What do civil engineers value most in the workplace? The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently published a feature article revealing what civil engineers consider essential for a positive work environment for young professionals, based on discussions at the 2025 ASCE Younger Member Leadership Symposium in August.

One theme among the answers was the desire to connect with other civil engineers around them.

“It’s important to be trusted that you can do the work,” said Bilal Awan, a structural engineer at Colliers Engineering & Design, who explained that being given responsibilities and independence – with openness to ask questions – is one of the most important things for young people in the workplace.

Access the short video interviews with emerging professionals on ASCE’s Civil Engineering Source.