I find in my mentoring program with high school students that it's best to be very simple and succinct when talking about Civil Engineering. The number 1 thing I want them to know about Civil Engineering is:
Civil Engineering is a very diverse field. We do a lot more than bridges and buildings. In the world of Civil Engineering there's something for everyone. Even in my graduating class, in which we all took the same classes, my friends and I all do surprisingly different work. From bridges and buildings, to roads and drainage, airports and cityscapes, environmental quality to oil and gas extraction and transmission, and oh so much more. Civil Engineering is supposedly the "2nd Oldest Profession" and is truly the Grandfather/mother of all engineering. As such all engineering can trace their roots to the diverse field of Civil Engineering.
After that, and hoping I have their attention, I try to enforce these points:
Civil Engineering is about creative problem solving. No solution will work exactly for every scenario. Everything something is different and you have a find a solution that meets your design requirements, budgets, client needs/wants, and more. It can be challenging, but if you enjoy solving puzzles, Civil Engineering is a rewarding field.
In engineering, almost all internships are not only paid, but paid competitively. From talking with high school students they're more aware than ever that college tuition prices are extremely expensive. So much so that a lot are looking into other options. It would be a terrible shame to lose the greatest Civil Engineer of tomorrow because of that. Furthermore, unlike other internships you won't be the coffee runner. You'll be a member of the design team helping to bring projects together. Once you have your degree you'll make wages than enable you to pay back student loan debt and not be a slave to it.
Civil Engineering more than any other give you the opportunity to see your designs come to life. This is probably my favorite part about Civil Engineering opposed to others. You can look at a road, bridge, building, lock, canal, etc. and see that finished construction often on a large scale. You get to see an idea grow from your head to the computer to the contractor to reality. It's the most rewarding part of my job.
Civil Engineering is about public service. Like other professionals such as nurses, doctors, firemen, police officers, etc. we serve the public. While we might work for private clients, but our work will be used by the public at some level or another. We always strive to improve. Bettering our means, methods, safety, and profession. We make the world a better place, one design at a time.
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James Smith P.E., M.ASCE
Project Engineer
Bergmann
Grand Rapids MI
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 06:25
From: Anthony Fasano
Subject: What's One Thing High School Students Should Know About Civil Engineering?
Hello all - we are working on a content series to educate high school students about Civil Engineering.
My question to you is below, and if you'd like to read more about this, you can do so on ASCE's website here. Thank you.
QUESTION >> What's One Thing High School Students Should Know About Civil Engineering?
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Anthony Fasano P.E., M.ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Ridgewood NJ
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