Is civil engineering a tough major? What do civil engineers do in reality? Do they need to be under scorching sun that often? I'm about to choose this major but I'm not sure whether I can survive throughout the whole course. I'm a moderate student who happens to be lucky enough to get straight A's in the recent A-level exam. And I'm a female, so I quite care about beauty, hence the sun can be an interference, but once in a while staying under the hot sun can be forgiven, just not too often. I happen to be interested in studying civil engineering because I like building structures, and I plan to major in structural civil engineering. I don't want to regret my life. So any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Though I am not a civil engineer, I am sure you will do well if you have the passion. You need field training in your early part of your career and as you progress you will have more shade than sunshine.
Nowadays, there are little things that men can do that a woman cannot do!
Go for it.

If you want to be a civil engineer go for it, you will regret it more if you can't do your dream job. I choosed to study mass communication, I know most student from mass com grad get very low payment/salary than others yet I still choosed it because I love writing, media related things. I think I will enjoy my job more than doing a job which I don't like no matter if I'm paid more or not..

Being an engineer could be frustrating obviously tough work, but if you have the passion and you really want to do it..you can do it...and come female survive in lot other fields haha engineering not that tough..

read here about engineer what they do etc http://www.princetonreview.com/careers.aspx?cid=36

Since you quite care about beauty, you can study for Architecture or Quantity Surveying which is related to building too.

Study Architecture, it inolve design for building n mostly working in the design office

Well you can go for it. But be prepared to "turun padang", so if you care about your look, toilet, work with smelly workers at site, it will not be comfortable
for you.

As an engineer even in the design/R&D, there will be instance you need to be at site.

Unless you really look for job that only sit in the office but this will limit your working field and your potential.

Nothing can stop you to choose this field a d female can too perform better but you might need adapt well to project site.

This post has been edited by Newsray: Mar 30 2013, 09:55 PM

If u can work with bangla till 2-3am alone..yes..go for field experience..if not go to developers and consultants..

I've thought of architecture but it involves drawing and I don't think I have drawing talents/skills. Quantity surveying is my second choice but I thought QS need to go to sites too?

This post has been edited by Mindy93: Mar 30 2013, 10:13 PM

Civil involves drawing as well, or rather, most engineering courses involve drawing. One thing to note is that civil engineering is a very rough field, perhaps second only to oil and gas. Sure you can cope with something like that?

//// tell you ... there are cases where engineers get killed at the field. beware or if you passionate enough to accept the challenge, just go for it.

site visiting is extra experience either during practical time or working. you have to know the exact situation at the field and only then you could make a proper design.



This post has been edited by work_tgr: Mar 31 2013, 12:13 AM

ahah man I'm bangla too..anything perticular that you did not like about us ?

i had a school frnd who took up civil engineering after her school and came to know now she is working with the govenment and doing great..

not only in civil, but in any engineering will do if you have the passion and guts working with harsh male-oriented environment.

slightly off-topic, currently, my gf is the only female manufacturing engineer in her factory. Other women are basically clerks or just operators.

I did not say I don't know what a civil engineer do. Direct it to TS who will appreciate it more.

Erm.. I'm not sure whether I can cope with the working life of a civil engineer. I know it's a rough field, but I'm kinda interested in it, or at least for now coz I haven't tried it. Who knows in the future I might hate the job. I've been in this dilemma since after my SPM and now it is time for me to decide but I'm still indecisive. I really don't want to do something that I don't like for the rest of my life.

you can probably start with foundation or diploma in engineering then start with bachelors degree, when it's time to do major I bet you will have lot more idea about it and you will be able to choose what major you wanna do

I already got my A-level results so now I need a degree in engineering..

Just go with your heart. Its not that bad after all. Finally word of advise. 2sen worth.
If you dun really enjoy the site work, do one year site exposure then sit back in your office
doing design and calculations for another 3~4 yrs. Fill in your records and sits for your PI.

Bear in mind at least 1 yr site experience before your PI else you will be later.

I spent 15yrs at site and even now I still visit them as often as possible as its part and parcel of my profession.

Are you 100% certain with your design and can sleep at night without a single thought it might fail ?

REMEMBER failure can be catastrophic and might be landed in deeeePPP SHIT as long as I live !

I used to tell all my interviewees for they are the next wave after myself to be in the Board and must be
responsible in all their works certifications.

For there is a saying... # Big power comes with big responsibilities, it's my destiny and curse #

Thanks for your opinions. They're really helpful. I guess I'll opt for the office works if possible.