Civil engineering is a discipline that, although universal in its principles, varies significantly in its practice depending on the geographical and economic context. Below are the main differences between civil engineering practice in the United States and Latin America.

• Resources and Creative Solutions: One of the advantages Latin American engineers have is the ability to do more with less. In many cases, we are assigned fewer resources than in the United States, which forces us to develop skills to solve problems with ingenuity and efficiency. This has allowed us to adapt to scenarios with budget constraints, using less expensive but equally effective materials and technologies.

• Use of Structural Profiles and Materials: In the United States, standardized steel profiles are used every day, simplifying the design and construction process. These profiles are widely available and affordable. In contrast, they tend to be more expensive in Latin America. As a result, European, Indian, or cold-formed profiles are often used, requiring adaptations and creative solutions to meet construction standards.

• BIM Implementation and CAD Technology: In the United States, BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a standard in medium to large projects, allowing for more efficient coordination and better visualization of the project in its various stages. Although BIM is gaining ground in Latin America, most projects are still developed using CAD (Computer-Aided Design), which can limit integration and coordination between the different disciplines involved in a project.

• Building Codes and Standards: Engineers in the United States work under strict, regularly updated building codes, such as the IBC, ACI, and ASCE. These codes are essential to ensure the safety and quality of construction. Although similar codes exist in Latin America, their application and updating can vary significantly between countries, which can create additional challenges in design and construction.

• Access to Technology and Software: In the United States, engineers can access advanced tools and cutting-edge technologies, such as seismic simulations and 3D modeling. In Latin America, access to these technologies may be limited by costs, forcing engineers to be more creative and use available tools efficiently.

• Material Availability and Logistics: The supply chain in the United States is generally more efficient, facilitating project planning and execution. In Latin America, engineers often face logistical challenges, such as delays in material delivery, requiring greater flexibility and adaptability in design and planning.

• Continuing Education and Certifications: Engineers in the United States have access to highly valued continuing education programs and professional certifications, such as the PE and SE. Although there are training opportunities in Latin America, these may not be as standardized or accessible, which can affect continuous professional development.

• Importance of the University of Origin: In Latin America, the university you graduate from carries significant weight in your professional career. For example, graduates from prestigious institutions like the Universidad de los Andes (ranked among the top 150 engineering schools in the world according to QS) are usually better prepared, reflected in their professional performance. However, those who graduate from less prestigious universities may face deficiencies in basic concepts, making it difficult for them to improve throughout their professional lives. While there are also more prestigious universities in the United States, professional performance tends to be more homogeneous, with experience and certifications often taking precedence over the university name.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Projects in the United States typically involve multidisciplinary teams, with close cooperation between engineers, architects, and other professionals. While teamwork is also practiced in Latin America, collaboration may not be as seamless, especially in smaller projects where a single engineer may be responsible for multiple aspects of design and construction.

• Budgets and Cost Control: Projects in the United States tend to have larger budgets and more rigorous cost control. In Latin America, engineers need to be resourceful to meet limited budgets, requiring creative solutions and, at times, compromises in design.

• Ethics and Professional Responsibility: In the United States, professional ethics and responsibility carry significant weight, with legal consequences for non-compliance. While ethics are also valued in Latin America, regulation enforcement can be less rigorous, leading to differences in the quality and safety of constructions.

These differences reflect the unique characteristics of each region and how engineers adapt to local conditions to ensure projects are completed, regardless of the limitations they may face.