How to Build a Successful Civil Engineer Career Path

Civil engineers continue to enjoy a steady demand, even today. Numerous infrastructure projects across Singapore ensure that there are plenty for these civil engineers to work on. Today, the demand for engineers has been consistent, as developments such as the Cross Island Line , and the Tuas Port modernisation have become underway again after the pandemic has caused initial delay in these plans. Construction in Singapore is expected to grow between S$23 and S$28 billion this year, with public works contributing about 65%.

While civil engineering plays a crucial role in economic recovery, hence making it a relatively stable one, this career path requires a highly resilient and agile mindset. Working hours are long and you may be spending them attending to on-site projects.

What does a civil engineer do?

Civil engineers are in charge of supervising and designing construction projects, particularly if they are working on major public construction developments. Overall, they ensure the project's feasibility by assessing the practicality of a project's design, and if the project is working within a realistic budget. A civil engineer may also perform other tasks, including:

• Communicating with a wide range of people: including clients, suppliers, subcontractors and architects
• Resolving any problems that may arise in the design and development processes
• Supervising the acquisition and purchase of important equipment and materials
• Ensuring projects comply with health and safety regulations, and other legal requirements
• In charge of completing public projects on time and within budget

Salary Range

According to JobStreet's Salary Report, entry-level engineers are paid a monthly salary of S$2,687. Civil engineers in junior executive roles earn a monthly salary of S$3,251, while senior executives receive S$4,392 each month. Managers receive about S$6,020 a month, while more seasoned engineers get paid an average of S$9,020.

What does a civil engineer's career path look like?

Civil engineers can choose to join the private or the public sector. While some roles will require on-field work, many of the positions also focus on project management and office responsibilities. The role usually deals with the supervision and completion of public works and infrastructure projects.

Junior Level (1-3 years experience)

• Assistant Engineer
• Associate Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Civil Engineer - Management Associate
• Site Engineer

Mid Level (4-8 years experience)

• Design Engineer - Civil & Structural
• Resident Engineer
• Senior Project Engineer
• Civil & Structural Coordinator
• Senior Structural Engineer

Senior level (8 years or more)

• QAEP Engineer
• Senior Engineer (Civil & External Works)
• Senior Site Engineer
• Associate (Civil & Design)
• Site Superintendent
• Vice President (Civil & Infrastructure)

What requirements do you need to become a civil engineer?

Required skills

Mathematical skills

Civil engineers are tasked to see important infrastructures and other projects come to life: from planning its build to evaluating its scale and ensuring its feasibility, civil engineers will need solid mathematical skills to calculate each detail accurately. They must have a solid grasp of advanced mathematical skills to effectively study, design, and analyse the completion of their projects.

IT skills

The world of civil engineering is quickly changing, with the industry wholeheartedly adopting new technologies and software. Civil engineers will need to learn how to manipulate computer software for complex designs, such as AutoCAD and other industry-niche programs.

Other skills

Leadership skills

As a civil engineer, you must be on top of your team's work as you go through the stages of a project –– seeing it through from design to completion. Having leadership skills makes others listen to you, which is essential when you communicate with various people on a daily basis: including technicians, construction managers, surveyors or planners.

Decision-making skills

Overseeing infrastructure and systems projects is no easy feat –– thus, a civil engineer will often be faced with on-the-spot, important decisions. Being able to make decisions swiftly and soundly prevent workplace and on-site conflicts, such as budget and timeline discussions.

Problem-solving skills

You may encounter problems when it comes to building and completing projects on a large scale. Civil engineers must be able to think of efficient, timely and cost-effective solutions that benefit the project.

Communication skills

Civil engineers need to have the ability to express their thoughts clearly and precisely, whether through speaking or writing. They need to make others understand highly technical terms when speaking to people with no technical background.

Educational background

While there are several colleges and universities offering civil engineering degrees and diplomas, a civil engineering degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is required to be eligible for the Professional Engineers Board. Polytechnic graduates with a Diploma in Civil Engineering may be exempt from the 1st year of the 4-year undergraduate degree programmes at the NUS and NTU.

Degrees from other recognised universities under the Professional Engineers Board may also be accepted. If you did not graduate from NUS, NTU or any of the PEB-listed institutions, holding a Masters or PhD in civil engineering from NUS or NTU, provided that you hold a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, may be considered as a qualification.

Required certification and training

After graduating from approved institutions, you will need to take the Practice of Professional Engineering Examination (PPE) under the Professional Engineers Board (PEB), which registers professional engineers in the branches of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

To register with the Professional Engineers Board, you must hold a degree or qualification listed in the Professional Engineers Professional Engineers (Approved Qualifications) Notification, and have at least four years of relevant practical experience.

To receive a practising certificate, you must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, followed by the Practice of Professional Engineering Examination. You will also undergo an interview.

Opportunities for Continuous Professional Education

The PEB requires registered professional engineers to comply with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements as part of the criteria to renew their practising certificates, in order to continuously keep up with emerging global trends, ensure continuous learning, and maintain their competencies.

Professional engineers looking to renew their practising certificates need to complete a total of 40 professional development units (PDUs) over a prescribed renewal qualifying period. Out of the 40 PDUs, 20 PDUs will be credited from structured activities, while the rest will be completed from either structured or unstructured activities.

Engineers who are looking to continue their professional development may also sign up at the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) Academy, which trains around 8,000 participants annually. Aside from engineering programmes, the IES Academy also offers an Engineers Leadership Programme in partnership with NTUC, teaching future engineering leaders the latest leadership and management skills within the industry.

How to write a civil engineer's resume?

Download this Civil Engineerresume HERE.

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