor's degree in civil engineering is typically sufficient for entry-level positions. However, a master's or PhD may open up more opportunities for advancement and higher-paying jobs. It's important to consider your long-term career goals and weigh the potential benefits of pursuing further education.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a career path that aligns with your interests and skills. With your passion for physics and desire to help others through your work, I believe that civil and environmental engineering could be a great fit for you. I wish you all the best in your academic and career pursuits.

 

[piercas]

I applaud your interest in both architecture and civil & environmental engineering. Both fields are crucial in shaping our built environment and addressing the challenges of natural disasters.

Based on your background and interests, I would definitely recommend pursuing civil & environmental engineering as your career path. With your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and chemistry, you have the necessary skills to excel in this field. Civil & environmental engineering is a diverse and constantly evolving field, with a wide range of job opportunities in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction.

In terms of job prospects, civil engineering is a high-demand field, especially in developing countries where there is a need for infrastructure development and disaster-resilient design. As a civil engineer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact in your community and help improve the lives of others.

In terms of specializing, you can focus on structural engineering, which deals with designing structures to withstand natural disasters, or environmental engineering, which focuses on mitigating the impact of disasters on the environment. Whichever path you choose, I would recommend gaining practical experience through internships or co-op programs to help you further develop your skills and gain a better understanding of the industry.

As for your education, a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering is sufficient to enter the workforce. However, pursuing a Master's or PhD can open up more opportunities for research and advanced positions in the industry. It is also worth considering if you are interested in pursuing a career in academia or research.

In terms of managing your debt, I would recommend exploring scholarship and financial aid options as well as part-time jobs or internships to help offset the cost of your education. It is also important to network and make connections in the industry, as this can lead to job opportunities and mentorship.

Overall, I believe civil & environmental engineering is a great fit for you and your goals. With your passion for physics and desire to make a positive impact, I have no doubt that you will excel in this field and contribute to building a more resilient world.