Career Prospects

Career Prospects

A civil engineering degree prepares you for work in the construction industry as well as in the business, management and financial sectors

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Securing some kind of work experience is crucial. Employers place great importance on experience, and it’ll give you an insight in the working practices of an engineering firm.

If your course does not include an industrial placement, look for relevant summer work experience and placements. Any kind of role in a construction or civil engineering setting will allow you to build your understanding of issues related to the planning and execution of projects. Use this experience to expand your knowledge and to develop contacts and network.

Casual, hands-on construction work and administrative jobs may be available, but many employers offer structured work experience opportunities.

As a qualified civil engineer you can find work in a range of sectors, particularly in the construction sector, on buildings and large structures of all kinds, transport and communications infrastructure.

You can also work for employers involved in the production, storage and distribution of electricity, gas and water.

Vacancies arise across the Indonesia and overseas, with a range of contractors and consultancies. You could also work in-house for a variety of national and multinational organisations, particularly within the public sector. Local authorities, government departments and environmental organisations employ civil engineers to set up project specifications and draft tender documents.

A degree in civil engineering develops highly sought after technical skills and a sound knowledge of the subject.

With a solid grasp of science, mathematics and technology, you’ll learn to design, create and build structures efficiently, making best use of available resources and techniques.

Through realistic construction-based group projects, you’ll gain practical experience of applying your engineering judgement and working successfully with others.

Transferable skills gained on a civil engineering course, include:

  • creative approach to problem-solving
  • critical thinking skills
  • ability to interpret data
  • numeracy, IT and communication skills
  • analytical and decision-making abilities
  • an awareness of ethical issues.

Most new graduates who enter professional training with a civil engineering company continue to study part time while working, in order to achieve either chartered (CEng) or incorporated (IEng) engineers status. The routes to professional status are outlined by the Engineering Council.

Civil engineering study at postgraduate level allows you to develop specialist knowledge in a particular area. For example, in water management, earthquake engineering, maritime civil engineering, environmental engineering and a range of other options. It’s possible to carry out research through an MRes, MPhil or PhD, or to do a taught Masters course in these areas.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search for postgraduate courses in civil engineering and construction.