SCOTT NEY, Lead Civil Engineer, Raleigh & Durham, NC

Why did you choose this field?
Several things have led me down my career path. Since I was a kid, I have been fascinated with construction (it seems to be everywhere): the machines, the whys and hows. As I grew older, one of my pet peeves was waiting in traffic jams. Consequently, I've always wanted to be able to help with this problem, so I focused more on the transportation side of things. I was also always someone who liked to figure things out—what's the answer, how many ways can you do something, what is the best way to do it.

Luckily for me, civil engineering brings all of these issues, and many more, together into one profession.

What is a day like at your job?
Each day is different. I may be heavily involved in technical issues for days at a time, then work on project management, then marketing, then back to technical, then whatever else is necessary. It always seems to be busy, which is nice, and the days move by quickly. All of the work is challenging in its own unique way. I make it a goal to learn something new each day, no matter how important (or unimportant) it may seem. In doing this, I am able to keep myself motivated and looking forward to accomplishing things. Additionally, it feels really good to be able to drive on or through one of your projects!

What advice do you have for students considering your field as a profession?
The civil engineering profession offers many different ways towards achieving career goals. You can focus in specific technical areas or wear many hats, you can work in the office or in the field, you can move into project management, administration, or stay on a technical path. You can work for a public agency or for the private sector. There are a number of different combinations, as noted, and there is always a need for good civil engineers in the world.