Month: August 2016
All About Civil Engineering
What is Civil Engineering?
Engineering is applied science, usually involved with the creation and invention of new products or machines. Civil engineers are responsible for creating roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure designed to create clean water and air, and clean up pollution. They also work with alternative energy sources, like solar or wind powered energy. They create things that are needed for our society to function efficiently and safely.
What do Civil Engineers do?
Civil engineers create the infrastrcuture that is necessary for everyone to live their day-to-day lives. Without civil engineers, there would be no highways, skyscrapers, bridges, or clean water. Some possible jobs include:
- Civil Engineering Professor
- Researcher
- Businessperson/Consultant
- Architect
- Patent Lawyer
- Environmental Lawyer
- Structural Engineer
- Transportation Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Environmental Lobbyist
How can I become a Civil Engineer?
In middle school, there are many activities that can help you prepare to be a civil engineer. Some options include:
- Visit a science museum
- Join the Science Olympiad or a Science Club
- Build with Legos
- Build a bridge out of toothpicks and marshmallows
- Draw blueprints of buildings and bridges
- Learn about architecture
- Research alternative energy sources (Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric)
- Learn about the clean water crisis in developing countries
- Study rock formations
In high school, take math and science courses, including Calculus, Algebra, Geometry, Physics, and Chemistry. If your school offers it, take basic design/engineering, or architecture classes. Some drawing or art classes could also be useful, and fun! Take honors or AP/IB classes if you want to challenge yourself. If you want to explore engineering further, see if you can shadow an engineer, contractor, or architect, or volunteer at a lab, college, business, construction company, or any other place that you’re interested in.
When applying to college, look for schools with good science programs, and research opportunities, and do some research to see if you can get any college credit for AP or IB classes that you’ve taken.
In college, study civil engineering! Talk to an advisor to make sure that you’re taking the right courses to graduate with an engineering degree. If possible, see if you can find a part time job or summer internship that deals with civil engineering, to get some exerience. Apply and interview for some jobs after college, or get a Masters Degree and/or PhD to keep learning.
Learn More
http://educatingengineers.com/degrees/civil-engineering
http://www.civilengineeringcareers.org/how-to-become-a-civil-engineer
Stem Guide for Kids 