Types of careers in civil engineering

Civil engineering careers come in all shapes and sizes and could take you anywhere in the world. You might become a consultant, designing and planning projects. You might go to work for a contractor, planning and managing the construction work itself, or you might go into the public sector.

Recent graduates went to work for companies such as AEM, Arup, Atkins, Babtie Group, Buro Happold, Eastwood and Partners, Ramboll, Halcrow Group, Interserve, JNP Group, Laing O'Rourke, Mott MacDonald, Nuttall, SKM, URS Corporation and Yorkshire Water.

The graduate perspective: how our graduates are building successful careers.

Types of employers

Consultants focus on the design and planning of projects and their effect on the environment. They ensure that the client's interests are protected, and that the most effective engineering solutions are devised within a specified time and budget. Clients can include major commercial organisations, HM Forces, property developers, and government departments.

Contractors traditionally manage the construction work on site, develop and design construction processes and techniques, and supervise a professional team. They are responsible for completing the work to the client's satisfaction. Major contractors carry out a wide range of work, from motorway and railway construction to commercial building projects and infrastructure projects.

Public service organisations and utilities investigate and manage the need for roads, bridges, tunnels and environmental improvement and then maintain and manage the structures once they are there. They are often the clients of contractors and consultants.