I am majoring in Civil Engineering(CE) in Chungbuk National University(CBNU). CE is one of the oldest studies in human history based on traditions and skills. CE takes charge of the design and builds sectors of infrastructures such as bridges, tunnels, roads, harbors, train tracks, airports and dams.
However, I often heard through the media that CE, which are essential to human life, will be in decline in Korea. Even professors frequently say to go abroad because jobs for people who majored in CE are insufficient in Korea. In view of Korea's circumstances, most of the infrastructure is nearly completed and many apartments are unmarketable and don't sell. The construction of roads is especially sad because the superhighway network is almost built.
Despite this situation, many universities advertise for lots of students who want to major in CE. 94 universities run a Dept. of CE. In the case of the School of CE in CBNU, the number of students to be admitted yearly is more than 150. The total number of students is similar to the past. Although demands for people in construction fields have diminished in comparison with the past, colleges make a waste of human resources. because demand for workforce is insufficient compared to the number of students finishing universities. In the case of the average employment rate in 2010, men's and women's rates were 66.2% and 65.4% respectively. The current employment rate has considerably decreased in comparison with nearly 80~90% in the 1970~80s.
Thanks to the Four-River Restoration Project, people who majored in CE have many more employment opportunities than before. Nevertheless, the prospect of CE will be gloomy when the project is finished. In the current situation, what should students who are majoring in CE prepare for? First, they need to concretely think and plan about their future careers. Studying subjects related to only CE is not a good way to find employment. Obtaining a job will be easier if you study a field that you have been really interested in, such as the environment, train tracks or anything related to CE.