How to Become a Structural Engineer?
Explore the essential steps, eligibility criteria, and skills required to thrive as a Structural Engineer, paving the way for a successful career in engineering
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Structural Engineer
"Structural Engineers are the silent architects of safety, crafting solutions that stand the test of time."
Structural Engineers play a vital role in shaping society by designing and building various structures. They collaborate with development companies on projects like highways, stadiums, and commercial buildings. Their work involves partnering with architects, municipal authorities, utility providers, and other organizations. Responsibilities also include conducting inspections, mentoring junior team members, and creating construction documents like requirements and blueprints. Additionally, structural engineers ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations while providing technical support and calculating structural loads and pressures.
Steps to Become a Structural Engineer:
Step-1
Familiarize yourself with the roles and responsibilities of a Structural Engineer, which include design, analysis, and ensuring adherence to safety standards.
Step-2
Focus on foundational subjects such as mathematics, physics, and computer science to strengthen your knowledge base.
Step-3
Enroll in an accredited engineering program, focusing on civil or structural engineering.
Step-4
Participate in internships or co-op programs to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Step-5
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gain relevant work experience to take the PE exam.
Step-6
Pursuing a Master's degree can enhance your expertise and open up advanced career opportunities.
Step-7
Engage in continuous learning through workshops, seminars, and professional organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | To become a Structural Engineer, one must earn a BE/B.Tech in Civil Engineering or a related field. A diploma in civil engineering can also be considered. |
| Postgraduate Degree | Pursuing an M.Tech or ME in Structural Engineering can enhance career prospects, providing advanced learning opportunities. |
| Entrance Exams | A valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-MAINS, CET, VITEEE, BITSAT, or state-level exams is required. Some institutions may have their own entrance exams. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th grade with a science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) from a recognized institution.
- Valid scores in entrance exams after 12th like JEE-MAINS, CET, VITEEE, BITSAT, or state-level exams.
- Must earn a BE/B.Tech in Civil Engineering or a related field. A diploma in civil engineering can also open doors to entry-level positions.
- An M.Tech or ME in Structural Engineering is beneficial for advanced career opportunities.
- Certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) or specialized courses in structural design can enhance skills and employability.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Structural Engineer:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Structural Engineers must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of forces and moments. | Knowledge of different construction materials. |
| Familiarity with local and international codes. | Insight into soil mechanics and foundation design. |
| Proficiency in CAD software for designing structures. | Skills in managing timelines and budgets. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Analytical Skills |
| Communication skills | Teamwork |
| Technical Skills | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Structural Engineer.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for a Structural Engineer:
Once you obtain the necessary qualifications to become a Structural Engineer, numerous career paths open up. Here are a few potential career paths:
Responsible for soldering in manufacturing jobs, selecting welding methods, and staying updated with the latest technologies. They analyze situations and apply the appropriate welding procedure.
Acts as a liaison between businesses and development, resolving complex software issues, providing technical support, and conducting consumer research to improve applications.
This role demands expertise in various welding techniques while ensuring safety and productivity. They work both outdoors and indoors, refining welding techniques and supervising operations. Certification from AWS is often required.
Focuses on identifying and managing equipment reliability issues, reducing risks, and improving the performance of vital assets. They also handle safety and sustainability risks.
Ensures machinery functions efficiently by developing, troubleshooting, and improving equipment reliability. They work both independently and in teams to meet project deadlines.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for a Structural Engineer:
Structural Engineers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| WSP | L&T Technology Services Limited | Burns & McDonnell |
| Siemens Gamesa | Brunel | Atkins |
| Intel Corporation | Mott MacDonald | AECOM |
| Koch Industries |
Colleges offering courses for Structural Engineer:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| IIT Kharagpur - Indian Institute of Technology | IIT Madras - Indian Institute of Technology |
| IIT Roorkee - Indian Institute of Technology | IIT Varanasi - Indian Institute of Technology |
| Amity University, Raipur | Chitkara University, Chandigarh |
| SASTRA, Thanjavur | Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore |
| KIIT School of Engineering, Bhubaneshwar | SRM University, Andhra Pradesh |
| D Y Patil University, Pune |
End Note
Becoming a Structural Engineer requires commitment and a passion for design and safety. With the right education and experience, you can build a successful career that contributes to the safety and sustainability of our built environment. For more guidance on your career journey, connect with our experts at SetMyCareer! We’re here to support you with Career counselling after graduation to help you with career counselling after graduation achieve your professional aspirations.
In this Career Outline
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