Make an impact with a civil engineering career

Thinking about a career as a civil engineer? It’s so much more than what you might think.

Beyond building bridges, buildings and tunnels, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact in the larger structures that uphold society – from assessing the sustainability of modern infrastructure to consulting on the environmental issues that will affect how we’ll live into the future.

Here’s everything you need to know about a career in civil engineering and what other opportunities are available for you.

What does a civil engineer do?

Civil engineers work across every aspect of infrastructure to plan, design, build, manage and maintain everything from buildings and tunnels to water supply systems and airports. Put simply, every building or structure you’ve ever used or step foot in has been touched by a civil engineer. 

As the needs of society grow and shift, civil engineers are at the forefront of facilitating social progress. From consulting on special infrastructure projects to environmental engineering solutions for the climate crisis, you’ll use your technical and problem-solving skills to innovate new ways to respond to age old problems – how can we build structures that will last into the future, and what will that future look like? 

Your job responsibilities as a civil engineer might involve: 

• Designing: designing structures – buildings, bridges, tunnels, mines, harbours, ports, water systems and more – with a focus on strength, durability and sustainability 
• Transport logistics: planning, designing and building transport systems including highways, railroads and air transport
• Structural analysis: analysing structures for static and dynamic loads and assessing structures for durability and safety
• Cost analysis: estimating and preparing cost plans and budget reports based on architectural and engineering specifications
• Geotechnical analysis: analysing the strength, compressibility and behaviour of the soil and rock that sit under proposed structures
• Water management: working with water engineers to deliver quality flood management and clean water infrastructure
• Coastal management: manage the coastal infrastructure in response to rising sea levels and coastal erosion
• Creative problem solving: adapting existing infrastructure to meet new and complex challenges including natural disasters and climate change

Let's look at the market for civil engineers 

Traditionally sitting in the construction industry, civil engineers are now found across a range of professional services. This demand for civil engineering expertise is also set to grow. 

More opportunities in civil engineering

Studying civil engineering doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be a civil engineer. The skills and knowledge you’ll learn in civil engineering are transferable across a variety of disciplines. The field is especially relevant in some of the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.  

Careers in environmental engineering

With a growing demand for sustainable infrastructure, environmental engineering is a valuable background for civil engineers. Furthermore, its technical, ecological, social and economic focus on developing engineering solutions to environmental issues makes the field increasingly crucial to all engineering professions. 

From climate change to low-carbon living, environmental engineers work on solutions for problems that affect people in Australia and globally every day. Whether you’re in a construction, consulting or management position, you’ll have the opportunity to work on projects that both limit environmental damage and actively promote sustainability. 

If you have a passion for sustainability and making a positive environmental impact, environmental engineering might be the career for you. 

Environmental engineering careers might include work in sectors such as: 

• Ecosystem restoration 
• Water management 
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Renewable energy 
• Government environmental policy
• Climate change research

How to become a civil or environmental engineer

There are many different pathways to civil, environmental and humanitarian engineering. Largely, you'll gain the skills and qualifications you need to become a civil engineer through undergraduate or postgraduate study. 

We’re home to the leading Civil and Environmental Engineering School, ranked 1st in Australia and 16th globally by QS Rankings and 10th by AWRU. At UNSW, your goal to make a positive impact through engineering is within reach.

Not sure what you should study? Here’s a list of your civil and environmental engineering study options:

Thinking broader? Depending on your desired career, civil engineering interacts with and is influenced by several other disciplines and study areas within engineering, including chemical engineering, electrical engineering and more.