Ask an Expert about Civil Engineering
Let’s take a deep dive into this sector by learning from an expert who has answered some ‘hot topic’ questions for us.
1. Does Civil Engineering require vast creativity in terms of the design process or is it mostly about practical work?
Civil Engineering, just like any Engineering discipline, is about solving people’s problems with the most efficient processes or procedures within the least time and least cost. Each problem is unique on account of location and other variables. This calls for ingenuity on the part of the solution provider. It must always be borne in mind that the best solutions are ones which always take a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure sustainability. Therefore, innovation / creativity is a necessary skill both at the conception (design) stage and through out the construction stage (practical).
2. What resources (websites, books, or articles) can you suggest that can open my mind to some of the interesting developments in Civil Engineering?
In Zimbabwe, I would urge one to visit sites such as the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers website (www.zie.org.zw) for engineering related information. There are also exhibitions (as the Mine Entra in Bulawayo, which showcases engineering highlights) and engineering competitions (e.g. bridge design) which can help. One may also look at the Institute of Civil Engineers and the American Association of Civil Engineers websites. In addition, I also advise on having a mentor.
3. What kind of experience or additional subjects at university do you think will help me best prepare for an engineering workplace where technology is getting more widely applied?
Mathematics and Physics are the anchor subjects. I would also encourage technical subjects such as Technical Drawing, Metal Work, Woodwork, and Building. With digitisation, I further recommend some basic / working knowledge in coding and elementary programming.
4. What are the technology or industry themes that will disrupt the way Civil Engineering will be done in the next 10-20 years?
Civil Engineering is a very broad discipline - it covers areas such as Structural, Highway and Transportation, Water and Wastewater, Geotechnology etc. Therefore, each discipline is being disrupted differently with the primary focus on bringing flexibility, efficiency, and convenience to humanity. For example, in the water sector, practitioners are working and discussing around the idea of revolutionising the water sector under the theme “Water 4.0” (Read more here). Similarly, in the Construction sector, a lot of initiatives such as 3D Printing as a construction technology are now a reality.
5. What are the main qualities and goals a Civil Engineer would need to have a successful career?
I will speak about qualities in terms of skills and competencies. Just like in any profession or vocation, one needs to have both the soft and hard skills. In the formatives years, the mix of these skills set leans more towards the hard skills but as you gain more years of experience, the soft skills must dominate. What is clear is one can only be able to make a successful Civil Engineering career if and only if they have within them an insatiable appetite for learning as their goal. Continuous development is a must.
6. Would you advise an internship before university or going straight to university with no background sense? Are you aware of any internship opportunities for high school students?
I would advise, internship while at university for the simple reason that, Engineering is application or manipulation of scientific theories in real life. After university, there is a standard expectation that you will go through a two-year guided (mentored) graduate learnership in your desired field of specialisation within the Engineering world.
7. What are the main projects that Civil Engineers focus on?
I would say a Civil Engineer’s work manifest in everything to do with the day-to-day life of human beings from their dwellings (amenities), movement (transportation), water provision, waste water and solid waste. Virtually our every day’s life is impacted by a Civil Engineer.
8. Which projects have you worked on which really challenged you, or that you are most proud of?
I have worked on several projects both in the built environment, services and humanitarian sectors. Amongst all the projects, I would say I stand with pride and satisfaction on those projects which we undertook to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable communities following disasters such as Cyclone Idai, times of drought, the COVID-19 pandemic etc. There is no better service than to give hope and smile to a mother, sister, the elderly in their times of need. I must say I enjoy this part of my work and career.
9. What areas of Civil Engineering are you personally excited to explore in future?
Disaster Risk, Response and Mitigation,
Renewable Energy
Nano-technology in Waste Management
10. Can you think of any common mistakes that people make regarding how they manage their university studies or early-stage careers when it comes to Civil Engineering in particular?
This is really a difficult one to answer, but I will share my own experience. After my advanced level studies, I didn’t get any real career guidance. Therefore, my experience with Civil Engineering was a total discovery process since I had no prior knowledge of what it was all about. I therefore, attempted to switch programs to Pharmacy for no other reason than to seek prestige. You see, my peers and colleagues who had the same subject combinations / points as me had enrolled into Pharmacy and I felt that would be a better fit for me. It goes without saying that for the first semester, I really resented the Engineering class. I thank God I did not fail my courses otherwise that was going to be it - I would have limited my options way too soon. My perceptions only changed after I started researching about Civil Engineering and talking to people who were already into practise. The whole world was then lit to me. With hindsight, I thank God for divine guidance into Civil Engineering.
Because I felt like I stumbled my way into the sector, the other mistake is what I would call ‘Engineer’s identity crisis’, where one would prematurely get fascinated in one discipline before fully discovering oneself.
Huge thanks to our guest contributor for his thoughtful feedback! I hope those of you exploring this career path feel a little wiser and better-equipped to make your decisions.
Additional GenZim Connection resources related to Engineering
Go to the GenZim Connection Youtube channel to watch the career insight videos shared by:
Innocent Zvarevashe (Mechanical Engineer): a Chief Engineer at Jacob Bethel Corporation, a Zimbabwean-based company which manufacturers mining and mineral processing equipment.
Nick Tandi: a Senior Water Resources Specialist at the World Bank.
