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Overview of Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is one of the oldest and most popular engineering careers. Besides chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, it is one of the main kinds of engineering you can study.
Civil engineers design, plan and oversee the construction of projects such as bridges, roads, dams, airports and water supply systems. They have to take into account the likely behaviour of the ground under the proposed structure, as well as the durability of the materials used. To become a civil engineer, you need to have a civil engineering degree.
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Studying Civil Engineering
A civil engineering degree, which takes about four years to complete, is required before you can work as a civil engineer. Graduates can also study for a diploma in civil engineering as a post-graduate qualification, specialising in an area of study.
Usually there are no prerequisites, except for a high ENTER/ATAR, but you should have a strong interest in maths, chemistry and physics or you may find it hard to keep up.
Make sure you choose a university accredited by Engineers Australia, so you can become a member of the association as a professional engineer when you graduate. It also ensures you are learning to an international standard.
Careers in Civil Engineering
Civil engineering jobs are found in the private sector, all levels of government, mining and construction companies, and consulting engineering firms.
Civil engineers can specialise in airports, highways, hydraulics, pipelines, railways and much more.
The average weekly income for civil engineers is $1495 and 93% of jobs in this area are full-time, according to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
Employment prospects are good; the DEEWR expects very strong growth in the occupation to 2015.
Skills needed in Civil Engineering
Good listening, comprehension, maths and time management skills are required to work in civil engineering.
Apart from having the necessary maths, computing and physics knowledge, you should also be good at solving problems, working in teams and managing finances.
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