What is a Civil Engineer?

Louise Petty

August 28, 2026

5 min read

Civil engineering is a varied career that involves designing, building and maintaining the infrastructure people rely on every day. From roads and bridges to flood defences, railways and water systems, civil engineers help shape the built environment around us. It can be a particularly appealing career for people who enjoy science, maths and technology. In this article, we’ll explain what a civil engineer is, what they do and how you can start a career in civil engineering.

What is a Civil Engineer?

A civil engineer is a professional who helps to plan, design, construct and maintain infrastructure and the built environment. Their work usually involves projects that are essential to everyday life, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, railways, water supplies and flood defences.

Civil engineering is a broad area of engineering that focuses on creating and improving the physical infrastructure needed by communities and businesses. Civil engineers use their technical knowledge to make sure projects are safe, practical, sustainable and suitable for the people who will use them.

Civil engineers can work in a range of settings, including offices, construction sites and other outdoor locations. Depending on their role, they may work for engineering consultancies, construction companies, local authorities, government organisations or infrastructure providers. Some civil engineers specialise in particular areas, such as structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical engineering or water and environmental engineering.

What Do Civil Engineers Do?

Civil engineers are involved at many different stages of an infrastructure project, from the early planning and design process through to construction, inspection and maintenance. Their work combines technical knowledge with practical problem-solving and often involves working closely with other engineers, architects, surveyors, construction workers and clients.

A typical day as a civil engineer varies depending on the role. Some civil engineers spend much of their time designing projects, analysing data and preparing technical documents, while others may regularly visit construction sites to monitor progress and deal with practical issues.

The responsibilities of a civil engineer will also vary depending on their level of experience, employer and area of specialism. However, their work may include:

Assessing the feasibility of proposed projects.
Carrying out site visits and inspections.
Preparing designs, drawings and technical specifications.
Using engineering principles and specialist software to plan projects.
Calculating the materials, costs and resources required.
Considering factors such as safety, environmental impact and sustainability.
Working with architects, surveyors, contractors and other professionals.
Monitoring construction work to help ensure it follows approved plans and specifications.
Identifying and solving technical problems.
Preparing reports and other project documentation.
Helping to manage project budgets and timescales.
Ensuring that work complies with relevant legislation, regulations and industry standards.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Civil Engineer?

There’s no single route into civil engineering, but many civil engineers complete a relevant qualification before starting their career. The qualifications you need will depend on the type of role you want, and remember to check the entry requirements for individual courses, apprenticeships and jobs, as these can vary.

Examples of qualifications to become a civil engineer include:

An engineering-related university degree, such as Civil Engineering or Engineering Management. Courses accredited by the relevant professional engineering institutions can support you if you later want to work towards becoming an Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer.
A civil engineering apprenticeship, which allows you to gain practical experience while working towards a recognised qualification. Depending on the apprenticeship, this could provide a route from entry-level study through to degree level.
Civil engineering trainee or graduate roles, that allow you to develop your skills and gain industry experience. Whatever route you choose, it is important to check the entry requirements for individual courses, apprenticeships and jobs, as these can vary.

Want to Know More?

Developing your understanding of health and safety is very useful when preparing for a career in civil engineering, particularly if you expect to work on or visit construction sites. Explore our range of online Health and Safety training courses to build your knowledge and support your professional development.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Civil Engineer?

Civil engineers need a combination of technical knowledge (hard skills) and personal skills (soft skills). The right balance will help you understand complex engineering problems, communicate effectively with others and manage projects successfully.

Some of the key hard and soft skills needed for a career in civil engineering include:

Mathematical and analytical skills – civil engineers need to work confidently with numbers, calculations and data.
Technical knowledge – an understanding of engineering principles, construction methods and relevant materials is essential.
Computer and software skills – civil engineers may use specialist software to create designs, carry out calculations and manage projects.
Problem-solving skills – engineers often need to identify issues and develop practical, safe and effective solutions.
Attention to detail – small errors in plans, calculations or specifications can have significant consequences, so a good attention to detail is essential.
Communication skills – civil engineers need to explain technical information clearly and work with a range of people.
Teamwork – engineering projects often involve large teams of professionals with different areas of expertise.
Organisation and time management – civil engineers may need to manage several tasks while working to project deadlines.
Decision-making skills – engineers may need to assess different options and make informed decisions based on technical, practical and financial considerations.
Adaptability – projects can change, and civil engineers need to respond effectively to unexpected problems or new requirements.

civil engineer at work with plans in hand

How to Become a Civil Engineer

There are several routes you can take to start a career in civil engineering, and the best option for you may depend on your current qualifications, previous experience and whether you’re entering the profession as a school leaver or changing careers.

If you’re still in school or college, subjects such as maths, physics and design and technology can provide a useful foundation. You could then progress to a university degree in civil engineering or a related subject, or apply for a relevant apprenticeship.

If you’re changing careers, you may want to explore college courses, apprenticeships or university study, depending on your existing qualifications and career goals. Some entry-level roles may also provide opportunities to gain practical experience and progress within the industry.

Work experience can be particularly valuable when starting out. It can help you understand what the job involves, develop practical skills and demonstrate your interest in the industry to potential employers.

As your career develops, you may also choose to specialise in a particular area of civil engineering or work towards professional registration. Continuing professional development will help you build your knowledge, develop new skills and progress into more senior roles.

A career in civil engineering offers the opportunity to combine technical knowledge with practical problem-solving and make a lasting impact on the built environment. By developing your skills, gaining relevant qualifications and building practical experience, you can begin working towards a successful career in this varied field.