What do you do if your civil engineering design skills need a boost in the industry?

2 Pursue relevant training and certification

The next step to boost your civil engineering design skills is to pursue relevant training and certification opportunities that can fill your knowledge gaps and update your credentials. You can look for online courses, webinars, workshops, or seminars that cover topics such as design software, standards, codes, methods, or innovations in civil engineering. You can also consider obtaining professional certification from recognized organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

3 Join professional networks and communities

Another step to boost your civil engineering design skills is to join professional networks and communities that can provide you with valuable insights, connections, and support. You can become a member of local or national associations, such as the ASCE, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), or the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). You can also participate in online forums, groups, or platforms, such as LinkedIn, Reddit, or Quora, where you can interact with other civil engineers, ask questions, share ideas, or seek advice.

4 Seek mentorship and feedback

A further step to boost your civil engineering design skills is to seek mentorship and feedback from experienced and respected civil engineers who can guide you, challenge you, and inspire you. You can find a mentor within your organization, through your professional network, or through formal programs, such as the ASCE Mentor Match. You can also ask for regular and constructive feedback from your mentor, your manager, your clients, or your peers on your civil engineering design projects, performance, and goals.

5 Practice and experiment

The final step to boost your civil engineering design skills is to practice and experiment with different design scenarios, tools, and techniques. You can use online platforms, such as Autodesk, SketchUp, or Civil 3D, to create, modify, and test your civil engineering design models and simulations. You can also challenge yourself to solve real-world problems, participate in design competitions, or collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that can enhance your creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?