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OverviewNature of WorkKnowledge AreasSkills Utilized
Job ActivitiesAbilitiesJob ConditionsWork SatisfactionEducation/Training

Job Activities

Learn about the most important job activities for Civil Engineers. Also, find out how proficient you have to be in each job activity.
Importance*More Info
1.Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment92
2.Making Decisions and Solving Problems89
3.Interacting With Computers87
4.Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85
5.Documenting/Recording Information80
6.Thinking Creatively79
7.Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work75
8.Getting Information73
9.Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information71
10.Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others69
* Importance out of 100

Score Key
  Importance for success in this profession
  Level of proficiency needed

Job Activity Scores

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
92
72
Specify the lighting for a work areaSpecify the furnishings for a new schoolDraw the electronic circuitry for a high-speed scientific computer
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
89
80
Determine the meal selection for a cafeteriaSelect the location for a major department storeMake the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
Interacting With Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
87
75
Enter employee information into a computer databaseWrite software for keeping track of parts in inventorySet up a new computer system for a large multinational company
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
85
66
Write brief notes to othersReport the results of a sales meeting to a supervisorCreate a videotaped presentation of a company's internal policies
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
80
64
Record the weights of trucks that use the highwaysDocument the results of a crime scene investigationMaintain information about the use of orbiting satellites for private industry communications
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
79
75
Change the spacing on a printed reportAdapt popular music for a high school marching bandCreate new computer software
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
75
77
Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to planPlan and organize your own activities that often changePrioritize and plan multiple tasks several months ahead
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
73
65
Follow a standard blueprintReview a budgetStudy international tax laws
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
71
56
Estimate the size of household furnishings to be cratedEstimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disasterEstimate the amount of natural resources that lie beneath the world's oceans
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
69
57
Interpret a blood pressure readingInterpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exportsInterpret a complex experiment in physics for general audiences