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By Nsim Team
In the age of inflation, jobs are becoming scarce day by day. The structural engineer jobs show a ray of hope in such conditions and they are dominating the present construction job market. If you want to become a structural engineer, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as a structural engineer:
Those who become structural engineers typically enjoy such school subjects as mathematics, science, computing, art, geography and design. They also tend to have an interest in unique buildings and structures.
They may have spent more time than the average people wondering how tall buildings are made; how they withstand earthquakes, high winds and other forces.
As the work of structural engineers has an impact on the daily lives of many, a structural engineer must be a highly responsible individual who is able to handle the demanding requirements and pressures of their job.
If you want to become a structural engineer, you must be comfortable with the idea that there is little room for error in your work; you must be able to accurately calculate the stress loads and other elements of structures such as skyscrapers, often using only computer simulations and models to test your work.
WHO IS STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
Structural engineers are creative innovators, they use maths and science to design structures, solve problems, and shape the world around them
Structural engineers design structures to withstand stresses and pressures imposed through environmental conditions and human use. They ensure buildings and other structures do not deflect, rotate, vibrate excessively or collapse and that they remain stable and secure throughout their use. They also examine existing buildings and structures to test if they are structurally sound and still fit for purpose.
Working in close partnership with architects and other professional engineers they help to design most structures, including houses, hospitals, office blocks, bridges, oil rigs, ships and aircraft. It is the structural engineer’s responsibility to choose the appropriate materials, such as concrete, steel, timber and masonry, to meet design specifications and they are often involved in inspecting the work and advising contractors.
WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
To become a structural engineer, you need Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Before you earn your engineering degree, you must have a solid foundation in physics as well as specialized areas of mathematics, such as geometry, trigonometry and calculus.
It is crucial to gain knowledge in these areas, as careers in structural engineering involve the application of principles in these areas to solving real-world problems.
If you want to become a structural engineer, you should begin by pursuing coursework in the above-mentioned areas while you are still a high school student. If you do not gain knowledge in physics and specialized areas of mathematics before entering university, you will be behind and may find yourself trying hard just to catch up.
A university education in structural engineering typically consists of coursework that applies directly to a career in structural engineering.
Students will typically study statics and dynamics, conceptual structural design, materials engineering, engineering graphics, computer aided design and structural analysis, amongst other engineering classes.
Structural engineering students also do in-depth exploration of structural design with each of the commonly used construction materials, including steel, reinforced concrete and composites.
Many structural or civil engineering programs also require students to take classes in English or communications, as much of what structural engineers produce consists of drawings and reports, making it very important for structural engineers to have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
SKILLS NEEDED TO BECOME STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
In order to become effective in a career as a structural engineer, you need to posses a certain set of skills and personality traits, as these will allow you perform your duties with competence, and help you to endure the challenges of a career in structural engineer.
• Have a keen interest in unique structures, including buildings or bridges
• Able to apply the principals of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis and design
• Perform calculations with patience and accuracy
• Able to write reports in a clear and concise manner
• Able to visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings
• Able to work under stressful conditions
• Responsible and accountable
• Able to monitor and evaluate the work at a job site as a project progresses
• A capacity for details
• Enjoy being innovative
• Enjoy having variety in work
• Enjoy doing work that requires precision
• Maintain and advance engineering knowledge
WHO HIRES STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS?
Structural engineers are hired by organizations involved in designing structures, such as buildings and bridges, which can withstand the pressures of weather and other forces. Organizations that hire structural engineers include:
• Federal, state/provincial and municipal government departments
• Engineering firms
• Engineering consulting firms
• Construction contractors
• Property developers
• Public utilities
• Manufacturers of cars, trains, airplanes and other vehicles
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