Careers with an building and civil engineering degree
Studying Building and Civil Engineering means learning to design smarter cities and resilient infrastructure that support sustainable living. You’ll explore the intersection of architecture and engineering, with hands-on experience in civil, structural, mechanical and electrical systems.
What can I do with my degree? You’ll be ready to design energy-efficient buildings and climate-conscious designs that shape healthier, more sustainable communities.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional Knowledge:
Apply principles of structural, mechanical and electrical systems to design safe and efficient buildings and infrastructure
Communication:
Translate complex technical data into visual drawings, models and presentations that support collaborative planning
Management and organization:
Plan and execute multi-stage design projects, from site analysis to final presentation, while balancing other coursework
Teamwork:
Take on specific roles in group design projects, contributing engineering expertise while integrating input from others
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Optimize building systems to reduce energy use, minimize waste and enhance occupant comfort
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get one-on-one support with your math courses from a Math Tutor.
- Attend learning services workshops to learn how to effectively approach problem-solving and manage time during exams.
- Get involved with student groups like Concordia Society for Civil Engineering, Concordia University Building Engineering Society or other student societies to connect with peers in your field.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation sessions.
- Consider Co-op or Career Edge internship to gain professional work experience during your program.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
- Tune into The Iron Ring Podcast to explore cutting-edge topics and industry insights
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
- Consider taking graduate level credits if you are planning on pursuing a graduate program at Concordia after your degree.
- Start thinking about your Capstone project and how to make the most of your final year.
Final year
- Learn about the process of becoming an engineer in Quebec.
- Apply to be a teaching assistant to gain experience.
- Present technical concepts with clarity with the public speaking and presentation coaching from FutureBound.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
