Civil Engineering
By: Greg Echeverry
MY LIFE
1. How long have you been working in your profession?
I've been working in my career for 5 years.
2. Where do you live?
I live in Austin, Texas.
3. What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, cycling, and volunteering with local environmental groups and soccer
4. What is your job title?
I am a Civil Engineer.
MY WORK
1. When and why did you choose your career path?
I chose civil engineering in college because I was passionate about building and improving infrastructure, which directly
impacts communities.
2. What is the name of your company or employer?
I work for DeMarr Engineering Firm.
3. Describe your primary duties and skills.
My primary duties include designing infrastructure projects, conducting site assessments, and ensuring compliance with
regulations. Key skills include project management, problem-solving, and proficiency in engineering software like AutoCAD.
4. Describe your physical work environment.
I work in an office setting most of the time, but I frequently visit construction sites and attend project meetings.
5. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing a project through from conception to completion and knowing that it contributes to the
community.
6. What is your salary?
The average salary for a civil engineer in my area is around $80,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
SCHOOL
Which accredited school did you first attend, and what was your degree?
I attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
1. Describe in detail three of the courses that you took which are closely related to your current career.
Structural Analysis: This course taught me the principles of analyzing structures and ensuring they can withstand various loads.
Geotechnical Engineering: Here, I learned about soil mechanics and the interaction between soil and structures, critical for foundation design.
Transportation Engineering: This course focused on designing transportation systems, including roads and highways, to improve safety and
efficiency.
2. Describe the two courses that you considered most challenging.
Fluid Mechanics: This course was challenging due to its complex mathematical concepts and application in real-world scenarios.
Advanced Mathematics: The abstract concepts in this course were difficult, but they are fundamental in engineering calculations.
3. What resources did your school have available to help you get through the most difficult courses?
My university offered tutoring services, study groups, and access to faculty during office hours, which were invaluable for my success.
Regarding the two most challenging courses how did you persevere?
I formed study groups with classmates, attended extra help sessions, and used online resources to deepen my understanding.
From what school(s) did you receive graduate degrees?
I completed a Master's degree in Civil Engineering at Stanford University.
4. What was the title or titles of the degree(s)?
My degree was a Master of Science in Civil Engineering.
5. What licenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive those licenses?
I am a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). I passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering
(PE) exam in Civil Engineering.
FINAL POINTS
1. How would your clients and co-workers describe you?
Clients and co-workers would describe me as detail-oriented, reliable, and collaborative.
2. What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?
I hope to lead major infrastructure projects that promote sustainability and enhance community resilience.
3. Why should a high school student consider a career in your field? What important
contribution(s) can they make?
A high school student should consider civil engineering for its opportunity to make a significant impact on society
through the development of sustainable infrastructure that improves quality of life.
CONCLUSION
1. You described a career related to civil engineering and/or architecture. Is this the career field that you are currently
most interested in at this stage in your life?
I am interested in some sort of architecture
2. Rank and describe the three most important characteristics that you value in choosing a post-secondary
school.
Accreditation: It's crucial to attend an accredited program to ensure a solid education and licensing eligibility.
Strong Industry Connections: Schools with robust internship programs and job placement services can provide valuable experience.
Research Opportunities: Access to research projects can enhance learning and open doors for future careers
3. Rank the following in the order of importance to you regarding a career: job satisfaction; salary; making a
difference; level of responsibility; titles; benefits; hours; co-workers; supervisors.
Job Satisfaction
Making a Difference
Salary
Level of Responsibility
Benefits
Hours
Co-workers
Supervisors
REFLECTION
1. Join a STEM club to develop relevant skills and network with like-minded peers.
2. Seek internships or volunteer opportunities related to engineering or construction to gain hands-on
experience.
3. Attend local engineering events or workshops to learn more about the field and meet professionals.