Assalamualaikum and greeting readers!
I feel the need to continue the previous post (link) that I wrote years ago. In this post, I am going to write about what a student needs to do/to have to be a better engineer when they graduate. This post will be helpful to students out there to start preparing themself and start to set their mind to think like an engineer. A better engineer. These are the things that I wish people told me back when I was a student. So, I am sharing with all the future young engineers out there so that you can be well prepared.
1. Choose The Right Path for Yourself
So, the first thing you need to do is think about where you want to stand 10 years, 20 years and 30 years from now. Is engineering really for you? Nobody can answer this. The best thing you can do is to believe in your ability and strive forward. You are already a step forward into the game. But dear student, make sure that you, yourself have the interest to study engineering. Make sure you do some research on anything related to civil engineering. Don't decide just because your friend going to study engineering. This field of study is challenging and can be mentally draining.
Before you enter the ring, make sure you are properly prepared. Ask people around you what they know about "Civil Engineering" and where this path will take you. Ask your teacher, brother, sister, parents, senior or even friends. For me, it is okay for you to try first if it is not for you, then you can quit. Don't be ashamed of yourself. There is something suitable for you out there.
As brief as possible, Civil Engineering is a field of engineering where you deal with design, build, construction, supervise, and maintain civil works, structure works, and geotechnical works. Basically, civil engineering builds everything around us. Houses, roads, bridges, dams, power plants, and many more. In recent years, Civil Engineers need to comply with sustainably, environmental concerns and economic development. To learn more about civil engineering's branches, you may read on BEM's website (link). There are a lot of misconceptions about Civil Engineering and Architecture. Some people who are not exposed to this field will probably think that Civil Engineering is just the same as Architecture as long as they 'build houses'. But, as a metaphor, Civil Engineers design the structure of the body (bones) meanwhile, architects design our outer body i.e., the position of the nose, eyes, lips, and skin colour.
2. Study Smart, Don't Study Hard
It is very important for the students to understand what they are learning instead of learning for the sake of examination. It is because, once you are working in this field, especially in the consultancy field, it will be difficult and you need to spend more time just to revise everything.
3. Understand VS Memorizing: Don't Memorize Everything!
As long as you understand what you learned in school, it will be easy for you once you working. Especially when you need to start to compare and analyse why 'this' or 'that' happens and how to resolve it based on the knowledge you have. In engineering, you will never stop learning even when you start working. As an engineer, your responsibility is huge, any mistake will lead to many problems later. But at the same time, it is okay to make mistakes as long as you acknowledge it. Of course, it will be impossible to remember everything you learned especially all the acts of conduct or requirements from authorities. But the more you do it, the more you realise it "Ohh, I have read somewhere that this can't be done because based on this Eurocode....... Let me check which section is it and share it with you for reference".
4. Keep On Developing Software Skills
Learn to use software like AutoCAD, Revit, SAP2000, MiTS, STAAD Pro, and many more which are essential for designing and analyzing structures. Get hands-on experience with lab equipment and construction techniques to understand real-world applications.
5. Learn How To Read Engineering Drawings
Spend more time on how to read and understand engineering drawings. You need to start to learn to read and understand engineering drawings. More or less, you need to know how to imagine how it works. For starters, I personally think an engineer needs to learn to do drafting on your own so that you will know how to properly know whether something you draw can be done on-site or not. Everything is practical.
6. Common Sense
For me, this is one of the core factors of being a good civil engineer. Civil engineers must possess good common sense because their work directly impacts the safety, functionality, and sustainability of infrastructure. It is like trying to apply some logical thinking while designing and making decisions. By applying some common sense during the design stage, we ensure practicality, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Big drains don't mean that they have a good drainage system. Vice versa. After working for 4 years as a Civil engineer, there are a lot of civil engineers who lack common sense, and it makes the work more difficult.
8. Do Not be Afraid To Be Dirty and To be Under the Sun At the Construction Site
You must set this on your mind, even though you already decided you will work as an authority or consultant thinking that you won't go to the site, you are wrong. You still need to go to the construction site. It is the nature of the field you choose. But it will be not as often as working full-time on-site. As long as you can do this, it is okay to continue. You can bring an umbrella to the site it will never look weird. I have done it a lot, with my bright pink umbrella 😂 We must save our skin from skin cancer right?
9. Think Creative and Flexible. Not All Things Will Only Have One Solution
As a civil engineering student, it’s crucial to develop a creative and flexible mindset. Engineering challenges rarely have a single solution, and the ability to think outside the box often sets great engineers apart. Civil engineering problems are diverse, ranging from designing structures to solving unexpected site conditions. Each project presents unique constraints, such as budget, materials, and environmental factors. A rigid approach may overlook innovative or more efficient solutions.
For instance, a bridge design could incorporate different materials (steel, concrete, or composite) depending on the site conditions, budget, and intended use. Thinking creatively allows you to evaluate all options and choose the best fit for the scenario.
Additionally, flexibility is essential when dealing with on-site challenges, such as unforeseen soil conditions or sudden design modifications requested by clients. A flexible engineer adapts quickly, reassesses the situation, and devises alternative solutions. There is no right or wrong in Civil Engineering. Everything needs to be adjusted according to its constraints. But during learning in University, of course, there will be right or wrong answers. But it is to test your ability to understand the topic.
10. Work Under Pressure
Civil engineers often work under pressure because the responsibilities involve high stakes, tight deadlines, and multiple challenges. This can be felt as early as being a Civil Engineering major student but the pressure is not as high during work. But as long as you have great courage and passion in this field it is manageable as you will be able to find a diamond in a rough.
More or less, this is what I know and I can share so far. Maybe later in the future, there will be a lot more I can share with all the future engineers out there as I grow to have more knowledge in this field.
Thank you!
- Nana
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