How To Become A Civil Engineer
Requirements
Engineering remains one of the most difficult learning curves and requires an immense amount of training. Depending on the engineering branch, you could be subject to many new and dangerous equipment. A Civil Engineer is no exception. You require an excessive level of education and need to be licensed to approve projects. The types of requirements are...
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Most employers require a University degree (Civil Engineering Program). Sometimes a college degree or apprenticeship will suffice, but it honestly depends on the employer.
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering plus passing a professional practice examination.
• To approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer you need to be licensed by a provincial or territorial association.
• Familiarity with design software, like Autodesk, AutoCad and Revit.
High School Prerequisites
High School is a stressful time and it's hard to decide what career path you will be following for the rest of your life. Once you retain a general idea of what you want to study, you need certain prerequisites to qualify for those University or College programs. For a Civil Engineering program, you will need...
• Ontario Secondary School
Diploma (OSSD)
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Grade 12 English (ENG4U)
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Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
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Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
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Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U)
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Grade 12 Physics (SPH4U)
The majority of these courses require a Grade 11 prerequisite to take the Grade 12 one so make sure you plan ahead and have space for all the requirements. If not you will not be recognized for your program of choice.
Undergrad Options
Once you've picked your preferred occupation, you need to decide where you want to go to study and what program. There are hundreds of schools to pick from. I've listed 2 programs from Ryerson University, in Toronto for a general understanding of the Undergrad Options related to Civil Engineering.
Architectural Science
Learn to transform our world into a more functional, beautiful and sustainable place. Incorporates design towards homes, condo, and other various public structures. (Ryerson Univesity)
Civil Engineering (Optional Co-op)
You'll learn to conceive, design, plan and build-essential, sustainable infrastructures, including power and water supply structures and waste treatment facilities, high and low rise buildings, airports, roads and dams. (Ryerson University)
2020 Maclean's University Rankings: Engineering Programs
Are You The Right Person For The Job?
Important Skills Needed
"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom I can tell you I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you." Taken (Liam Neeson).
Civil Engineers go through a day to day job using a variety of skills. Some for than others. Before deciding to become an engineer, make sure you are capable to express or learn these specific sets of skills.
• Being able to balance multiple tasks and projects at once.
Leadership skills
• As a project manager, they need to direct multiple people and survey the project at hand. Making sure all stays in order.
Math skills
• Calculus and trigonometry are used frequently during design work.
Organizational skills
• Plenty of documents and paperwork to sign and execute for various design projects.
• Make sure everything is in order and that all are submitted and finished on time per the clients' request.
Problem-solving skills
• Planning, design, construction, and operation of multi-faceted projects that require the ability to evaluate and resolve complex problems.
Verbal & Writing skill
