Consulting civil engineer : Entry requirements

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1. Job description
2. Salary and conditions
3. Entry requirements
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• Engineer: Lucy Gardner

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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).

This area of work is open to graduates of civil/structural engineering. An honours degree, accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) , is essential for gaining Chartered Engineer (MICE CEng) status with the ICE.

It may be possible to enter this profession as a graduate with a Bachelor of science or another engineering discipline, but you may be limited as to how far you can progress in your career. Entry with an HND only is unusual, but diplomates can top up their HND with a degree and can gain Incorporated Engineer (MICE IEng) status.

In order to achieve chartered membership of the ICE, the first stage is to satisfy the requirements of the educational base. This means either taking an MEng (Hons) or doing a BEng (Hons) plus a relevant postgraduate degree or following a suitable employer-led learning programme. The second stage involves undertaking Initial Professional Development, preferably through an ICE-approved training scheme. The final stage is to meet the requirements of the Professional Review.

Full details on routes into civil engineering can be found in the careers section of the ICE website.

Relevant summer work experience and placements can be very useful in providing a context to job applications as well as networking opportunities. Contact the ICE or take a look at online resources such as Technology Horizons  to find out about industrial placements. Degree courses that provide a year in industry can also be very helpful in developing contacts. The engineering world is an active community which provides a variety of opportunities for new entrants to network and build on their knowledge of the industry.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• technical competence;
• numeracy skills;
• strong communication and teamworking skills;
• a creative approach to problem-solving;
• a flexible approach.

Employers select candidates because of the experience and skills they can bring to a role. However, it is important to be aware that gaining the relevant experience and skills and becoming professionally chartered takes a significant length of time.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.