» What is Civil Engineering?
Generally you are probably familiar with the concept of architecture, is related to the civil engineering but tight. Both are concerned with the planning, design and supervision of construction works and therefore overlap. In contrast to the architecture design in civil engineering aspects play no role here is mainly about the technical design and monitoring.
Therefore, engineers assume both tasks in building construction (building on the surface, eg houses) as well as in civil engineering (at or below the surface, eg roads, sewer or tunnel) and are more involved in the organization of the construction operations, in which they often take the lead.
In addition to the technical requirements also increasingly economic aspects must be observed (economics), environmental regulations considered (Ecology and specific areas of the law) and cultural interests are involved.
» The study Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is offered at many (technical) universities and colleges and is completed with a diploma or a bachelor or master. In some graduate programs Civil Engineering is offered as a minor.
When Bachelor of the normal period is 6 to 7, the diploma or master's program at 8 to 10 semesters.
Before admission to the course a practical activity is expected, depending on the educational background but mostly. The multi-week or-month internship should serve you acclimatize as early as possible in practice. During the study follow more practical phases.
The basic course consists of lectures, seminars or internships in science and technical subjects (eg mathematics, mechanics, road construction or construction management).
In the main course then you concentrate more on the areas that are already aligned to a particular profession. This may in turn as steel or road construction, traffic or water resources, safety equipment or waste management, building physics and construction management be, depending on which areas offered by the university.
According to the Federal Chamber of Engineers, the share of civil engineers with college degree 57% is significantly higher than those with a university degree (36%). A study by the Federal Employment Agency confirms this trend with a slight increase in unemployment among university graduates.
» The professional fields of civil engineering
After completing his studies in civil engineering you are qualified special task areas depending on the focus of more or less, also increasing the qualification requirements with the requirements and the high competition.
Common areas where you can be active, are construction companies, engineering or architectural firms, government agencies and departments (eg for transport or environment) or in insurance, where you are responsible for Gutach Tung and advice. Civil engineers are responsible in common with the technical management of contractors and are then most commonly in the areas of production and manufacturing and construction found. The more frequently used term of Facility Management (Building Management) covers partially the construction management and is otherwise available for the care, management and monitoring of existing buildings or facilities where it is more than just janitorial work.
» Future prospects for civil engineers
The more you have additional skills in addition to technical skills can (very good knowledge, practical experience interesting or good legal knowledge), the easier the career in a challenging and highly cyclical labor market. As a fresh graduate you can in your first job with a starting salary of (on average!) Expect 2500 €.
