What do I think construction engineering is? I think construction engineering is the shepherding of a design from paper to reality. It requires two commonly divergent qualities, a proficient technical background and ability to communicate with many different groups.
A good construction engineer must be able to understand from a technical perspective what is being done and be able to see if any gross errors have been made. As well he or she must be able to properly assess and handle whatever unexpected technical problems that arise, i.e. a pipe where there wasn't supposed to be one or how do we get the generator into the basement after we poured the first floor.
As well a good construction engineer is a good manager and communicator. He or she must have a decent idea of what is going on at all times and how all these things interact. Like a conductor in a symphony directing the orchestra the construction engineer oversees the craftsmen in their trades. The engineers job is to make sure that all relevant parties are on the same page at all times and their actions compliment not conflict each other.
I want to go into construction engineering for my career, or at least initially. I want to learn from a classroom perspective how to be a better construction engineer and manager. As for first impressions, I find the flipped classroom refreshing and engaging. This is not a class I will be falling asleep in.
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