Civil Engineering involves planning, designing and executing structural works. The profession deals with a wide variety of engineering tasks including designing, supervision and construction activities of public works like roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, airports, dams, water works, sewage systems, ports etc. and offers a multitude of challenging career opportunities.
A civil engineer is responsible for planning and designing a project, constructing the project to the required scale, and maintenance of the product. A civil engineer requires not only a high standard of engineering knowledge but also supervisory and administrative skills. The planning part of their work involves site investigation, feasibility studies, creating solutions to complications that may occur and the actual designing of structures. They have to work with the guidelines of the local government authority and get plans approved by the relevant authority. They may prepare cost estimates and set construction schedules. Construction work involves dealing with clients, architects, government officials, contactors and the supervision of work according to standards. Their work also involves the maintenance and repair of the project.

Civil engineering entails improving and maintaining the built and natural environments to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Civil engineering makes a region habitable.

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of the essential structures that are often taken for granted in our daily lives. Examples are water supply systems, which include dams and major pipelines; transportation systems such as roads, railways, airports and harbors; and structures such as bridges, sports stadiums, office blocks and convention centers.
 

Calculations have to be done to determine the optimum dimensions of facilities. Detailed drawings with written specifications have to be made to ensure that the projects are constructed according to appropriate quality and standard requirements, and that the costs involved are reasonable.
 

During construction, civil engineers and their teams ensure that the projects are built as designed. They also manage the plant and manpower, and ensure that projects are completed within budget and on time. They must also solve problems such as pollution, traffic congestion, energy needs, water supplies and provision of infrastructure for community settlements. This field requires people who are mathematically inclined, can make decisions, can delegate, can control assignments, think logically and work systematically.
 

The major specializations within civil engineering are structural, water resources, environmental, construction, transportation, geo-technical engineering etc. On most projects, civil engineers work in teams or in coordination with many other engineers. They can find work as a supervisor of a construction site or a managerial position or in design, research as well as teaching in government services or private concerns. They can also work as independent consultants.

The earnings depend on the industries employing civil engineers such as Central or State government departments or private concerns. In India, a bachelor's degree candidate in civil engineering can receive a starting salary of Rs.7,000 up to Rs. 15,000 approximately and they earn more with additional skills like knowledge of CAD/AutoCAD.

With more experience or as an established independent consultant one could earn more. Most employers prefer candidates with Computer (AutoCAD) knowledge. 

With the ever growing real estate and infrastructure industry, civil engineers are in great demand especially in India and therefore this is the career option that is definitely going to be in great demand in this decade.