How Women Can Restart Their Civil Engineering Career After a Gap

Table of Contents

Introduction

Civil engineering is a high-stakes, fast-moving, changing world. Women who have stepped away from the workforce to raise children or go back to school or for other reasons often find the prospect of re-entering daunting. The business will seem daunting, competitors will appear fiercer, and the industry will become more complex. But here’s the good news: A career gap doesn’t have to be a career end. And with the proper attitude, approach, and planning, it’s possible not just to revive your civil engineering career but to prosper.

Here’s your go-to blog post for reentering the civil engineering workforce. We’ll discuss everything from evaluating your skills to upskilling, getting hands-on experience, and interviewing successfully. If you’re eager to reclaim your joy as a civil engineer and design your own career destiny, read on.

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Evaluate Your Skill Set and Knowledge

The first step in rebooting your career as a civil engineer is to assess yourself. A career break doesn’t mean your skills have disappeared, but you need to assess what you can offer and what you might need to update.

Look Back at Your Experience: Consider your past roles, projects, and responsibilities. What do you excel at? Were you into structural design, project management, or field supervision? List your key skills and accomplishments.
Identify Skill Gaps: There have been major leaps in the civil engineering industry in recent years. And now, there are technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and various other sustainable design approaches and new software tools. Assess the skills you have now against those that are in demand and decide where you need to upskill.
Use Transferable Skills: Transferable skills can be useful. Civil engineering also requires strong people skills, such as problem-solving, communicating, leading, and time management. And if you’ve been managing a home or volunteering while on your career break, you’ve probably further enhanced these skills.

It will help you understand what to hone and how to present yourself as a strong contender.

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Restarting Your Civil Engineering Career: Upskilling, Experience, and More

To brush up your skills when you’re ready to reenter the civil engineering workforce after taking a career break. Not only does it complete the picture when you’ve been away, but it demonstrates that you’re committed to staying current. One particularly good option to consider is Quantity Surveying (QS) course.

Why Quantity Surveying?

Quantity surveying is a subset of civil engineering that focuses on managing costs, budgets, and finances for construction projects. And as infrastructure becomes more complex, there is higher demand for those who have QS knowledge. Learning this will enable you to find work as a project manager, cost consultant, or contract administrator.

Other Ways to Level Up

Here are some alternative directions, depending on how you want to shape your career:

BIM tools: Become proﬁcient with Revit, AutoCAD, Tekla Structures, or others.

Sustainable Design: Learn about green building practices and get certified in LEED.

Project Management: Courses such as PMP or PRINCE2 help you become a better project leader.

Look on Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning for courses on them. They’re convenient and inexpensive and usually include a certificate to enhance your resume. When you put in the effort to learn, not only do you develop your skills, but you also get a confidence boost.

Getting Hands-On Experience

The other half is learning. Employers want to know that you can apply your skills. Here’s the way to have some experience:

Internships: Some firms have such programs for those reentering the workforce. It’s a great way to get your skills sharpened and learn some new ones in a real context.

Freelance gigs: Check out Upwork or Freelancer for small civil engineering jobs. These help you build a portfolio, find clients, and even earn some cash.

Volunteering: There are nonprofits and local organizations that could use your skills on their projects. It’s a good way to get experience and demonstrate that you’re engaged.

DIY: If there aren’t enough opportunities, make some. Draw a BIM model for a small building, or fake the budget for a project. Document everything you do—it’s portfolio-worthy.

Being involved in hands-on work keeps your skills sharp and shows you have drive.

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Nailing the Interview

When you have honed your skills and gained some experience, it’s showtime in the interviews. Here’s how to be one of the special few:

Revamp Your Resume:

Emphasize your new skills, courses, and projects. Show your dids with strong verbs and numbers.

Prep for Questions:

Have answers prepared about what you did while you were gone, why you want to come back now, and how you’ve stayed current. Make your break a growth opportunity.

Bring a Portfolio:

Display any freelance work, volunteer projects, or personal designs. Having verifiable proof of your skills matters.

Highlight People Skills:

Civil engineering is not just technical; it’s teamwork and problem-solving. Cite previous examples to prove you’ve got this.

Ask Good Questions:

Ask questions about the company’s projects or goals to demonstrate your interest. It proves you’re serious. Interviews are not just about demonstrating your tech skills— they are about revealing your personality and fit.

Keep Pushing Forward

It’s not easy to return to civil engineering after a break, but perseverance and a positive attitude pay off. Here’s how to maintain your flow:

Set Small Goals:

Chunk your comeback. Completing a course or getting an interview? That’s something to celebrate.

Find Your People:

Seek out help from your support network. Look for the Society of Women Engineers or other local engineering groups.

Stay Curious:

The area is evolving. Becoming smart means you read, you watch webinars, you talk to other players.

Cut Yourself Slack:

It’s okay to have bumps. Concentrate on progress and passion.

If you’re persistent and you have a good attitude, you’ll get far.

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Conclusion

Returning to civil engineering after a break is a process, but it’s full of opportunities to learn and thrive. If you can hone your skills, gain practical experience, and perform well in interviews, you’ll be able to hold your head high in an overﬂow job market.

That’s not who you are— it’s just along your path. If you have the guts, the good strategy, and the passion for doing the work, you can create what comes next. Please take that first step and come back to civil engineering. We need someone like you in the field, so go do it!

Engineering Upskilling Courses

MEP Course

BIM Course

Quantity Surveyor Course

Structural Design Course

MEP QS Course

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I explain my career gap during an interview?

Explaining a career gap can feel intimidating, but it’s all about framing it positively. Be honest about the reason for your break—whether it was to raise a family, pursue further education, or address personal matters—and emphasize how you used that time productively. For example, you could highlight any skills you developed during the gap, such as time management, problem-solving, or leadership. Additionally, discuss how you’ve stayed connected to the industry through upskilling, networking, or freelance projects. Employers value transparency and a proactive attitude, so focus on your readiness to contribute to their team.

What are the most in-demand skills in civil engineering today?

The civil engineering industry is constantly evolving, and staying updated with in-demand skills is crucial. Some of the most sought-after skills include:

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Proficiency in BIM software like Revit or AutoCAD.
Sustainable Design: Knowledge of green building practices and certifications like LEED.
Project Management: Skills in planning, budgeting, and overseeing construction projects.
Data Analysis: Ability to interpret and analyze data for decision-making.
Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are highly valued in collaborative environments.
By upskilling in these areas, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate in the job market.

How can I rebuild my professional network after a career break?

Rebuilding your professional network is essential for restarting your civil engineering career. Here are some effective strategies:

Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, webinars, and workshops to connect with peers and industry leaders.
Join Professional Associations: Organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offer networking opportunities and resources.
Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to reconnect with former colleagues, join industry groups, and share updates about your career restart journey.
Reach Out to Mentors: Contact former mentors or professors for guidance and support.
Networking not only helps you stay informed about job opportunities but also provides valuable insights and encouragement.

Is it necessary to take a course or certification to restart my career?

While not always mandatory, taking a course or certification can significantly enhance your chances of success. Upskilling demonstrates your commitment to staying current with industry trends and technologies. For example, a Quantity Surveying (QS) course can open doors to roles in cost management, while a BIM certification can make you more competitive in design and construction roles. Additionally, certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) can boost your credibility in project management. Even if you’re confident in your existing skills, a course can help you fill any gaps and refresh your knowledge.

How can I gain hands-on experience after a long career break?

Gaining hands-on experience is crucial for rebuilding your confidence and demonstrating your skills to potential employers. Here are some ways to do so:

Internships: Many companies offer internships for professionals returning to the workforce.
Freelance Projects: Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer allow you to work on small-scale civil engineering projects.
Volunteering: Non-profits and community organizations often need help with infrastructure-related projects.
Personal Projects: Design a small structure, create a BIM model, or develop a cost estimate for a hypothetical project.
These experiences not only refresh your skills but also provide tangible examples to showcase during interviews.

How do I stay motivated during my career restart journey?

Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks or rejections. Here are some tips to keep your spirits high:

Set Realistic Goals: Break your journey into smaller, achievable steps and celebrate each milestone.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mentors who can offer encouragement.
Focus on Progress: Remind yourself of how far you’ve come, whether it’s completing a course, landing an internship, or updating your resume.
Stay Positive: Adopt a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goal.

What should I include in my resume after a career gap?

Your resume should highlight your skills, experience, and recent efforts to stay relevant in the industry. Here’s what to include:

Professional Summary: A brief statement summarizing your experience, skills, and career goals.
Skills Section: List both technical skills (e.g., BIM, QS) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).
Experience: Include your previous roles, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities.
Upskilling Efforts: Mention any courses, certifications, or freelance projects you’ve completed during your career break.
Volunteer Work: If applicable, include any volunteer experience that demonstrates your skills and commitment.
Tailor your resume to each job application, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the role.

How can I prepare for technical interviews in civil engineering?

Technical interviews can be challenging, but thorough preparation can help you excel. Here’s how to prepare:

Review Core Concepts: Brush up on fundamental topics like structural analysis, material properties, and construction methods.
Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to solve technical problems or case studies related to the role.
Familiarize Yourself with Software: If the job requires specific software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD), ensure you’re comfortable using it.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Be ready to discuss past projects, challenges, and how you overcame them.
Ask Questions: Show your interest in the role by asking thoughtful questions about the company’s projects and expectations.
Practicing with a mentor or peer can also help you feel more confident.

Are there specific job roles suited for women returning to civil engineering?

While women can excel in any civil engineering role, some positions may be particularly well-suited for those returning after a gap. These include:

Project Coordinator: A role that involves planning, organizing, and overseeing projects.
Quantity Surveyor: A position focused on cost management and budgeting.
Sustainability Consultant: A role that emphasizes green building practices and sustainable design.
Technical Writer: For those with strong communication skills, creating technical documents and reports.
Freelance Consultant: Offering specialized services on a project basis.
These roles often offer flexibility and opportunities to leverage transferable skills.

How can I balance restarting my career with personal responsibilities?

Balancing career restart efforts with personal responsibilities can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some tips:

Set a Schedule: Allocate specific times for upskilling, job searching, and networking.
Seek Support: Enlist the help of family, friends, or childcare services to free up time.
Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-impact activities like upskilling and networking.
Be Flexible: Understand that progress may be slower, and that’s okay. Celebrate small wins along the way.
Practice Self-Care: Ensure you’re taking care of your physical and mental well-being to stay energized and focused.
Remember, it’s about finding a balance that works for you and your unique circumstances.