Civil Engineering: 5 Things to consider before making it your Career | Diego Guimet

Summary

In this video, Diego, a civil engineer in training from Canada, shares a comprehensive guide for anyone considering a career in civil engineering. He covers the university experience, navigating challenging courses, networking opportunities, and selecting a specialization. Diego explains the differences between consulting and construction management, the day-to-day work environment, and realistic salary expectations in Canada and the US. Emphasizing passion over pay, he encourages exploring internships, staying flexible, and finding fulfillment through problem-solving and collaboration. This video provides a holistic view of civil engineering, helping students and career-changers make informed decisions about their future in the field.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The first year of engineering is usually general, covering foundational courses like calculus, physics, and statics, which prepare students for advanced civil engineering classes.
• 💪 Struggling in the first year is common; persistence and consistent effort will help improve performance in later semesters.
• 🤝 Networking through career fairs, panels, and internships is crucial for securing summer jobs and co-op placements.
• 🛤️ Civil engineering offers diverse career paths including structural, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, airport engineering, construction management, and building science.
• ☕ Internships and co-op experiences are vital for exploring different civil engineering fields and discovering what suits your interests best.
• 🏗️ Consulting engineers usually work on multiple projects in an office environment, while construction managers focus on one project in the field; choose based on your preference for variety or hands-on work.
• ⏰ Civil engineering roles can involve long working hours, so work-life balance should be considered when choosing a career path.
• 💰 Median salary for civil engineers is around $87,000 USD in the U.S. and $80,000 CAD in Canada, but job satisfaction should outweigh salary alone.
• ❤️ Enjoyment and fulfillment in civil engineering come from problem-solving, collaboration, interacting with different stakeholders, and being involved in building or planning projects.
• 🔄 Career decisions may change over time; it’s okay to switch paths or take extra time to find a specialization that aligns with your passion.
• 🌟 Success in civil engineering depends not only on technical skills but also on curiosity, communication, and willingness to learn from different perspectives.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Diego's video?

The purpose of the video is to provide a holistic guide for anyone considering civil engineering as a major or career, covering university experience, career paths, daily work, compensation, and fulfillment.

What is the structure of the first year in civil engineering at the University of Calgary according to Diego?

The first year is general for all engineering students, focusing on foundational courses such as calculus, physics, math, statics, and fluid/solid behavior, before choosing a specific engineering branch.

Why does Diego emphasize networking during university?

Networking through career fairs and industry panels is crucial as it provides opportunities for internships, summer jobs, and future employment.

How should students approach choosing a specialization in civil engineering?

Students should explore various fields through internships and co-op terms, remain flexible, and understand that their interests may evolve over time.

What is the difference between consulting and construction management in civil engineering?

Consulting involves managing multiple projects, spending more time in the office, and offering variety, while construction management focuses on a single project, requires more fieldwork, and emphasizes operational oversight.

What are the median salaries for civil engineers in the US and Canada?

As of May 2019, the median annual wage for civil engineers is $87,000 in the US and approximately CAD 80,000 per year in Canada (~$39.42/hour).

Why does Diego suggest not focusing solely on salary when choosing civil engineering?

Because long-term job satisfaction and passion for the work, including collaboration and problem-solving, are more important than initial or maximum salary potential.

What advice does Diego give about struggling in the first year of engineering?

He advises not to be discouraged by early struggles as courses are challenging, and improvement comes with experience and time in later semesters.

What aspects of civil engineering does Diego find most rewarding?

He values the interaction with owners, contractors, and workers, gaining diverse perspectives, problem-solving, and seeing projects come together, which he considers invaluable for career fulfillment.

Can civil engineering career paths be changed after initial decisions?

Yes, Diego emphasizes that changing specialization or exploring different fields is possible, and taking time to find a path you are passionate about is worth the effort.

What should students consider when deciding between consulting and construction management?

Students should consider whether they prefer variety and office work (consulting) or a focused project experience and more fieldwork (construction management), along with their tolerance for long hours.