Extracurricular Activities for Civil Engineers to Enhance Their Skills and Experience
For civil engineers, continuous learning and engaging in extracurricular activities are essential to stay updated and enhance their skill sets in the ever-evolving field of civil engineering. In the United States, these activities can take various forms, from attending professional development courses to pursuing advanced degrees. This article aims to provide insight into how civil engineers can best utilize their time outside their regular jobs to gain experience and skills necessary for career advancement.
Professional Development Hours (PDH) and Continuing Education Units (CEU)
Most civil engineers in the United States are required to take a set amount of professional development hours (PDH) or continuing education units (CEU) every license cycle to ensure their licenses remain current. These classes can be put on by community colleges, civil engineering professional societies, or for-profit educational firms. The topics covered in these courses are diverse, ranging from updates on new products and techniques in the field to new professional certifications.
Pursuing New Professional Certifications
Many civil engineers choose to pursue additional certification to broaden their knowledge and scope of practice. Some popular certifications in the field include:
Soil Evaluator License: Essential for those who specialize in geotechnical engineering to ensure soil conditions meet the requirements for construction projects. Leach Field Inspector: Important for environmental engineers to ensure proper sanitation and disposal of hazardous waste. Project Management Professional (PMP): Beneficial for civil engineers interested in management to lead large-scale construction projects. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certifications: Ideal for those interested in sustainable construction practices.Advanced Education and Certifications
Many civil engineers also opt to continue their education through advanced degrees to further their careers. There are three primary degree paths that are popular with civil engineers:
Project Management / Engineering Management: A great option for engineers who wish to transition into managerial roles. While this degree is valuable, it requires a Professional Engineering (PE) license to take full advantage. Project managers in the US are required to be licensed engineers, as they must approve drawings submitted to government agencies. Civil Engineering Master's Degrees: Specialized Master's degrees in areas such as structural engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering help engineers develop and hone their skills in a specific sub-discipline. Business Administration / MBA: This degree provides valuable skills and knowledge for civil engineers who wish to explore roles in other industries or business-related fields. It covers topics like global finance and accounting, making it a versatile option for career diversification.Conclusion
In summary, civil engineers can significantly enhance their careers through continuous learning and engagement in extracurricular activities. From pursuing professional development hours and certifications to pursuing advanced degrees, there are numerous opportunities for civil engineers to stay current and advance their skills in the field. Whether you are looking to manage projects, specialize in a particular engineering discipline, or explore roles in business, there are numerous paths available to help you grow in your career.