Anon, a prolific writer, once wrote, ”I am an Engineer, I serve mankind, by making dreams come true”(Bennett). Engineers make dreams come true by creating magnificent structures that amaze even the most impractical people. The hard work and dedication of engineers can be easily seen by opening a window and viewing the structures that adorn the earth. The structures that civil engineers design and build define the culture of a society and help to keep pace with a constantly changing world.
Bridges, highways, drinking water- just a few necessities to the modern world, made possible by engineers throughout history, specifically civil engineers. Tracing back to 4000 BC, civil engineering has revolutionized the lifestyles of the world population. In ancient times skilled workers called artisans carried out most construction. These artisans accomplished their engineering feats by the use of only manual labor.
Without the use of the specialized equipment used today, simple projects could take up to years to finish. Although labor time was great, the determined engineers never ceased to create the structures that defined the essence of their society. The Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China are great examples of achievements by engineers that symbolize the heart of their civilizations. The Roman engineers play a critical role in the health of their people with the development of aqueducts, bridges, and dams.
Each empire throughout history give today’s world an essential structure that help the modern world to survive (Stonecyper). Civil engineers today perform duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction of buildings, structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, dams, irrigation, pipelines, power plants, water and sewage systems, and waste disposal units. These engineers deal with anything from plants and animals to tools and machinery (CareerZone). Education is essential for becoming a well-paid and employed civil engineer, so college is a must. Prestigious schools around the nation have equipped themselves with great engineering programs .
Aspiring engineers need have at least average scores in math and physics (Basta). After college, young engineers often travel abroad to improve water resource development and design building to protect natives from natural hazards (Cortese). The work that civil engineers can do while working abroad shows the dedication to development for the common good and displays the philanthropic ways of a civil engineer. The engineering field in general holds a great job outlook for the future.
According to an article in CNN Money, civil engineering is ranked #4 in the “Best jobs for fast growth”. James Hall, an accomplished civil engineer in Austin, Texas, describes the growth potential as “extraordinary”. Hall also has many encouraging words toward the “green building movement” or the use of building materials that provide the smallest footprint possible on the environment (Hall). The perks of any engineer has to be the salary. Starting off with an average base salary of more than $50,000, engineers do very well and, depending on rank, make up to $125,000 . Hall describes civil engineering in the “mid-high range.
. . Other engineering disciplines are at the top of the scale, but civil engineering salary is not far behind. ” Benefits received from a large company employee include health care with dental and vision coverage, a 401K plan, and stock options. The company may also include a company car to travel to sites of construction and may even pay for numerous meals with clients (CNN Money). Along with salary and benefits, this type of career can bring enormous satisfaction to the individual.
?(“Project Partners”)The life of a civil engineer can become a stressful, yet fulfilling, lifestyle. Working late to meet deadlines, dealing with masses of workers, and mountains of paperwork: these are a few of the downsides to a career in engineering. Creative control over the development. Hall enjoys the “special group of engineers and technicians [he] works with everyday” and the new and exciting projects.
He acknowledges the “constant balancing act” of engineering, not as a disadvantage to the career, but a challenge. Civil engineers make dreams come true. The amazing, gravity-defying, structures that civil engineers design puts me in awe. Before researching this career, the thought of engineering brought up thoughts of boredom and bleakness. I could not have been more wrong.
I found while researching engineering that a great challenge awaits the aspiring engineer. I can say, now, that this career looks promising for me. Focusing more on the building and architectural aspects of the job, this career could become my future. Never wanting to settle for a life of mediocrity, I can live with a career where I can take a view at the most spectacular bridge in the world, or pass by the tallest building ever created, and saying, “I built that.
”Works CitedBasta, Nicholas. Opportunities in Engineering Careers. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003. 151-161. Print. Bennett, Richard, Price, Rob, et al.
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