Consulting civil engineer : Career development

Tweet

More in this section

1. Job description
2. Salary and conditions
3. Entry requirements
4. Training
5. Career development
6. Employers and vacancy …
7. Related jobs

Print all pages in this section

Case studies

• Engineer: Lucy Gardner

Featured advertisement

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) strives to promote and progress civil engineering. We are a qualifying body, a centre for the exchange of specialist knowledge and a provider of resources to encourage innovation and excellence in the profession worldwide. Get qualified with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Consulting civil engineers can work on a variety of projects whilst gaining experience and working towards chartered status. Once you have achieved chartered status, you can take on further responsibilities and manage larger projects. These responsibilities may include marketing or business development, especially in smaller consultancies. Scope for gaining experience in different areas is usually down to the nature of your employer rather than the actual size. This means it is essential to fully research the industry and the approach of individual companies. The main Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)  website and its linked recruitment website provide information about specific companies. Company websites can also provide a useful insight.

Careers can develop in a number of ways and some employers may offer the flexibility to choose a specialist area of work. To develop a career at a fast pace, geographical mobility is useful. With experience, it is possible to work abroad if employed by a large, multinational company.

Employers vary as to how they develop and promote engineers, but generally graduates begin at graduate engineer level. Once chartership has been achieved, promotion to senior engineer level is possible, followed by principal engineer level with further experience. Job titles for more senior positions will vary between employers. Progress may be possible beyond these roles. You may find that your career prospects are negatively affected if you do not gain chartered status.

Civil engineers can specialise in a diverse range of areas, including coastal and marine, power, water and public health, rail, tunnelling, highways and transportation, structural work and the environment.

Active membership in the ICE at student level and beyond is advisable as it provides valuable networking opportunities and enhances career prospects. As well as linking with the key industry bodies, career development (particularly at the early stages of your career) can be supported by attendance at industry events such as the annual 'Civils' exhibition, supported by the ICE and the New Civil Engineer .