Career paths in civil engineering
Civil engineering graduates work across many industries that shape the built environment, including:
Structural & Construction Engineering. Structural engineer, construction engineer, site engineer, building control surveyor.
Transport & Infrastructure. Highways engineer, rail engineer, transport planner.
Water, Energy & Environment. Water engineer, geotechnical engineer, environmental engineer, flood-risk consultant.
Project & Consultancy Roles. Engineering consultant, project manager, sustainability consultant, or asset management roles. In both government and private sector organisations.
Alternative careers outside of civil engineering
Not every graduate follows a traditional engineering pathway. A civil engineering degree gives you strong numerical, design, and organisational skills. This will make you well suited to areas like:
- Project management and operations
- Data analysis and technical consulting
- Health and safety management
- Public sector and local government planning roles
Civil engineering is a versatile degree. It gives you options that go beyond engineering-focused careers.
Skills you’ll gain in a civil engineering degree
Civil engineering equips you with a blend of technical and professional skills. These are highly valued by employers in:
- Engineering design and modelling (e.g. CAD, structural analysis software)
- Understanding of materials, geotechnics, hydraulics, and structural behaviour
- Project management, budgeting and risk assessment
- Teamwork and leadership in engineering project settings
- Problem-solving, critical thinking and numeracy
- Communication skills for presenting technical information
Graduate outcomes and salaries for civil engineering
Civil engineering graduates enjoy strong employment prospects. Many enter professional roles within engineering firms, construction companies, consultancies or government bodies. Early-career salaries often start between £26,000–£32,000,15 months after graduation1. This depends on the role and employer. And it can rise significantly with chartership, specialist training and industry experience.
Further study options
Want to deepen your expertise or work towards chartered status? As a civil engineering graduate, you'll have a range of further study options to choose from. Popular routes include:
- Masters degrees in geotechnical engineering and environmental engineering. As well as structural engineering, transport engineering, and construction management.
- PhD if you’re aiming for a research or academic career
- Professional qualifications such as those required for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
- Specialist training in areas like surveying, and BIM (Building Information Modelling),. Or project management (e.g., PRINCE2).
Can I become a civil engineer without a civil engineering degree?
There are alternative routes into the profession, including civil engineering degree apprenticeships. But these usually involve extra steps and take longer to reach full accreditation. The best option for you depends on how you prefer to learn, and your career aspirations.
Learn more in our ‘Can I become a civil engineer without a civil engineering degree?’ FAQ.
