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Build a career in civil engineering, construction and property
This career guide will help you explore job options, entry routes and employment opportunities in civil engineering, construction and property.
In this guide:
These broad and growing sectors cover everything from infrastructure and housebuilding to facilities management, surveying and planning. Opportunities range from technical and design roles to management, commercial and consultancy positions. While demand for skilled graduates remains strong, competition can be high, and employers often look for relevant experience alongside academic knowledge.
Potential Job Roles
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements and career prospects, with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
- Civil, Site, Structural or Water Engineer
- Quantity, Commercial or Building Surveyor
- CAD Technician
- Urban Designer
- Town Planner
Professional Qualifications
Many roles in these sectors are linked to professional accreditation, which can improve employability and long‑term progression. Some qualifications are required for chartered or licensed status and are usually completed while working.
Professional registrations include:
- Engineering Technician (EngTech)
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
Most engineers achieve professional registration through a combination of academic study, industry experience and a professional review assessment.
Key professional bodies
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Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) – civil and structural engineering
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Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – surveying, property and land
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Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) – construction management
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Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) – building services
You can find out which qualifications are relevant to your chosen role within individual Prospects job profiles.
Gaining Experience
Employers value graduates who combine technical knowledge with practical experience, commercial awareness and strong communication skills.
Getting experience while studying is one of the best ways to stand out. Many employers use placements, internships and insight programmes to identify future graduate recruits, and some students secure graduate job offers before they complete their degree.
Types of opportunities
Below are some examples of the different types of opportunities to gain experience while you study.
Placements are a great way to gain substantial experience, build contacts, and develop an understanding of an organisation.
On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules.
To learn more about completing a placement, you can contact the Placements team in Careers and Employability.
Learn more about completing a placement year
You can also choose to take a Self-Employed Placement. This allows you to work for yourself during your placement year and receive support from the University's Student Startup Team. You will have access to funding opportunities, networking events and workshops.
Internships typically last between 6 and 12 weeks and are often completed during the summer vacation.
Organisations that regularly offer engineering internships include:
Internships help you:
- apply your technical knowledge in the workplace
- build professional networks
- develop commercial awareness
- strengthen your graduate applications
Although less common than in some sectors, engineering insight programmes are becoming increasingly popular.
Examples include:
These opportunities provide a valuable introduction to employers and can lead to future internships or work experience.
Many employers are committed to widening participation within engineering and construction.
You may wish to explore programmes such as:
These schemes provide mentoring, networking opportunities and sector-specific experience to help students build confidence and industry connections.
Develop transferable skills
Alongside technical knowledge, employers look for graduates who can demonstrate:
- problem-solving
- teamwork
- communication
- digital skills
- leadership potential
You can develop these skills through part-time work, volunteering, student societies, competitions and university projects.
Find out more about placements, internships and work experience through our work experience pages.
Finding a job
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Job boards for civil engineering, construction and property
Specialist recruitment consultants
Recruitment consultants work with individuals to help them find suitable work to match their skills. Here are some recruitment consultants who specialise in civil engineering, construction and property:
- SSA Recruitment - London-based construction recruitment agency specialising in placing candidates in construction jobs and civil engineering jobs in the UK.
- Hays - offers specialist recruitment consultants who will help you find civil and structural design engineering jobs that match your skills and project portfolio.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
Here are some key resources to help you keep updated with industry news:
- Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers: Promotes the career of building services engineers and provides information on training, events, news and journals.
- Chartered Institute of Housing: Professional body for people involved in housing and communities. Their website provides housing news, advice, events and jobs.
- Chartered Institute of Building: The world's largest professional body for construction management and leadership professionals.
- The Engineering Council: UK regulatory body for the engineering profession.
- TARGETJobs: Information and advice about careers for graduate engineers. Find out what industry sectors you can work in, how much you could earn and how to apply for jobs.
- New Civil Engineer: Online version of the New Civil Engineer magazine providing news, analysis, interviews and features for the UK civil engineering sector.
Explore more from Careers and Employability
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