How often do engineers have to move?

<p>I hear engineers, mostly at larger, multinational companies like Bechtel and CH2M Hill, are sometimes required to relocate for work every few years. Is the life of a civil engineer one of constant uprooting?</p>

<p>Larger multinational firms (such as Bechtel and CH2M Hill) focus more on heavy civil projects. They go from project to project and it’s uncommon to have many of them in one location. </p>

<p>If you work more on building construction, relocating isn’t very common. It makes sense to keep employees in one area since that’s where their expertise is and that’s where they’ve developed their relationships with architects, contractors and the government.</p>

<p>So, it depends on the company is what you’re saying? Thanks.</p>

<p>It really depends on the company, industry and your career aspirations. </p>

<p>If you are working in a multinational company and want to climb up the ranks (especially management wise), you’ll typically have to take international positions. For example, it isn’t uncommon for the managers at the major oil companies to have completed stints in Latin America, Russia, Europe or the Middle East.</p>

<p>Depends on the type of work the company is involved with. Some benefit more by having people with local expertise, especially those that require knowledge intimate knowledge of local building codes.</p>