Getting Ahead with Bentley Software
- StrataWay
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
In today’s infrastructure-driven world, the civil engineering field is evolving faster than ever. Governments and industries are investing in smart cities, sustainable transportation, and efficient water systems—creating a growing demand for engineers with cutting-edge software skills. If you're looking to get ahead, there's one toolset you should know: Bentley software. This blog breaks down what Bentley software is, the key tools civil engineers use, how students can get it for free, and why learning it can set you apart.
What is Bentley Software?
Bentley Systems is a global leader in infrastructure engineering software. Their tools help engineers and planners design, analyze, visualize, and manage infrastructure throughout its entire lifecycle. Bentley is purpose-built for civil and infrastructure professionals—which means deeper tools for more complex real-world problems.
Popular Bentley Software & What It’s Used For
Bentley offers a wide range of tools for different areas within civil engineering. Here's a quick snapshot of the most widely used:
OpenRoads Designer – For transportation and road design.
STAAD.Pro – For structural analysis and design of buildings and bridges.
OpenFlows Suite – For designing and modeling water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
MicroStation – A platform for 2D/3D CAD drafting used across many disciplines.
ContextCapture – Creates 3D models from drone imagery, useful in surveying and GIS.
How Students Can Get Bentley Software for Free
Bentley is one of the few major engineering software providers that offer completely free access to students and educators through the Bentley Education Program. This isn’t just demo software—students get access to the full professional versions.
What You Get as a Student:
Free downloads of premium software like STAAD.Pro, OpenRoads, and WaterGEMS
Access to self-paced learning paths and video tutorials
Industry-recognized certifications you can showcase on LinkedIn or your resume
Opportunities to participate in student competitions and global projects
A personal "Learning Transcript" to track your progress and achievements
Who’s Eligible?
University or college students (undergrad and grad)
Vocational and polytechnic students
Professors and academic staff
All you need is an academic email address (e.g., ending in .edu) to register. Here's how to get started:
Visit education.bentley.com
Sign up with your student email
Choose your area of interest (transportation, water, buildings, etc.)
Start learning and earning certifications at your own pace
Add your completed certifications to LinkedIn and your resume!
Why Learning Bentley Software Gives You an Edge
Here’s how investing time in Bentley tools now pays off later:
1. You’ll Be Career-Ready: Many engineering firms use Bentley products on real-world projects. Knowing how to use tools like OpenRoads or STAAD means you can contribute from day one.
2. More Internships & Job Offers: Software proficiency is one of the things employers look for. Listing Bentley tools (with certifications) makes your resume more attractive.
3. Industry Recognition: Proficiency in Bentley software is highly valued among civil engineering professionals. It shows you can handle complex projects and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
What Makes Bentley Unique?
Sustainability Focus: Tools help engineers design with environmental performance in mind.
Real Industry Use: Bentley is used in designing rail systems, highways, dams, airports, water systems, and smart cities.
Free Learning Resources: Tutorials, webinars, and real-world case studies are all available to students for free.
Final Thoughts
If you're serious about building a career in civil engineering, learning Bentley software is more than a smart move — it's a career catalyst. You don’t need to master every tool, but choosing one based on your interest (structures, water, roads, etc.) and getting certified can dramatically boost your confidence, skills, and job prospects.
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