Structural engineering is a speciality within civil engineering. It ensures the strength of skyscrapers, bridges, dams, aqueducts, water towers, and more. Structural engineers are are needed in every part of the country to make sure structures don't collapse. They are particularly important in earthquake-prone areas, such as California, and hurricane-prone areas, such as Florida. Structural engineers often work for consulting engineering firms so they can provide their specialized skills to a wide range of industries and businesses. The structural engineer:

• examines the design of a structure for strength and integrity (soundness);
• selects the materials for the project that will stand up to the stress and demands that will be placed on the structure, such as selecting metals that erode in seawater;
• prepares drawings and graphs that explain technical information to people with different levels of knowledge;
• prepares technical reports and presentations for other professionals and the public.