What is a civil engineer?
Next time you see a railroad, take a look at the tracks. It’s no simple task getting those railroad tires placed just right for miles on end. It takes the skill of a civil engineer. Civil engineers plan, design and oversee construction of everything from skyscrapers, roads and bridges to waterways, power plants and even sewage systems. Some civil engineers work in offices while others work out in the field. They all play an important role in the future development of towns, cities, states and countries.

How much education do you need?
Most civil engineer careers require a bachelor’s degree.

Does this career fit your personality type?
This career is great for realistic, investigative and conventional types.

SKILLS YOU NEED

Creativity Creative thinking helps civil engineers come up with unique designs for everything from roads to buildings. Math Design and construction requires math. Whether measuring space or computing water flow through pipes, number crunching is a must. Brain Power Practice using your noodle! From analyzing maps to testing soil, civil engineers have to do their research before making decisions. Writing Good writing skills are essential to communicating ideas, creating reports and drafting design proposals. Teamwork To get projects done, civil engineers have to team up with other career professionals, from construction workers to city workers. Time Mastery So much to do, so little time! Civil engineers have to work quickly so they don’t slow down other people or projects.

Instructions

Find one more fact about this career and share it in the response box.

Posted In: Everyday Math, Use Math, Why Math