An engineer could be described as someone who wants to know how and why things work. Engineers solve problems that help improve our lives. They design and build things like machines, structures, and other systems.

Engineering goes back to the earliest days of civilization. Early examples of engineering are shelters that could endure the elements, carts and other modes of transportation, wells, irrigation systems, plows and so on.

Engineering has evolved into many different branches like designing, building, and working with computers, machines, buildings, electrical systems etc.

Civil engineers design, construct and maintain buildings, roads, bridges, water systems and other conveniences that are present in the physical environment we live in.

It all begins with curiosity, wanting to solve problems and persistence to accomplish goals. Thomas Edison, after his 10,000 attempts at inventing the light bulb said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that it won’t work” and “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

Math and science are tools that help an engineer towards his or her goals.

This 7-minute video from National Science Foundation library features:

Day to day activities of a civil engineer.

Explains in some detail what the job involves.

How it relates to imagination and innovation.

What makes a well-rounded civil engineer.

Importance of teamwork.

Future of civil engineering.

Overall an upbeat and inspirational video that we have made part of our free resources so you can readily access it at any time.