<p>Hey, so I'm a pre-civil engineer at Ohio State. So far I love my classes. I have a few questions regarding what would be best for a future civil engineer I take:</p>
<p>Would getting involved in GIS help me out in the long run? </p>
<p>What type of programming is more beneficial for civil? Currently I'm learning Matlab (small amount) in my general engineering class and scheduled to take another course in it next semester. BUT I could take C++ instead if it would be better. </p>
<p>Finally, besides internships and co-ops, what is the best thing I could do to be marketable for a job when I graduate (or paid internship junior/senior year)
For example, specific fields of civil engineering that are in demand and classes I should take? or a minor I could pursue?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I think MATLAB would be the most useful. C++ could be useful too. Just being computer literate honestly. If you have an option to do Finite Element Analysis do as much as possible. All the large structural firms use it and it’s becoming more prevalent. You instantly set yourself apart with FEA. </p>
<p>I have a minor in math and it did nothing. Minors don’t add much. If you’re going to take Steel design or concrete design try to take those as early as possible. A lot of firms will not hire you without at least one of those courses. Currently, I’d say the petrochemical and offshore portion of civil is doing quite well. The structural side of civil is in pretty high demand, and it’s relatively flexible in terms of field. I got two job offers working for offshore firms this coming summer.</p>
<p>Think about Finite Element Analysis. It is used a lot in structural analysis which also opens up mechanical engineering jobs to civil engineers, an added plus if you like that kind of environment. With the knowledge in computational fluid dynamics along with FEA/BEA(boundary element analysis), you will be able to apply to jobs that require mechanical engineering major.</p>