Civil engineering career management —the unwritten rules

Getting ahead in civil engineering today is, like most other professions, very much down to an individual's own efforts. Based on in-depth interviews with senior civil engineers and human resources managers at five major UK engineering organisations, this paper concludes that the traditional hierarchical, linear and predictable nature of civil engineering career development no longer exists. Promotion today depends very much on how individuals manage their own careers. Civil engineers need to make the best use of the support resources available to them and then follow their passions, be proactive and grasp opportunities. They should also build and share expertise, take considered risks, use positive politics, raise their visibility, promote their profiles, network and find role models and mentors.