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 jobs
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average 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.

professional careers
professional careers
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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.

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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:

Randstad
Randstad
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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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education and knowledge.

In order to work as a civil engineer, certain educational qualifications are required:

  • 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.
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knowledge and skills.

As a civil engineer, you need to have the following skills.

Randstad
Randstad
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frequently asked questions about working as a civil engineer.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a civil engineer.