High school students explore civil engineering career opportunities at three-day boot camp

Choosing the right career is not always easy, especially for high school students who will be making one of the most important decisions in their lives. With one year left until graduation, Kiroles Emil Marcus Habib Yaquob, a grade 11 student at Al Khaleej International School, set out on a quest to find the right future career that would suit his personality, interests and skills. His search took him to American University of Sharjah (AUS), where he joined the annual Civil Engineering Boot Camp to learn more about what the field has to offer.

He was selected from 70 applicants to join 30 students from 15 schools to take part in the three-day event.

“I wanted to further research my future and the many career options out there, so I joined the Civil Engineering Boot Camp at AUS. I really enjoyed it because it helped me look at the various career opportunities in the field. It gave me an overview of the practical side of civil engineering, the geotechnical and the structural, which are all different. The boot camp helped me see civil engineering in a different light. I wanted to investigate the major more, and this boot camp helped me see things that you do not usually see when you are still in high school,” he said.

Through collaborative group activities, participating students explored the basics of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is used for creating and managing data during the design, construction and operations process. They also learned the basics of computer-aided drafting and using computer applications for modeling and design of infrastructure in civil engineering, and enjoyed hands-on practice with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), virtual reality, surveying, open-channel hydraulics, wastewater treatment and experiments in Structure and Materials Construction Laboratory.

“The boot camp is an opportunity to learn about the amazing world of civil engineering, visit and run experiments in our labs, and participate in interesting competitions. Civil engineers design, build and maintain structures and infrastructures that are important for us to survive in society. With the increase in the world population and the rise of environmental issues, the demand for civil engineers is expected to keep rising. There will always be extra demand for new roads, tunnels, wastewater systems, bridges, buildings and so on. Also, most infrastructure projects will need maintenance and revamping with time, which is why civil engineering will continue to be a vital and growing field,” said Dr. Sameh El-Sayegh, Professor and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering.

Dr. Rami Hawileh, Professor in Civil Engineering and chair of the boot camp organizing committee, said: "We aimed to broaden students' horizons and give them a better understanding of the field of civil engineering. We wanted to introduce the new generation to the state-of-the-art technological developments happening in the field and its multidisciplinary nature. The feedback we got was fantastic and we look forward to holding this camp on a regular basis," he said.

Aalia Rumana, a grade 11 student from The Indian High School, spoke about her experience: “I loved my experience at AUS and at the boot camp. In recent times, many career options have become available, and I find civil engineering to be very interesting. The boot camp has given me insight into what it is all about. The part I enjoyed most was the hands-on experience in the different areas of civil engineering, and I would definitely consider it as a future career option.”

Participant Ali Mohamad, a grade 12 student at Star International School, enjoyed his experience so much that he applied to join AUS as a civil engineering student next year.

“The boot camp was really beneficial because I had the chance to know what the programs offer and what courses are required for this major. The boot camp was great and I would recommend it to students to understand more about civil engineering. I had a different idea about civil engineering, but after attending the boot camp, I realized that it is a fun and interesting major. I have already applied to study civil engineering at AUS, and I'm looking forward to what is to come,” he said.

The Department of Civil Engineering is recognized throughout the region for the exceptional education it offers through undergraduate and graduate programs. AUS is ranked number one in the UAE and among the top ​150 universities globally for civil and structural engineering, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (202​2​). 

For more information about the Department of Civil Engineering and what it has to offer, visit www.aus.edu/cen/bsce.