Civil engineers are professionals who design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that supports our communities, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water and sewage systems.
While this is a rewarding and fulfilling career path, it may not be the right fit for everyone. If you are a civil engineer who is considering exploring alternative career options, there are many other industries and positions that can utilize your skills and expertise.
Some alternative jobs for civil engineers might include construction manager, environmental engineer, geotechnical engineer, transportation engineer, or structural engineer.
These positions may offer the opportunity to work in a different industry, utilize a different set of skills, or pursue a different passion. No matter what direction you choose, it’s important to keep learning and growing in order to stay competitive in the job market and find a career that truly aligns with your interests and goals.
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Construction manager
Construction management is a natural career option for a civil engineer due to the strong overlap in skills and knowledge. Civil engineers are trained to design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
As a construction manager, you would be responsible for overseeing and coordinating construction projects from start to finish, which includes everything from project planning and budgeting to scheduling and quality control.
One of the main benefits of a career as a construction manager is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Construction managers may work on residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects as well as infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. This diversity allows you to keep your work interesting and keep learning new things.
Another benefit of working as a construction manager is the potential for advancement. With experience, you may be able to move up the ranks to higher-level management positions or even start your own construction company. Additionally, the demand for construction managers is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a secure and in-demand career path.
Environmental engineer
Environmental engineering is a natural career option for a civil engineer due to the strong overlap in skills and knowledge. Civil engineers are trained to design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. As an environmental engineer, you would use your skills and expertise to design systems and processes that minimize waste and pollution and protect and improve the environment.
One of the main benefits of a career as an environmental engineer is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. Environmental engineers work on a wide range of projects, including designing systems for water and air pollution control, developing methods for recycling and waste management, and improving the efficiency of energy systems. This work has the potential to make a real difference in the health and well-being of communities and the environment.
Another benefit of working as an environmental engineer is the potential for advancement. With experience, you may be able to move up the ranks to higher-level management positions or even start your own consulting firm. Additionally, the demand for environmental engineers is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a secure and in-demand career path.

Geotechnical engineer
Geotechnical engineering is a natural career option for a civil engineer due to the strong overlap in skills and knowledge. Civil engineers are trained to design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. As a geotechnical engineer, you would specialize in the behavior of earth materials, such as soil and rock, and their applications in construction projects.
One of the main benefits of a career as a geotechnical engineer is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Geotechnical engineers may work on residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects as well as infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. They also may work on projects related to natural disasters, such as landslides and earthquakes. This diversity allows you to keep your work interesting and keep learning new things.
Another benefit of working as a geotechnical engineer is the potential for advancement. With experience, you may be able to move up the ranks to higher-level management positions or even start your own consulting firm. Additionally, the demand for geotechnical engineers is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a secure and in-demand career path.
Transportation engineer
Transportation engineering is a natural career option for a civil engineer due to the strong overlap in skills and knowledge. Civil engineers are trained to design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. As a transportation engineer, you would use your skills and expertise to design and plan transportation systems, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems.
One of the main benefits of a career as a transportation engineer is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Transportation engineers may work on projects related to highway design, traffic engineering, public transportation, and logistics. This diversity allows you to keep your work interesting and keep learning new things.
Another benefit of working as a transportation engineer is the potential for advancement. With experience, you may be able to move up the ranks to higher-level management positions or even start your own consulting firm. Additionally, the demand for transportation engineers is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a secure and in-demand career path.
Structural engineer
Structural engineering is a natural career option for a civil engineer due to the strong overlap in skills and knowledge. Civil engineers are trained to design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. As a structural engineer, you would use your skills and expertise to design and analyze the structural components of buildings and other structures, ensuring that they are safe and efficient.
One of the main benefits of a career as a structural engineer is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Structural engineers may work on projects related to the design and analysis of buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures. This diversity allows you to keep your work interesting and keep learning new things.
Another benefit of working as a structural engineer is the potential for advancement. With experience, you may be able to move up the ranks to higher-level management positions or even start your own consulting firm. Additionally, the demand for structural engineers is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a secure and in-demand career path.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many alternative career options available to civil engineers who are looking to explore new opportunities or make a change in their careers. From construction management to environmental engineering and beyond, there are many industries and positions that can utilize the skills and expertise of a civil engineer.
It’s important to do your research and consider what type of work aligns with your interests and goals, and to be open to trying new things. No matter what career path you choose, it’s essential to have a well-written resume that showcases your skills and achievements.
A strong resume can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting the job you want. If you need help with preparing a strong resume, you can have our team of expert resume writers help you out!