Civil engineers develop and maintain a wide variety of physical infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, airports, roads, railways, ports, mine sites, water and wastewater supply, treatment and reuse systems. They also help to maintain sustainable natural environments. There are few areas of modern society where civil engineers have not had an impact.

They are highly creative and innovative problem solvers who design, construct, manage, maintain, or rehabilitate all aspects of this infrastructure. The technical solutions developed by civil engineers must take into consideration social, environmental and financial constraints. They must work closely with architects, planners and the community to ensure that what is constructed is what is needed. And unlike many disciplines, the fruits of civil engineering often last a very long time.

Civil engineering graduates are in great demand with career destinations including building and construction, transport and the mining industries.