Sydney Airport Holdings

Structural engineers are responsible for designing buildings, bridges, helipads and other structures to ensure they are structurally sound. Their main concern is to ensure that the structure can withstand any forces that may be placed on it such as wind, gravity or earthquakes. This means that they must be able to analyze these forces and determine the proper placement of structural elements like columns, beams and slabs.

They also need to consider foundation specifics, which is the type of ground under a structure and how it will act under different circumstances. This includes ensuring that the foundations are strong enough to resist the force of gravity and water as well as landslides and snow loads.

Typical tasks include estimating building budgets and creating designs. They can also perform research to determine the best materials for a project and oversee construction while it's underway.

This is a technical and often specialized field,Structural engineer  so you must have an excellent knowledge of maths and physics as well as the ability to work closely with others. You also need to be able to think creatively to solve problems that arise in this career.

A bachelor's degree is generally the minimum qualification for a structural engineer, though some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in the field. Alternatively, you can take an engineering apprenticeship that allows you to earn while you learn and gain on-the-job experience.

Your working day will typically be between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday with some overtime possible on specific projects. You'll have occasional office-based meetings with other engineers and your clients, and you might need to attend site visits to inspect progress or to check that you're adhering to building standards.

You'll need to be a good communicator and have strong problem-solving skills as you'll be dealing with a wide range of clients, including those who are less familiar with the principles of structural engineering. You must be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, and you must be able to meet deadlines for work completion.

As a Structural engineer, you could find yourself working with a construction company, consultancy or local authority. You could also decide to set up your own business or go into teaching and research.

The job is very rewarding as you can see the results of your hard work coming to life and that can be a very satisfying feeling. It's also a great way to help people, as you could be involved in the design of a school or other structure that will benefit the community.

Getting into Structural Engineering

A career in this area is a great option for university graduates or school leavers who want to make a difference. It offers a lot of scope for variety and creativity as you can choose to work on different kinds of structures, including new buildings, bridges and alterations or extensions to existing ones.

Choosing a suitable route to get into this career

The academic route involves studying at college or university for three or four years and then qualifying with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). During your time at university you'll also be taking part in professional development programmes, which are designed to enhance your skills and expertise, giving you access to better-paid opportunities as a qualified engineer.