Why Some Licensed Civil Engineers in the Philippines Do Not Practice Their Profession: An Analysis

There are several reasons why some licensed civil engineers in the Philippines do not practice their profession. This article delves into these reasons with a focus on job market saturation, better opportunities abroad, career change, economic factors, regulatory and bureaucratic challenges, and professional development.

Job Market Saturation

The number of civil engineering graduates can sometimes exceed the available job opportunities, leading some to seek employment in other fields. This saturation in the job market often creates a competitive environment, where engineers must constantly look for new opportunities or accept lower-paying positions.

Better Opportunities Abroad

Many civil engineers choose to work overseas where they may find better salaries, benefits, and professional growth opportunities. The demand for Filipino engineers in countries like the United States, Canada, and the Middle East is significant, offering more diverse and lucrative career prospects.

Career Change

Some licensed engineers may decide to pursue careers in different fields such as management, teaching, or entrepreneurship based on personal interests or market conditions. This shift can be influenced by factors like personal passion or the availability of growth opportunities in alternative sectors.

Economic Factors

Economic instability or insufficient infrastructure projects can affect job availability in the civil engineering sector, prompting some engineers to seek alternative employment. Areas with less government investment in infrastructure development, such as rural regions, may experience lower job availability, forcing engineers to relocate or change their career path.

Regulatory and Bureaucratic Challenges

Some engineers may find the regulatory environment challenging or may not want to deal with the complexities involved in project approvals and permits. Bureaucratic procedures can add delays and costs to projects, which may deter some engineers from practicing in the field.

Professional Development

Engineers might feel that staying in their current job or switching to a different profession provides more opportunities for personal and professional growth. Continuous education and skill development are crucial in the engineering field, and some may find that other professions offer better opportunities for personal development.

Conclusion

Often times it is the situation that not enough civil engineering design and construction work is available to support full employment for all civil engineers in an economy. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including increasing investment in infrastructure, simplifying regulatory processes, and promoting lifelong learning and skill development for engineers.

Relevant Research Sources

For your research, you might find articles on this topic in academic journals related to engineering labor market studies or professional organizations in the Philippines. Websites of institutions like the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) or academic databases such as JSTOR or Google Scholar could also be useful. If you need help finding specific articles or sources, feel free to ask!