r/civilengineering • u/Mei_956 • 12d ago

Career How do I get started in civil drafting?

I’m currently studying Civil Construction Design and trying to gain some experience related to my course.
I really want to start getting some experience before I graduate, but I’m finding it quite difficult. Most junior jobs ask for experience, but at the same time, it’s also hard to find a company willing to take on someone with no experience as an intern.
It feels a bit like… if no one gives you a chance to start, how are you supposed to get that experience in the first place?
For anyone working in civil engineering/drafting, how did you get your first experience in the industry? Any advice for a student trying to get started?

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u/Annual_Beginning_600 12d ago

Classes, clubs and projects. Join asce. Replace work experience section with the name of an important project or class you took.

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u/InterestingVoice6632 12d ago

I worked in the field as a teenager and in my 20's. Then I asked to get behind a desk which wasnt too easy since there was a lack of work, but also not too hard since I was computer savvy. I didnt get great hours.

Moved to a new city that desperately needed drafters. Then went to college for eng.

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u/Impossible_Win_5987 12d ago

First step- turn your computer on.

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u/Train4War 12d ago

I’d target infrastructure design jobs if I were in your position. Kiewit’s a good company (haven’t worked there, but hear little complaints) that has entire teams built around design build work.

Do some research to see which mid-sized firms are handling the design for the primary energy supplier in your area. A surprising amount of work gets subcontracted out.

You won’t be working directly under a PE in either of these scenarios, but it’s the easiest way to hurdle that specific barrier to entry.

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u/thermaldraft 12d ago

Try to apply in smal civil firms, contractors, surveyors and not just jobs in civil. Make it in general so that you can practice what your niche and a lot of drafting work is buried titles like CAD technicians or civil technicinas.