Civil Engineers’ Migration to Highly Urbanized Cities

AUTHOR(S)

ANGEL MARY CRIS M. SINGZON

ABSTRACT

— This study investigates the migration of civil engineers to highly urbanized cities, a phenomenon driven by the pursuit of enhanced career opportunities. As urban centers expand, the demand for skilled engineers to design and manage complex infrastructure projects intensifies. This research examines the career trajectories of civil engineers who have relocated to these dynamic environments, with a specific focus on those originating from Calbayog City, Eastern Visayas, Philippines, and their movement towards cities like Cebu and Manila. The study aims to understand the multifaceted motivations behind this migration, encompassing socio-economic, environmental, and salary-related factors. The results of this research indicate that a significant proportion of migrating engineers experience upward career mobility. Many advances from entrylevel positions, such as Site Engineer or Engineering Assistant, to more senior roles, including Project Engineer, Planning Engineer, and Structural Engineer. These advancements are often accompanied by increased responsibilities, exposure to larger-scale projects, and opportunities for specialization. However, the study also reveals that migration does not guarantee career progression for all engineers. A subset of respondents reported experiencing career stagnation or opting to switch careers, highlighting the influence of factors such as employment availability, market competition, and work-life balance on individual career trajectories. In conclusion, while highly urbanized cities offer expanded opportunities for civil engineers, career success is contingent upon a complex interplay of factors. The findings underscore the importance of continuous skill development, adaptability in a competitive labor market, and the need for both government and private sector initiatives to support engineers’ professional growth. By understanding the career trajectories of migrating engineers, industries and policymakers can develop targeted strategies to enhance career prospects, foster career stability, and address the challenges associated with engineer migration. Keywords — civil engineers, migration, urbanization, career growth, occupational mobility