What is civil engineering like?

[Jon1770]

Is it easy to find a job where you don't have to sit behind a desk? I would like to be able to work outside. I am just finishing up all my general engineering classes and I have found them to be very boring so far. I am considering doing something other than engineering. I am considering switching to wildlife and fisheries biology with a minor in environmental science and policy.

 

[Shackleford]

That's quite a difference. If you like to work outside, then I think you should switch. Depending on what civil specialty you pursue, you could be outside occasionally at jobs sites, but I would imagine most of the time you would be in an office.

 

[Delong]

I met an environmental engineer who told me she picked her job because she wanted to be outside but found out that there is very little work outside. Needless to say she seemed a little bit disappointed with her job and said that if someone is really interested in helping the environment then they should work in the policy aspect. Also wildlife biologists and ecologists definitely work outside a lot. I worked with a few foresters over the summer and they spent about half their time outside. It is very nice and it is an important upcoming field I should say.