Starting from the Taj Mahal to the prestigious Red Fort, most of the monuments offer a glimpse of the world of civil engineering, which is believed to be the oldest branches of engineering. Compared to other branches of engineering, civil engineers' work is visible and is the broadest. Civil engineers are the real pride of the country for their creations such as airports, dams, seaports, industrial plants, highways, etc.
The demand for civil engineers has been increased over the years because of an increase in the urban structures such as skyscrapers, commercial complexes, malls and others. There is a huge demand for civil engineers in many organisations that include the public sector.
Many job opportunities knock on the doors of a civil engineer. Along with job opportunities, a civil engineer can consider other career options to advance in the profession. Here are the best career options for civil engineering graduates.
Higher Studies With GATE Examination
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is conducted for an admission to postgraduate and doctoral programs in institutions such as IITs. Some institutes conduct their own entrance examination such as Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Higher Degree Exam (BITS HD), which is conducted for an admission to master's programs.
Some of the best postgraduate programs in MTech/ME are construction management, structural engineering, environmental engineering, hydraulics and water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, geoinformatics and water resource engineering.
Abroad Education With GRE
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score, conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS), is required for an admission to the master's programs at student destination countries. A score of more than 300 is required to secure a seat in the top universities. A proficiency test in English such as IELTS or TOEFL is also required along with GRE for an admission.
UPSC Indian Engineering Services (IES)
The Indian Engineering Services (IES) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) falls under the Central Civil Services. The recruitment will be made based on the four categories and civil engineering is one amongst them. Candidates who wish to serve the nation with the highest position can start preparing for the IES examination.
Job Opportunities In Public Sector
After graduating in civil engineering, one will find a plethora of opportunities in the government and public sectors compared to MNCs and private organisations. The GATE score is required for most of the jobs in the public sector undertakings (PSUs). Some of the PSUs which hire a large number of civil engineers are NTPC, BHEL, ONGC, HAL, GAIL, SAIL, IOCL, etc.
Jobs At MNCs & Private Companies
Civil engineers will get many opportunities in private companies with a lucrative pay structure. Most of the companies recruit civil engineers for their construction projects. Some of the popular private companies where civil engineers get placements are Jaypee Group, Nagarjuna Construction Company, GMR Group, Prestige Estates, Godrej Properties, Larsen and Toubro, DLF, Shapoorji Pallonji & Company, Sobha Developers Limited, Mahaveer Group and Brigade Group.
Apart from the central government and private jobs, one can also consider a few positions in the state public work departments (PWD) along with other engineering departments. One can also prepare for the banks, staff selection commission and other jobs with a degree in civil engineering. They can also take up freelancing opportunities.