• Aisyah

    Added Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:36 PM

    Hi! I've always been interested in engineering because I thought I would be building and designing things. Until recently where I met someone who is a Civil Engineer (the field I'm thinking about) told me that she 98% work in an office-- in a cubicle-- and that its meetings after meetings. The reason why I'm interested in Engineering is because of the hands on and the variety of projects, I didn't expect to work in an office and I feel like I would die if I do. So how often are you using your ...
    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Engineering Skills, Internships & Jobs, Work Environment, Working with People
    Answers 2
    Jacquelyn Berry, Collins Aerospace
    Answered Friday, October 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM
    It really depends on the type of engineering role you get, and the industry. There are a lot of different job types for engineers - design, stress, test, manufacturing, research, specialty analysis (aero, thermal), quality, project. 
    
    For example, a ...
    Amber Hall, City of Somersworth
    Answered Monday, August 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
    Hello there!
    Engineering is very broad, and there are all types of jobs! I spent my first 5 years in design, every day. As you progress in your career, you may choose to get more into project management than design all day! 
    I found that I was losing my ...
  • Jas

    Added Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 2:16 AM

    Currently, I am thinking about declaring a major, but I am stuck between civil or environmental engineering. I've always had a passion for helping the environment but more so in urban planning/studies. I don't really know which engineering would be more geared towards urban planning and, thus I am stuck choosing between these two majors. I am also really interested in transportation as well, and I'm also interested in ways to reduce pollution in our atmosphere.
    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Engineering Branches, Engineering Skills, Environmental, Merging Fields, Preparation for College
    Answers 1
    Answered Monday, April 14, 2025 at 12:21 AM
    The best fit depends on your emphasis: choose Civil Engineering if your primary drive is designing the core physical systems with environmental protection as a key component, or Environmental Engineering if you're more drawn to the specific pollution ...
  • ......

    Added Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 3:18 PM

    I'm interested in a lot of engineering branches and am having trouble picking one to pursue.

    Related to Bioengineering/Biomedical, Choosing a Degree, Civil, Engineering Branches, Environmental, Mechanical, Preparation for College, Software
    Answers 1
    Answered Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 7:36 AM
    In order to decide which branch to take in engineering, I would think about what causes and subjects motivate you. For example, if you are interested in medicine and helping find new medications, you could study bioengineering/biomedical. If you are ...
  • Trenedy Brown-Player

    Added Friday, June 9, 2023 at 8:44 AM

    I'm 21 years old and currently working as a part-time cashier. I have struggled to get back into school due to financial issues and owning tuition for college. I have tried everything and nothing has worked out and I really want to pursue this career.

    Related to Choosing a Degree, Choosing a School, Civil, Internships & Jobs, Self Doubt, Unique Challenges
    Answers 2
    Julia Lopez, Turner Construction
    Answered Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 9:12 AM
    What aspect of civil engineering interests you? I went the typical route of getting a civil engineering degree and now work in construction management. However, I know quite a few people in the industry that had very different routes. If you like the ...
    Alicia Bailey, Sain Associates
    Answered Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 11:03 AM

    A couple of thoughts on this. In the public sector (state agencies, utility companies, municipalities), there would be plenty of options for non-civil engineering related jobs. Anything you could learn about how public agencies work and function will ...

  • Meredith asked Michaela Mueller, Ryan Biggs Clark Davis

    Added Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM

    I am interested in restoring older buildings and designing new ones (civil engineering). Is that what you do on a day to day basis? I am worried that the field is not what I think it is.

    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Engineering Branches, Self Doubt, Work Environment
    Answers 1
    Michaela Mueller, Ryan Biggs Clark Davis
    Answered Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 7:07 PM
    Yes, my day to day is both working to restore and repair old buildings, and design new buildings! I design repairs for "historical" buildings like churches, libraries, and government buildings from the 1800's and early 1900's, repairs or new additions ...
  • Andreana Antoniou

    Added Monday, January 16, 2023 at 7:32 PM

    I am about to go into college as an engineering major. What computer programs do civil/environmental engineers use most? Is there any resources such as websites or online courses to enroll in that teach you the basics of those online programs? Please help!
    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Difficult Classes, Engineering Branches, Environmental, Preparation for College
    Answers 2
    Charlene Borja, Eastern Western Connection
    Answered Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 9:46 PM
    As someone who is inclined in the "Design and Build" part of engineering our top most used programs here specifically in my place of work are 
    Planning stage: Autocad, Sketch up, Revit, Photoshop 
    Design stage: Staad, GRASP, Excel.
    
    For websites on a ...
    Kassie Grimes, Department of Energy
    Answered Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 4:54 PM
    The computer programs will vary depending on the university/college, course, and company you work for. I recommend learning how to use Microsoft Excel since it is one of the most common programs used and it also functions as a place to store datasets ...
  • Crystal

    Added Monday, January 2, 2023 at 3:10 AM

    What kind of person should pick either Civil or Environmental? I know for certain that I'm interested in environmental stuff but I don't think it's my passion, and that's why I'm kind of confused about my major. I currently am a civil major, I also know I want to help people, especially people that live with bad infrastructure. I want to help bring people together with engineering.
    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Engineering Branches, Engineering Skills, Environmental, Opportunities/Challenges for Women, Preparation for College
    Answers 1
    Krista Karns, Verizon
    Answered Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 3:51 PM

    The lines between Civil and Environmental Engineering can be blurred. I know at Syracuse University where I went 25 years ago the two majors had many of the same classes and projects. Granted, things have changed since then, and at various schools there ...

  • Crystal Asiaw

    Added Monday, December 26, 2022 at 8:35 PM

    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Climate Change, Engineering Branches, Environmental, Opportunities/Challenges for Women, Preparation for College, Social Concerns
    Answers 2
    Julia Lopez, Turner Construction
    Answered Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 8:56 AM
    I am currently working in Contruction management with my civil engineering degree, and we frequently build LEED and Envision certified buildings. These buildings become certified by making sustainable choices. If you choose to go into construction, you ...
    Margaret Byron, Penn State University
    Answered Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:49 AM
    Hi Crystal-- there are lots of ways!  Some civil engineers focus on infrastructure, like designing buildings, dams, roads, and bridges. They might focus on lowering energy requirements, increasing resilience to natural disasters, or improving integration ...
  • Bryan

    Added Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 3:30 PM

    Related to Civil, Engineering Branches, Nuclear, Software
    Answers 2
    Arielle Miller, Dr Arielle Miller Coaching & Consulting
    Answered Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 3:09 PM
    Choosing nuclear engineering was a natural fit for me. My love for science and understanding how things work drew me to this field. Being the advocate for nuclear energy that I am, I believe it can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and ...
    Answered Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 11:51 PM
    A minority is lucky to know what they want early on in their career or during their studies. I must admit with humility, I did not fall into that category. I took Mathematics (I love) and Software engineering (evolving branch, 20 years back). And I am ...
  • Hugo Cisneros

    Added Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 11:13 AM

    Related to Chemical, Civil, Engineering Branches, Engineering Skills, Opportunities/Challenges for Women, Unique Challenges
    Answers 1
    Laura Helbling, Aster Brands
    Answered Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 1:45 PM
    I am a civil engineer, specifically a geotechnical engineer which focuses on the properties of subsurface materials. Within geotechnical engineering, I focus on the design of modular block retaining walls which create necessary elevation change for site ...
  • Hugo Cisneros asked Elizabeth Rodriguez, Town of Garner

    Added Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 11:03 AM

    Related to Civil, Engineering Branches, Engineering Skills, Opportunities/Challenges for Women
    Answers 1
    Elizabeth Rodriguez, Town of Garner
    Answered Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 7:49 AM
    Hi! There are many routes you can take. You can study civil engineering in undergrad, and I highly recommend finding internships. Look up civil engineering companies near you, and even if they don't have internships posted on their website, give them a ...
  • Amber Brown

    Added Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 10:36 PM

    I am currently majoring in civil engineering with a 3.7 accumulative but math Is my thing and I don't get tired of it. I found that choosing the project management aspect of engineering limits me to be more in charge than doing the technical aspect of things. I want to make a difference in this world, but am starting to worry that engineering is limiting in that retrospect. I want the civil aspect of our world to grow more environmentally conscious but don't find the environmental engineering ...
    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Climate Change, Engineering Branches, Engineering Skills, Environment, Environmental, Math & Science, Self Doubt, Social Concerns
    Answers 1
    Answered Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:41 AM
    Your love of math and environmental impact within civil engineering is a powerful combination. Consider specializing in areas like:
     * Water Resources: Heavy math, direct environmental impact.
     * Geotechnical: Sustainable materials and modeling.
     * ...
  • Anonymous asked Haunu Suan, Mott MacDonald

    Added Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 9:58 PM

    I hope you can help, I get straight A's and usually a B in handwriting But I don't know how to get a scholarship, can you help? thanks so much!
    Related to Civil, Engineering Branches, Opportunities/Challenges for Women, Preparation for College, Self Doubt
    Answers 1
    Haunu Suan, Mott MacDonald
    Answered Friday, February 4, 2022 at 9:42 AM
    Hi there! That’s great you are getting good grades in school so far! Keep up the great work! I’ve never applied for a scholarship so never have gotten one. Mostly because I didn’t know about them or how to get them and my grades were not straight As! ...
  • Daniel asked Haley Maas, Halff Associates, Inc

    Added Monday, October 11, 2021 at 10:45 PM

    Related to Civil, Internships & Jobs
    Answers 1
    Haley Maas, Halff Associates, Inc
    Answered Friday, December 17, 2021 at 5:25 PM
    A thorough understanding of hydrology and hydraulics is essential to doing the job well. It will also benefit you to study spatial analysis in a class where you can practice using ArcGIS or QGis. If you major in Civil Engineering, you will be well ...
  • Fabiola asked Janelle Leafblad, WoodWorks - Wood Products Council

    Added Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:46 PM

    Janelle - I'm in the middle of Pursuing a Bach. in Arch. Engineering. I did some research and found out you can become a PE. I read to become a PE or stamp MEP or structural drawings you have to be licensed in each one. Is this true?

    What would I need to do to be able to stamp my own drawings. Not only am I constantly questioning how we are making a building, but in the long run I would like to hopefully make and sell my own floor plans (not necessarily to make loads of money, but ...

    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Construction, Education, Infrastructure, Internships & Jobs, Merging Fields, Work Environment
    Answers 1
    Janelle Leafblad, WoodWorks - Wood Products Council
    Answered Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 5:43 PM
    Fabiola,
    
    The specifics on licensing have changed since my test-taking days, but the basics remain the same. In order to stamp drawings as a licensed professional engineer you'll need: an engineering degree from an accredited institution, experience ...
  • che asked Johanna Catchings, Verizon

    Added Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 10:56 AM

    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Opportunities/Challenges for Women, Work Environment, Working with People
    Answers 1
    Answered Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 3:56 PM
    Some civil engineering projects might have a physical aspect to it that might require walking non stop for a few hours or lifting cabling (my case). Mentally you want the project to succeed and when unexpected evens happen and the project gets delayed it ...
  • Amidia asked Tehya Stockman, University of Colorado Boulder

    Added Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 2:21 PM

    Hi! My dream is to become an environmental engineer. But I keep having issues staying the course. Are there any engineers here who have tips on how to stay the course? I have a bachelors of arts in environmental studies. But now going back to school at 30. It???s daunting knowing I???m starting so late. How do I find a mentor so I can get advice on how to set realistic goals and discuss tips for motivation? Any help would be terrific!

    Related to Civil, Difficult Classes, Environmental, Self Doubt
    Answers 1
    Tehya Stockman, University of Colorado Boulder
    Answered Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 3:51 PM
    The main tip I have is to remember your "why." Why do you want to become an environmental engineer? I get anxious about starting a research project that I do not think I have the expertise for or taking another course. But when I remember my "why" I feel ...
  • Anushika asked Clare Malbone, Verizon

    Added Friday, December 25, 2020 at 1:01 PM

    I am anushika, i am 19 years old. I want to be a civil engineer but i don't know what should i do to be project manager(i am confused ) . I had a wish to be an architecture but some people say that it's hard and we should put our life on the line as like dedicate our life to it and there's no free time. Now i want do structural engineering and be a project manager.

    Related to Civil, Engineering Skills, Internships & Jobs, Work Environment
    Answers 1
    Clare Malbone, Verizon
    Answered Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11:41 AM
    If you want to do structural engineering or any type of civil engineering, then I'd advise getting a degree in that field. If your degree course gives you options to take construction management or project management modules, then do so.  Any job can ...
  • Kahn-Tanaz Hightower asked Anne Conlon, Alta Planning + Design

    Added Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 10:47 PM

    Related to Civil, Engineering Skills, Work Environment
    Answers 1
    Anne Conlon, Alta Planning + Design
    Answered Monday, November 30, 2020 at 2:09 PM
    I use my broad engineering education in the workplace (all the basics of civil and the approach to problem-solving) but learned my specific discipline, transportation, on the job. That's what's great about an engineering education. It's versatile and you ...
  • Hamna asked Janelle Leafblad, WoodWorks - Wood Products Council

    Added Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 4:11 AM

    What is the life and role of architectural engineer in green building? How much and what impact do they have? I am asking because I am looking for engineering careers that help the planet. I am currently an A level student trying to decide whether to study Architecture or Architectural Engineering.

    Related to Choosing a Degree, Civil, Engineering Branches, Industrial, Preparation for College, Special fields and Interdisciplinary
    Answers 1
    Janelle Leafblad, WoodWorks - Wood Products Council
    Answered Friday, October 30, 2020 at 4:37 PM
    That's such a great question, Hamna! We need every designer (architect, structural engineer, contractor, etc.) doing their part towards responsible, sustainable design. I've really seen this change over my career: sustainability was a "nice to have" ...