How did I discover Civil Engineering?
Engineers … are not mere technicians and should not approve or lend their name to any project that does not promise to be beneficent to man and the advancement of civilization
John Fowler
I found my way into civil engineering in high school as I was applying for colleges. Like most of us, I was encouraged by my parents to go to college and to pick a good career. And, like most of us, I struggled as to what that career should be. At such a youthful age, seventeen at the time, I was to draw on my life experience and make a decision that would shut doors and set me on a path towards a future. A future where my parents, society, and my future partner and children would be proud. It was a lot at the time and my anxiety got the better of me some days, but I found my way into a profession that checks many of the boxes I was looking for.
I wanted a career that was interesting. A career that was technical, challenging, and, most importantly, would do a lot of good for society and the environment. My mother nudged me in the direction of engineering, and by evaluating my goals through the spectrum of engineers, civil engineers were the best fit for me.
Who are Civil Engineers?
Civil engineers are a group of individuals who use specialty education and experience to create the built environment that all of us experience. They are responsible for providing you with the comforts and amenities of daily life, and for repairing the environment when things go wrong. When you:
- Turn on your faucet and potable water flows;
- Flip the switch and the light turns on;
- Flush the toilet and your waste is taken away;
- Drive on roads and bridges to destinations near and far;
- Sleep confidently in your home knowing it will still be standing tomorrow;
- Enjoy a park that was cleaned from pollution; and,
- Marvel at buildings that touch the sky…
You can thank a civil engineer!
Why do I remain a Civil Engineer?
Now approximately ten years into my career I still find myself enamored with those original thoughts and projects that enticed me to Civil Engineering back at the start of college. It is knowing that the world has problems that need solutions, and I am one of the people out there who can make a difference. Sure, it may sound cliche, but being motivated by a purpose bigger than our individual selves can help center and guide us through the mundane day to day slog of timesheets, invoices, and online meetings.
Call to Action
Thank you for your support and giving me a slice of your most valuable resource; your time. Since you’ve found your way to this website, please comment down below on why you are interested or curious about civil engineering!
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