How can environmental engineers advance their skills and knowledge in civil engineering domains?

A huge part of environmental engineering is understanding the extensive Federal and State environmental regulations. If you have not yet been an environmental consultant, that is a way to double your knowledge of industry and environmental challenges. I have posted a job opportunity in that area. PS And join the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA).

In my opinion, mentoring is the best way to transfer knowledge and learn new things, both for the mentee and the mentor. When looking for a mentor, one should not ignore virtual platforms. Platforms like LinkedIn are ideal for connecting with experienced mentors in the field. I meet at least half a dozen rising stars per year on LinkedIn, creating a space for knowledge exchange and professional growth. Do not hesitate to reach out.

On many projects the project team will constitute both a civil and environmental engineer, depending on the scope. That means they will work together. This gives the environmental engineer an opportunity to appreciate the civil engineering scope and pick clear interest. The next step will be competence development in order to acquire concrete knowledge through courses, trainings or workshops. Then seeking opportunities to work with other professional civil engineers will help you consolidate this. It can be a journey that requires a lot of intentionality and effort but it is possible and worthwhile.

Engaging in continuing education programs, workshops, and seminars can help environmental engineers stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in civil engineering. These programs often cover topics such as sustainable design, green infrastructure, environmental impact assessment, and wastewater management. Working on interdisciplinary projects that involve collaboration with civil engineers can expose environmental engineers to different aspects of civil engineering. Pursuing higher education, such as a master's degree or a Ph.D., in civil engineering can provide in-depth knowledge and specialization in specific areas of interest.

Most large companies help you plan for career development in the next year...2024 for instance. Perhaps you struggle to choose goals. I recommend that you tell your supervisor that you would like to join A&WMA or American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or WEF or AWWA...and attend a few local chapter meetings...and maybe go to the annual conference. The technical and networking advantages are remarkable. This 2024 goal is specific, measurable, and assists in gaining travel approval.

To advance your skills using industry books and manuals, don't limit yourself to reading them – you can help create them! Join industry committees like AWWA Engineering MOdelign Applications Committee (EMAC), which is currently working on the fifth edition of the M32 manual, hydraulic modeling manual. We're actively seeking contributors to analyze survey data, review manuscripts, and more. It's a unique opportunity to shape the resources you use and contribute to the industry's knowledge base. Get involved and make a difference.

I have learned over the years that 1) understanding the fundamentals of each discipline and sub discipline of civil engineering will allow one to address , if not solve, complex issues and problems;2) developing intellectual curiosity; 3) critical thinking ; 4) stitching yourself to take on assignments that may be beyond your comfort level 5) practice, practice , practice your skills ( as a young professional, I learned Excel, Word and PowerPoint, not by taking a lot of training, but just learning the basics of each program and using it in my work). One last thought: I think that once you determine that you want to practice environmental engineering, a master's degree will accelerate your skill levels.

Depending on which University you attend (and, in some cases, when) the civil engineering side is really related. I came out of a civil undergrad program as there was no specific environmental engineering program at the time. For folks like me, keeping the civil skills is more of an exercise of keeping them active, rather than acquiring them in the first place. That said, both disciplines (and the various sub-disciplines within them) require specialized skills and knowledge that the other doesn't have...depending on where you end up in your career, you'll likely have to prioritize / specialize in one vs. the other.