Civil Engineering is among the oldest branches of engineering, and its importance cannot be overstated. A Civil Engineering profile promises immense scope for advancement through a plethora of opportunities offered in both the public and private sector.
WHAT CIVIL ENGINEERS DO
Civil Engineers are involved in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highways, bridges, tunnels and other such infrastructure.
Construction, however, is just one of the specialisations in the branch of Civil Engineering. Graduates are also involved in the management and planning of transportation systems such as the Metro Rail, Intelligent Vehicle and Highway Systems (IVHS) and the Automated Highway Systems (AHS), as well as in Geotechnical Testing, Environmental, and Structural Engineering. Software programs including AutoCAD, STAAD, Primavera, and Revit are extensively used.
WHAT YOU STUDY IN BITS TO BECOME ONE
The core courses begin in the second year, with the initial focus on the fundamentals. Courses taught include Analysis of Structures, Highway Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Construction Planning, Construction Materials, and Surveying. Other courses include Design of Concrete and Steel Structures, Foundation Engineering, and Hydraulic Engineering. Many discipline electives are offered as well, exploring derivative and interdisciplinary fields.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AFTER GRADUATING
Placement data indicates that only a few core companies come to campus for recruitment, including Aditya Birla Capital, IOCL, and Trident. Most of these companies offer roles under the title of a graduate engineering trainee. Such a scenario mainly exists because —
- Companies prefer hiring students who have completed their post-graduation. Higher studies are essential for those who wish to continue in this field, with numerous subfields available for specialisation.
- An initial job profile is usually a trainee role and not one which includes heavy work, as the on-field practice of Civil Engineering requires experience.
- Public Sector Units, which are involved with most of the large scale construction contracts, seldom recruit directly from college and usually have their own recruitment exams.
One must build a strong foundation over their initial years to make the most out of the opportunities that Civil Engineering offers, for a rewarding and fulfilling career.