The first step for any career path, is to determine if you'll be a good fit for the work. If you're going to be in it for the long haul, you'd better be willing to take on the ups and downs involved in the day to day work. For example, the traits below describe someone who's well-suited for this career...does it describe you?

Those who become structural engineers typically enjoy such school subjects as mathematics, science, computing, art, geography and design. They also tend to have an interest in unique buildings and structures. They may have spent more time than the average people wondering how tall buildings are made; how they withstand earthquakes, high winds and other forces. 

As the work they're responsible for has an impact on the daily lives of many, a structural engineer must be a highly responsible individual who is able to handle the demanding requirements and pressures of their job.

If you want to enter this field, you must be comfortable with the idea that there is little room for error in your work; you must be able to accurately calculate the stress loads and other elements of structures such as skyscrapers, often using only computer simulations and models to test your work.

Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a structural engineer. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!

Education Needed

To become a structural engineer, you need Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Before you earn your engineering degree, you must have a solid foundation in physics as well as specialized areas of mathematics, such as geometry, trigonometry and calculus.

It is crucial to gain knowledge in these areas, as careers in structural engineering involve the application of principles in these areas to solving real-world problems.

To lay solid groundwork for your education, you should begin by pursuing coursework in the above-mentioned areas while you're still a high school student. If you do not gain knowledge in physics and specialized areas of mathematics before entering university, you will be behind and may find yourself trying hard just to catch up.

A university education in structural engineering typically consists of coursework that applies directly to professional applications..

Students will typically study statics and dynamics, conceptual structural design, materials engineering, engineering graphics, computer aided design and structural analysis, among other engineering classes.

Structural engineering students also do in-depth exploration of structural design with each of the commonly used construction materials, including steel, reinforced concrete and composites.

Many structural or civil engineering programs also require students to take classes in English or communications, as much of what structural engineers produce consists of drawings and reports, making it very important for structural engineers to have excellent verbal and written communications skills.