I need to do a cake for a Civil Engineer student...any ideas? I have no idea what the "tools of the trade" would be!

If all else fails, I'll just do a basic "man" cake!

Ooh, look at the Wiki article about CE's.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_engineering

Maybe one of the historic building or applications they were taught about in school?

It might give you some ideas. That's a tough one!

My DH is a civil engineer- we have more architctural scales, triangles, mechanical pencils around our house. Most of the new "kids" use the CAD (computer aided drafting) program to do their design work- maybe pull up a design/drawing and transfer it onto a cake with tools on the sides. Just some ideas- if the student is into bridge/road designs that could be used. My DH has worked for the state for the past 20 years and has been involved in every aspect of the field. Bridges,road,sewer drainage, design etc. Good luck with it.

Hey, thanks for the ideas! Now my creative wheels are turning....