Over the years, civil engineers have made a significant contribution in shaping up the world, however, the world we live in today is vastly different from that of the past as technology has disrupted almost every facet of the built environment business. The introduction of the new age technologies, automation in construction, innovative designs, sustainability, prefabricated material and online marketing has completely changed the rules of the game. Additionally, the arrival of COVID – 19 global health crises has further accelerated the journey towards technology adoption.
Role of technology
With businesses focusing on leaner, efficient matrices, and smarter solutions, bold technological changes are instrumental in moving the sector to a more sustainable and resilient model. The emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, robotics and virtual reality have been significantly impacting built environment industry. One of the most potent and ground-breaking technologies to transform markets in current times is artificial intelligence (AI), which along with machine learning (ML) are reforming technology all around the globe. AI is transforming the built environment sector through chatbots, investor analytics, forecasting loan defaults, deal matching, construction automation, property management etc.
The usage of drones is rapidly increasing in the construction industry and is expected to multifold in the next 10 years. Drones are also being regularly used for conducting site surveys while augmented and virtual reality is supporting conducting real estate site tours. In addition to these, robotics is helping in carrying out a complex series of tasks automatically.
Furthermore, technology solutions such as 3D Printing (large-scale printing of homes) is anticipated to change the way construction is done over the next decade.
Future of civil engineers
Looking at the knowledge and competence acquired at the undergraduate level in the Civil Engineering, and the advancement of technology in the built environment sector, there is a lot that is desired from these graduates. In fact, with vast subsets of the built environment and the scope of employment in this sector, it is obvious for a Civil Engineering graduate to ask themselves an uneasy question what next for them? Which sub-discipline of built environment do they need to choose as a career path? Does this discipline provide them with good career prospects? Does it take them to a Managerial/Executive position and so on?
While the success of any project is being judged on the basis of cost, quality and time however the engineers in the current times also need to understand that components like stakeholder satisfaction, dispute management, environmental friendliness, sustainability etc also have a major role to play in the success of a project.
In order to address this gap and be industry ready, there is a need for civil engineers to invest in industry based specialized education at postgraduate level which focuses on the competencies and skills required to be successful in the built environment industry. To address such needs, education institutes have come up with industry based specialized MBA program, preparing the workforce to be future ready. Some of these courses are:
MBA in Construction Project Management
An MBA in construction project management will provide with a steppingstone to excel in the role of a project manager. You would be required to lead a team of specialists, including architects, electrical engineers, structural engineers, finance experts, and sustainability experts. Studying in this field will help learn how to manage, control, and understand the projects in the construction industry. The duties of a project manager include directing, planning, & coordinating activities on construction sites, hiring & supervising workers, overseeing project designs, monitoring supplies, and choosing contractors. They also prepare progress reports and map out budgets in the construction projects.
It is essential for the project managers of tomorrow to be well-equipped with new-age technologies, which are needed to become a dominant player in this domain.
MBA in Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure
With an MBA in Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure (REUI), candidates get to apply economic principles related to real estate, land, planning, property management, environmental laws, and construction technology. If you are inclined towards any of these core values, an MBA in REUI will come in handy. The course will enable to analyse real estate markets and figure out optimal scenarios for development and investment, along with crafting a project-specific marketing plan.
MBA in Construction Economics and Quantity Surveying
The primary responsibility of a quantity surveyor is to understand all the technical aspects of a construction site. As a quantity surveyor, candidates will be responsible for achieving the highest quality of work and understanding budgets, quantities, and measurements. Quantity surveying professionals have the luxury to specialise and work exclusively for either clients or contractors. This specialized MBA course will help you excel as a professional advisor on both cost and commercial matters.
About RICS SBE:
RICS School of Built Environment (RICS SBE), Amity University is an industry led academic institution which delivers specialized undergraduate and postgraduate programs to students ambitious to work in real estate, construction and infrastructure sector. It also aids as a hub for research and development of technical proficiency in built environment.
