17 Civil Engineering Intern Interview Questions and Answers

Civil engineering is one of the oldest and most essential engineering disciplines. Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the physical and environmental infrastructure of our society. From roads and bridges to water treatment plants and airports, civil engineers are responsible for it all.

If you’re a civil engineering student who is looking for an internship, you will likely need to go through a job interview. In this interview, you will be asked questions about your skills, experience, and education. To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of common civil engineering interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working in a team environment?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re a good fit for their team. They want someone who is willing to work with others and share ideas. In your answer, explain that you enjoy working in teams because it allows you to get more done than if you worked alone. Share an example of a time when you were part of a successful team.

Example: “I have always been a fan of teamwork. I find that when everyone works together, we can accomplish so much more. For instance, at my last internship, there was a project where we had to design a bridge. My group decided to each take on different aspects of the project. We all shared our ideas and thoughts, which led us to create a great final product.”

What are some of the most important skills for a civil engineer to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for a civil engineer. They want someone who is detail-oriented, organized and able to work independently. When answering this question, list some of the most important skills that you possess.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills for a civil engineer is attention to detail. This is because we are constantly working with blueprints and plans. If I made even the smallest mistake on these documents, it could lead to costly mistakes later in the project. Another skill that’s important is organization. Civil engineers need to be able to organize their thoughts and ideas into coherent reports. These skills help me stay focused and complete my projects.”

How would you go about solving a problem if you were working on a construction project and resources were limited?

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with limited resources. Use examples from previous projects or experiences to highlight how you would approach this situation.

Example: “If I were working on a construction project where resources were limited, I would first evaluate what exactly is limiting my progress. For example, if there was not enough money for materials, I would look at ways to reduce costs while still maintaining quality. If time was an issue, I would prioritize tasks that needed to be completed sooner rather than later. In both situations, I would ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the challenges we’re facing so they know why certain aspects of the project may take longer.”

What is your experience with using computer-aided design software?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using computer-aided design software, which is a common tool for civil engineers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific types of software you have used and how comfortable you are working with them.

Example: “I’ve been using computer-aided design software since my freshman year in college when I took an introductory class on civil engineering. Since then, I have taken several classes that focused on learning different aspects of CAD software, including creating 3D models and designing bridges. I am very comfortable using these programs because I use them regularly in my current internship.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified a problem and proposed a solution.

This question can allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example that highlights your critical thinking skills and the steps you took to solve a problem.

Example: “When I was in college, my school had a lot of issues with water damage in some of our buildings. The university hired me to research why this was happening and how we could prevent it from occurring again. After researching the issue, I found that the cause of the water damage was due to poor drainage on campus. I proposed that we add more drainage systems to the areas where there were problems.”

If you could design any structure, what would it be and why?

This question is a great way to see how passionate you are about civil engineering. It also allows the interviewer to get an idea of what your interests are and whether they align with the company’s goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific structure that you would like to improve upon or build from scratch.

Example: “If I could design any structure, I would want to create a new bridge for my hometown. There is currently only one bridge in our town, which means there is no backup if something happens to it. If I had the opportunity to design a new bridge, I would make sure it was sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather conditions while still being aesthetically pleasing.”

What would you do if you noticed a potential safety issue while onsite?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are aware of safety procedures and protocols. In your answer, explain that you would report the issue immediately to a supervisor or manager. You can also mention that you would take notes on the situation so you could inform others about it later.

Example: “If I noticed a potential safety issue while onsite, I would first document it in my notebook so I could remember what happened. Then, I would find a supervisor or manager to tell them about the issue. They may want me to show them where the problem is so they can fix it right away. If not, I would be happy to go back to the site with them to point out the issue.”

How well do you communicate with clients?

As an intern, you may be working with clients to explain your designs and answer their questions. Employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate clearly and professionally. In your answer, share a time when you had to work with a client or customer. Explain how you used your communication skills to help the person understand what you were doing.

Example: “I have always been good at explaining things to people. When I was in high school, I tutored my classmates in math. My teacher noticed that I was very patient and could break down complex problems into easy-to-understand concepts. She asked me to tutor some of her other students who needed extra help. I enjoy helping others learn new things, so I agreed.”

Do you have experience writing reports or proposals?

This question can help the interviewer understand your writing skills and how you organize information. Use examples from past projects to highlight your ability to write clearly, use proper grammar and format a document.

Example: “In my last internship, I was responsible for creating a proposal for our client that outlined all of the civil engineering services we would provide. I had to research the company’s current infrastructure and create a plan for improvements. I also had to outline the timeline for when each project would be completed. My team leader reviewed my work before submitting it to the client.”

When is it appropriate to seek outside help when solving a complex problem?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and willingness to collaborate with others.

Example: “I believe it’s important to ask for help when I’m unsure of a solution or if I need additional information to make an informed decision. In my last internship, I was tasked with designing a new parking lot that would accommodate more cars than the current one. After researching the project, I determined that there were several factors that could affect the number of cars the lot could hold, including the size of the building and the amount of employees working at the company. I decided to reach out to my supervisor for advice on how to proceed.”

We want our interns to be curious and ask questions. Is there anything you would like to know about our company or our projects?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the company and its projects. It also gives you a chance to learn more about what it’s like to work at this organization. When preparing for this interview, read through the job description and look up any information you can find on the company website or social media accounts. If there are specific projects that seem interesting to you, do some research on them as well.

Example: “I noticed that you have several large-scale construction projects going on right now. I’m very interested in learning more about how civil engineers design buildings and bridges. I would love to hear more about the process of designing these structures and how you ensure they’re safe for people to use.”

Describe your process for approaching a new project or task.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you approach new projects. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific project or task that you completed in the past and explain how you approached it.

Example: “When starting a new project, I like to first research what my client’s needs are and what their expectations are for the project. From there, I’ll review any previous information on the site or building we’re working on so I have an idea of what has been done before. After that, I like to meet with my team members to discuss our plan of action and make sure everyone is on the same page. Finally, I like to get started on the project by breaking up the tasks among my team.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this internship?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this internship. Focus on highlighting your soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Example: “I am passionate about civil engineering because I love solving problems. When I was in high school, I volunteered at my local library where they had some structural issues. I worked with a team of other volunteers to come up with solutions to fix the library’s issues. We came up with several different options and presented them to the board members. They ended up choosing our solution, which saved the library thousands of dollars.”

Which civil engineering projects are you most interested in learning more about?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your interests and goals. It also helps them understand what you’re looking for in an internship. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention projects that are relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I’m most interested in learning more about how to design bridges. I’ve always been fascinated by the way they support so much weight while remaining aesthetically pleasing. I would love to learn more about the engineering behind bridge construction and maintenance.”

What do you think is the most important thing for a civil engineer to remember when working on a team project?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your interpersonal skills and how you work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight your ability to collaborate with others and communicate effectively.

Example: “I think that civil engineers should remember that they are part of a team when working on projects. I always make sure to ask questions if I’m unsure about something or need more information. This helps me learn from my colleagues and makes me feel like an active member of the team. It also allows me to contribute as much as possible to the project.”

How often do you update your technical knowledge and skills?

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and continuously learning new things. This shows them that you’re eager to advance in the field and will be a valuable asset to their team. When answering this question, explain how you stay up-to-date on current events and advancements in civil engineering.

Example: “I am constantly researching new developments in my field. I have several subscriptions to online journals and newsletters where I can read about recent projects and innovations. I also attend conferences and seminars hosted by local universities and organizations. These events allow me to network with other professionals and learn from their experiences.”

There is a new technology that could change the way civil engineers design certain structures. How would you learn more about it and start incorporating it into your work?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in new technologies and how you would apply them to your work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific technology that interests you and explain how you would research it and start using it in your daily tasks.

Example: “I am very interested in the use of drones for surveying construction sites. I think this could help civil engineers save time on projects by providing aerial views of the site without having to send someone up in a helicopter. To learn more about drone usage in civil engineering, I would look into any resources my company has available and reach out to other civil engineers who have already implemented drone surveys.”