what is a civil engineer?
As a civil engineer, you use your expertise in infrastructure and technical construction to support and oversee building projects. In your job, you may be involved in designing, constructing and maintaining infrastructure projects. You also inspect construction sites to ensure that safety regulations are followed and that the specifications in the design drawings are adhered to during the building process. You also supervise the construction process itself to ensure that a high standard is maintained throughout the build. As a civil engineer, you will take part in cost projections for the materials and labour needed in a project. In some projects, you will only provide technical advice on matters such as design and programme changes or structural repairs.
A civil engineer also checks the strength at an early stage of the process, by testing materials and soil. It’s you who determines how the load-bearing capacity is affected by the stress factors of the building materials and the water flows in the ground. With the help of design software and various drawing tools, you also check that laws and regulations are followed, and that the project meets government-regulated standards.
Working in the role of civil engineer requires a strong foundation in engineering knowledge. This is because you will need to apply various technical drawings and project planning. It is also important to be able to schedule time to ensure that resources are used efficiently, and that the project can be completed within the estimated timeframe.
Would a job as a civil engineer suit your mathematical ability and your complex problem-solving skills? Then read on to find out which skills and qualifications are required to succeed in a role as a civil engineer.
civil engineer jobsaverage salary as a civil engineer.
The general salary situation as a chartered engineer is strong and even at entry level it is possible to get a salary that is above the Swedish average. The reason is that as a chartered engineer you have a long education behind you and therefore possess technical expertise that is important to the employer. However, it is difficult to point to an average salary as a chartered engineer, since there are many factors that affect how salaries are set. As a chartered engineer you have good chances to progress in your salary and by getting more involved, taking on more projects and developing your skills, you have good opportunities to earn a higher salary. That kind of thing also means that as a chartered engineer you have a better negotiating position when you negotiate salary with your employer. With more experience and expertise, you become more attractive to both your current employer, but also other potential employers who may be interested in your services.
various factors that can affect the salary of a civil engineer.
Apart from technical know-how, skills development and experience, there are other factors that affect the salary for a civil engineer. For example, it is possible to work as a civil engineer both within public administration and in the private sector. Salary levels can differ depending on whether you work for a state-owned company or a private company. There are also large private companies that conduct parts of their operations abroad. That is also a factor that can affect the salary as a civil engineer.
In addition, a chartered engineer is needed in many different fields and industries. That is another thing that can affect the salary as a chartered engineer. When you study for your chartered engineering degree, you usually also have the chance to choose a particular specialisation. That in itself will also be able to affect your bargaining position in your future career. Some chartered engineering specialisations are more attractive to employers and increase the chances of a higher salary. Otherwise, the usual conditions of the labour market, such as where in the country you work, also affect the salary as a chartered engineer. In the metropolitan regions, the salary level is generally higher than in smaller towns.
different types of civil engineer.
As a chartered engineer, you can specialise in a range of different areas. It's common to choose your specialisation already at university, while you're studying for your chartered engineer degree. Some different types of chartered engineer jobs that exist are:
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structural engineer
As a structural engineer, you specialise in designing and developing structures that can withstand demanding weather and changing climatic conditions. You must ensure that the materials used to build, for example, a bridge can cope with strong winds, water currents and other types of natural events. You also need to calculate the gravitational stability of materials and structures to ensure their load-bearing capacity. Ultimately, it is about designing structures that last over time.
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structural engineer
As a qualified civil engineer, you can also specialise in building and designing buildings or houses. You supervise construction and the building of commercial properties, hospitals and power plants, among many other things. You make sure that the buildings are highly functional and that building regulations are followed.
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geotechnical engineer
A geotechnical engineer usually has a Master of Science in Engineering as a foundation, often with a specific focus on geotechnics. The role can sometimes be called geotechnician and in some cases it is possible to take a vocational higher education course, if the role does not require extensive engineering knowledge. In the role of geotechnician, you will study rocks, soil and materials that form the basis of a construction system. By studying the composition of different soil materials, you can provide advice to builders, for example to construct a structure that can withstand the natural slope present in the ground.
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transport engineer
As a transport engineer, you focus on designing transport and network systems, such as airports or railway systems. You develop the design for various infrastructure projects and find safe road systems that can be used for different forms of transport.
working as a civil engineer.
Working as a civil engineer requires the ability to use your mathematical knowledge in practical situations. By applying mathematical principles to buildings and infrastructure projects, you must ensure the stability, strength and durability of the structure. Let’s take a closer look at what the working environment, schedule and daily tasks are like for someone working as a civil engineer.
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areas of responsibility and duties
Some common tasks as a civil engineer are:
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Consulting on projects: As a civil engineer, you will be in contact with various clients to determine their requirements and wishes for the project. For example, if you are working on a building, you will discuss things like the size of the buildings, the amount of materials needed, and the location of the construction together with either the commissioning client or the architect.
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Design and develop project plans: You don't write the entire construction plan, but as a civil engineer you prepare drawings with technical specifications. You make sure the design follows the drawings that carry the technical and architectural requirements for the structure. You also make sure to solve various problems that may arise during the design and development phase of different projects.
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Review purchases of equipment and materials: As a civil engineer, you are involved in many parts of a project, including communicating with suppliers and conveying the needs for equipment required for various jobs. Since it is your job to determine the structural stability of a construction project, you need to study the ground and weather conditions at the site in order to select suitable materials to build a sound building structure.
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Evaluate the project's environmental impact: In the role of civil engineer, you should also check and ensure that an infrastructure project does not irresponsibly affect the environment in a negative way. You evaluate the environmental and climate impact that the project will have, among other things by studying the soil and rock structure before construction begins. This is to make sure that the project does not disturb the natural conditions to too great an extent. By understanding the ground conditions, it is also possible to plan for a construction that does not risk harming the local environment.
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Ensuring that construction projects meet safety requirements: It is important in the role of civil engineer to make sure that the existing construction plans meet relevant legal requirements. This includes safety regulations, which must be followed carefully. By adhering to building codes, you ensure safe construction practices throughout the project.
- Completing projects on time: Finishing various construction projects on time is important, as the projects usually have clear limitations regarding cost and time. It is your responsibility to ensure the project is completed within the agreed timeframe. It is also important to keep track of costs continuously, so as not to risk the budget not adding up.
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work environment
A chartered engineer can work both indoors and outdoors. You will work in an office environment during the part of the process that involves design and development, and later visit the construction site when the build is to be carried out. This is to ensure that the construction proceeds as planned. Spending part of your working time outdoors means you have to get used to different weather conditions, from warm temperatures to cold and rain. The role may involve some travel, to visit different projects. It is possible to work partly from home or remotely, but usually the job as a chartered engineer also requires attendance.
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who are your colleagues?
Crucial for who will be your colleagues when you work as a civil engineer is which employer you have chosen, but you can, among other things, work closely with architects, electrical engineers and project managers of various kinds. When you are in the office, you will be able to interact with administrators and managers at different levels.
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work schedule
The most common situation is that the job as a civil engineer is one carried out during regular office hours, from Monday to Friday, in a full-time position. However, it is a job that can involve some work at unsociable hours, often in connection with the start or end of a major project. There are also construction and engineering projects that need to be active seven days a week, and in those cases your expertise may be required even in the evenings or at weekends. There are part-time positions as a civil engineer, but full-time is the norm. There are also short-term contracts or project-based employment, and some civil engineers choose to work as a consultant in order to be able to control their own working hours and choice of projects to a greater extent.
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job opportunities
As a qualified civil engineer, you will probably start your career in the job market in a more junior role, either as a trainee or as a junior civil engineer. Once you have worked on a number of projects, you will have the work experience required for increased responsibility and during your career as a civil engineer you may be promoted to more demanding roles. This means that a career choice as a civil engineer opens many different opportunities. Some civil engineers become architects or consultants within the construction and civil engineering industry. Others become project managers and managers. Also bear in mind that it is possible to specialise in specific areas as a civil engineer. This is usually done already during your studies.
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benefits of finding a job as a civil engineer through randstad
There are several advantages to finding a job as a civil engineer through Randstad. Some of these advantages are:
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you have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
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you get an experienced contact person who can assist with help
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you get a wide range of different opportunities in your area
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you receive a monthly salary from your employer
Are you hoping for a permanent job? A temporary job as a civil engineer is often a good way to make yourself more attractive for a permanent full-time position in the future, as it gives you the chance to build on your experience. It's not uncommon for civil engineers to have project-based contracts. Every year, thousands of people take a temporary job through Randstad, and later secure a permanent position. What's even better is that many employers use Randstad to hire permanent staff directly!
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education and knowledge.
In order to work as a civil engineer, certain educational qualifications are required:
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University: At university level, you can study to become a civil engineer in several places around the country. It is a five-year course that prepares you for working life once you have graduated. As part of the course, you will also have the opportunity to choose a focus and specialisation. When the course is finished, it is important to gain practical experience from working life. Many civil engineering courses include a large amount of practical elements and work placements. This means you are ready for the job market.
- University: It is also possible to choose a shorter route to be able to work in jobs related to chartered engineer. One such example is studying to become a university engineer, which is usually a course lasting 2-3 years. It is a shorter and therefore less comprehensive education, which does not provide the same engineering knowledge. This means you cannot get all jobs, but for certain roles such an education is sufficient.
knowledge and skills.
As a civil engineer, you need to have the following skills.
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mathematical ability
A large part of your work is based on mathematical principles in order to analyse a design and create structurally sound projects. Your mathematical ability allows you to calculate the details of every aspect of a project. In other words, it requires you to be able to put your mathematical knowledge into practice.
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leadership skills
You supervise work during ongoing construction and interact with various colleagues to discuss details of the project. In your role, clear leadership is required to be able to help and guide people and inspire your colleagues towards a common goal.
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decision making
As a civil engineer, you are involved in complex projects within construction and infrastructure, and often these are projects that require many steps. In your role, you need to make complex decisions to determine the direction of the project, both during the construction and design phase.
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problem-solving skills
In the role of civil engineer, you rely on engineering principles to solve structural problems and other challenges that may arise during the design and construction phase. Using your problem-solving skills, you will focus on finding cost-effective solutions.
frequently asked questions about working as a civil engineer.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a civil engineer.
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what does a civil engineer do?
A civil engineer plays an important role in many construction and infrastructure projects and can work within various types of organisations or companies. In the role of civil engineer, you design the structure for a construction and supervise the process. Do you want to learn more about the job as a civil engineer? Then read on in this article.
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what education is required to become a civil engineer?
In Sweden, you are required to complete a five-year Master of Science in Engineering programme at university to be able to call yourself a civil engineer. It is an absolute title that allows you to call yourself a civil engineer and apply for jobs as one. If you take a shorter course at a university college, you can become a university engineer. That education usually lasts 2-3 years.
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is being a civil engineer a difficult job?
It's a complicated job being a civil engineer, but during the five-year training period you learn important practical skills needed for the job. That's exactly why the job title civil engineer is protected and requires a long university education.
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how do I apply for a job as a civil engineer?
You can apply for a vacant job as a civil engineer via Randstad by creating a profile on the platform and searching for available jobs as a civil engineer. Apply by submitting your CV and your personal letter.