Your guide to become an Civil Engineer in Malaysia

Average Salary
1,900 - 3,300

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Who is an Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer is a specific engineering career involved in the construction and maintenance of structures, roadworks, bridges, dams, tunnels and other infrastructure projects.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, and the Sydney Opera House…what do these buildings and structures have in common? A very talented Civil Engineer! Civil Engineers design and supervise the building of structures, roads, airports, energy systems, water supply and sewage systems. Before Civil Engineers design a project, they consider many factors from the budget and duration of a project to government legislation and potential environmental risks such as earthquakes and typhoons.

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The pros and cons of being an Civil Engineer

Pros

Opportunity to work indoors and outdoors
High in demand as people need to use these amenities everyday for comfort and convenience
Significantly contribute to nation-building by helping to improve the safety and security of the community
Able to play an important role in making the country proud and as a favourable tourist destination by building luxury suites and skyscrapers that will improve the status of the nation

Cons

Long working hours to complete the project in time
The job depends on the country's economy. If there is a recession, there will be a smaller budget for construction projects

What are all the responsibilities of an Civil Engineer ?

Perform feasibility studies on projects
Develop building designs
Perform risk management
Supervise junior staff members
Communicate with Architects and clients
Solve design and developmental problems
Manage budgets
Work with engineers from other companies
Judge and approve design drawings
Attend public meetings
Design building in accordance with safety standards and other regulations
Work within the budget and allotted time

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What skills do you need to become an Civil Engineer?

Technical competence

All engineers will need to have an in-depth knowledge on technology as they need to use it in their planning, design and building process. In addition to that, they also need to use other tools and equipment too such as bulldozers, excavators, tankers, conveyors, tunnel boring machines and many more. Not everyone can operate these machineries but Civil Engineers must know how they function and when to use it.

Good organisational skills

Constructing a building is not as simple as it sounds. It’s not just smashing walls, mixing cement and pasting them on the floor. The amount of planning that goes into it takes a well-organised person to handle. One mistake you make may cost you your job and legal action against the company you’re working in. Here’s why: Civil Engineers have deadlines and a strict budget to adhere to. When planning and designing the project, it is crucial to stick to the client’s budget to avoid any unnecessary disputes. They also need to plan the project’s timeline in a way that meets the cutoff date to avoid delay.

Leadership and teamwork

Your first year in the job market will not make you a Civil Engineer straight away. It takes plenty of experience and skill in this industry to be one. To be a good Civil Engineer, you need to prove your leadership skills, yet be a teamplayer because building a structure doesn’t just take one person to handle it all. You will work in a big team and it is up to you to segregate tasks, be tactful when communicating with them (you don’t want them to quit), manage the project and ensure it meets its deadline.

What field(s) of study should you choose to become an Civil Engineer?

Civil Engineering
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

What are the requirements to be an Civil Engineer?

Those who want to be a Civil Engineer must possess an Engineering degree preferably in Civil Engineering or Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. Obtaining membership from the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) will add value to your resume, hence, opening more doors of opportunity and career advancement.

What are the working hours of an Civil Engineer

The working hours of a Civil Engineer varies depending on the lifecycle and type of project, volume of work and how heavy are your responsibilities. Typically, it takes between 8 to 10 hours a day but it can also reach up to 12 hours a day for 6 days a week. You may have to work overtime if you have to meet a deadline. Civil Engineers will also have to constantly visit construction sites for supervision purposes.

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