A civil engineering specialist is a highly skilled individual who can design and implement large construction projects like tunnels, bridges and highways. Civil engineering companies often work with the government to build and repair infrastructure projects. But in order to become a civil engineer you must take many courses, earning a degree or certification in civil engineering.

There are many steps you must take in order to qualify to work in a civil engineering firm. First, you need to earn a degree in civil engineering. Other civil engineering education and training opportunities include:

1. Seminars that provide additional civil engineering information and news on the industry.

2. Additional certifications in specialized skills.

3. Apprenticeships or internships that provide real world experience.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Prepare to offer civil engineering services by earning a degree in civil engineering

The basis of any civil engineering career is a degree in civil engineering. This education will teach you all the basic skills needed for planning and building large civil projects. You will also learn advanced skills in hydraulics, environmental engineering and geotechnical training.

I recommend: San Diego State University has a large civil engineering program that provides students with accreditation, laboratory studies and skills that meet the needs of the industry. California State University, Fresno provides a comprehensive civil engineering degree, with the option of going on to earn a masters degree in the program. U.S. News & World Report ranks the best civil engineering grad schools yearly. Reputable civil engineering schools are all accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

Take the exams to get licensed as a civil engineer

Engineers must be licensed by a state to work in the U.S. The first step is taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, typically just after graduation, followed by the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, after a required work period.

I recommend: Get the details on the licensing exams from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Work with a civil engineering company as an intern to get experience

Many civil engineering students find that an internship or apprenticeship with a civil engineering company is an essential part of their education. This opportunity provides real world experience and the chance to learn additional engineering skills while working on the job.

I recommend: Many state governments offer civil engineering internship programs, including the Georgia Department of Transportation. Many private engineering and consulting companies also offer internship opportunities, such as Guernsey.

Attend seminars for civil engineers to pick up information and additional skills

Seminars and conference events are a great way to learn more about the industry, and also network with other civil engineers. This is how engineers discover new technologies or techniques that provide better construction and planning practices for civil construction projects.

I recommend: The American Society of Civil Engineers provides seminars on all topics related to civil engineering, including environmental, structural and development issues. Johns Hopkins University provides an annual seminar series for its civil engineering department, and provides access to materials from previously held seminars.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While you will get a lot of information on the latest civil engineering technology in school, you will also want to continue educating yourself about new industry technologies to keep your skills in demand.

Civil engineering companies offer services such as land surveys, urban planning and inspection. Individuals, private companies and municipalities all utilize civil engineering services to plan, design and implement projects. Some services specialize in a specific area, such as civil engineering construction, while others specialize in a specific type of project like geotechnical engineering -- engineering that deals with rock and soil.

When it comes to choosing which services are right for your business, civil engineering information available to consumers varies widely based on application. Consider the following to help narrow your choices:

1. Civil engineering software

2. Online quotes for specific services

3. Hiring a professional civil engineering company

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider keeping your civil engineering project in-house with civil engineering software

Civil engineering software typically has applications in four different categories: structural, environmental, geotechnical or transportation. If your project is small and you are a civil engineer or have one on staff, try using civil engineering software.

I recommend: 3D Nature, LLC is user friendly and provides great visualization for civil engineering construction projects including bridges, highways and power plants. Use Maplesoft if you need engineering software with mathematical products, multi-domain modeling and simulation. VisionCivil Software from Geo-Plus offers complete calculation and design for civil engineering projects. Foresoft offers a free trial, and iCivilEngineer has a list of several freeware options.

Get online bids from civil engineering services or individuals

Several companies offer online bids for their services. The key to getting the right price is to be very specific about what you expect from a civil engineering service. There may be aspects of design or implementation you feel comfortable enough with to handle on your own which would bring down the cost of the bid. Either way, you don't want to be surprised when it comes time to pay for the service.

I recommend: ConstructionDeal.com and Guru.com both offer online bids for civil engineering construction and other engineering services. ThomasNet lists thousands of engineering companies doing business in the U.S.

Hire a civil engineering firm for international and large projects

A civil engineering firm is the best bet when dealing with the intricacies of international law and large-scale operations.

I recommend: Greenwood & Moore, Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area offers civil engineering in addition to land surveying, land use planning and architectural and structural design. URS Corporation in New York offers professional planning, engineering and architectural design, environmental, construction, and program and construction management services. Find a list of US civil engineering firms to find the one closest to you at iCivilEngineer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're going to keep things in-house, make sure to take advantage of the trial versions of civil engineering software before you commit to one. One software application might not have everything you mean, or, contrarily, the software package may have more bells and whistles than you actually require to get the job done.
• •  The same goes for civil engineering firm - make sure to schedule an appointment with each civil engineering firm to ask questions about your project. Get several quotes before you decide on a firm.
• •  Civil engineering often requires permits and licenses - visit your local municipality to make sure you have all your paperwork in order.