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Civil engineering is all about creating and improving the structures that make up our world, and there’s no better place to study and practice it than in a living laboratory like New York City. In this massive metropolis, there’s constant energy, cosmopolitan communities with character, and a seemingly endless supply of iconic streetscapes and skyscrapers. As a civil engineering student in NYC, your mentors are industry pioneers, your internships help shape the city’s neighborhoods, and your curriculum is co-designed by some of the world’s best civil engineering and construction companies.
This is precisely the kind of academic experience that helped Columbia University alumni, Yu Xiao, Xinran Li, and Esau Queiroz Melo da Costa achieve such impressive careers. What these rising professionals have in common is Columbia University’s Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics – a customisable qualification designed to suit each student’s professional goals.
Yu Xiao
Columbia University alumna, Yu Xiao, first discovered her interest in civil engineering during college.
Yu Xiao believes industry exposure, research initiatives, and career events are pivotal in enabling well-rounded careers. Source: Columbia University
“I became fascinated by the idea of designing structures that could withstand the test of time and provide both a place for people to live and also build beautiful memories.”
Now a Project Controls Manager at AECOM, Xiao believes her MS degree at Columbia helped prepare her for the challenging and exciting world of civil engineering. As well as expert knowledge, it equipped her with soft skills such as creative thinking and project management that are fundamental to civil engineering practice.
For Xiao, location was a key factor when choosing her MS program. Located in NYC, Columbia’s Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department offers unparalleled opportunities for students to experience the industry first hand.
“The curriculum included site visits to iconic structures and ongoing projects within New York City, offering direct exposure to real industry challenges. During one site visit, I remember reaching the top of a very tall building and seeing the entire Manhattan skyline during fall. It was a breath-taking experience and one that enhanced my understanding of urban engineering complexities.”
“I’ve lived in New York for six years now, and it has truly become a part of my life,” she says. “It’s vibrant culture, diverse communities, and constant infrastructural developments make it an exciting place for a civil engineer.”
At the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, there are plenty of opportunities for students to undertake internships and participate in research projects with faculty members. During Xiao’s studies, she participated in a selective research project organized by the Global Leaders in Construction Management group led by Dr Ibrahim Odeh. During the project, she traveled to Mumbai, India, where she gained hands-on experience conducting interviews with government officials and construction companies. This type of exposure, along with the extensive networking events and guest lectures available, enables students to advance their career even before finishing their studies.
With the help of the Department’s specialist career advisor, Xiao was able to refine her resume and interview skills. This expert support was instrumental during Xiao’s career search. Her eyes set on NYC, she was able to receive tailored support that helped her successfully navigate the city’s competitive job market. Having now secured a job at a top engineering firm, Xiao credits the unprecedented access that Columbia’s Civil Engineering Department provided during her studies.
Esau Queiroz Melo da Costa
Esau Queiroz Melo da Costa chose Columbia’s MS in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics for its wide range of practical classes, educators who doubled as active professionals, and its NYC location.
Esau Queiroz Melo da Costa participated in a number of internships and research projects during his time at Columbia University, providing him with extensive industry experience. Source: Columbia Univesity
“I knew NYC would be the ideal location to launch my career, meet the greatest professionals in my area of expertise, and work on the most fascinating projects,” he says. “You can learn about engineering by just walking along the city’s streets.”
For Costa, there were two standout projects that he undertook as part of his coursework for his MS degree.
“The long-span bridge design project and the tall building project were part of practical lessons instructed by nationally recognized industry leaders,” he says. “We worked closely with them to develop full engineering solutions from ideation and testing right through to design and conception.”
A full-time summer internship, a part-time internship during the fall, research projects in partnership with Columbia’s faculty, and a stint as a Teaching Assistant in Columbia’s Carleton Lab provided Costa with extensive industry experience. After graduating, his skills and experience enabled him to land a full-time role as a Marine Structural Engineer at the company he initially interned for. Still there today, Costa performs structural design of marine structures such as piers, wharves, ports, marinas, flood protection systems and waterfront structures.
“I feel the skills and knowledge I gained at Columbia helped me transition to the industry,” he says. “I got there with many skills that some entry-level professionals still didn’t have.”
Xinran Li
Xinran Li is a structural engineer specialising in forensic practice at Thornton Tomasetti. Source: Columbia University
Growing up in China, Xinran Li was captivated by how towering structures could remain stable despite extreme weather conditions. This fascination inspired her to pursue a civil engineering degree. She decided that NYC would be the best location due to its spectacular cityscapes and proximity to world-leading civil engineering firms.
“I chose to study at Columbia because of its location. NYC is home to many innovative and challenging structures designed by leading companies, and the professionals behind these projects often serve as adjunct professors at Columbia,” she says. “This unique urban environment is seamlessly integrated into Columbia’s curriculum.”
Li shadowed engineers on real projects and took part in several networking events. As an intern at the global engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti, she focused on structural design and analysis, which further fueled her interest in structural engineering. She also had the opportunity to work on a bridge design project for the Lake Champlain Bridge and a Revit and Navisworks project for a course taught by industry professionals from Turner Construction.
“These experiences helped me understand the challenges involved in managing such complex projects. It taught me how to coordinate with different parties and ensure a project is managed effectively,” says Li.
Today, she uses these skills as a full-time structural engineer, specializing in forensics practice at Thornton Tomasetti. She attributes her competence and confidence today to Columbia’s specialist civil engineering career service.
“The Department’s career advisor provided invaluable guidance on networking, interview strategies, resume polishing,” she says. “I also attended lots of professional networking events and seminars organized by the Department, which were useful for building industry connections.”
Such guidance is crucial in a city filled with what’s arguably the world’s greatest opportunities.
“Life in New York offers unparalleled advantages for civil engineers,” says Li. “The city provides easy access to some of the most challenging and interesting structures, as well as numerous historic buildings that require our attention. The abundance of hands-on experience available here is unmatched.”
To receive information about the application process and events for prospective students, please fill out the Columbia Engineering Interest Form.
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