What Skills Does a Civil Engineer Need?

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. 

Civil engineers often split time between the office and project sites, which might include new roads and highways, bridges, tunnels, dams, water and sewage facilities, and electrical plants. 

What are some of the skills and interests a civil engineer should have to set them up for success? 

• Being Indoors: Civil engineers primarily work inside, including office work. 

• Computers and Technology: Civil engineers work with technology frequently in their job. 

• Detail-Oriented: Precision is important in engineering.  

• Leadership: Being a leader and taking responsibility is a key part of an engineer’s role. 

• Math and Numbers: Civil engineers use calculations to design structures. 

• Troubleshooting: Civil engineers often need to troubleshoot to identify problems and find solutions. 

To learn more about careers as a civil engineer, check out our civil engineer career page.