A Call for a Profession

Ian

2010-01-26 01:57:13

I'm an Engineer, a fact that I find to be a matter of some achievement and personal pride. There are those who see engineers as the pocket-protector-equipped, glasses-wearing, TI-89 Toting, anti social members of society who seem to hold the secrets of how things work. Along with scientists, we engineers make up what some would consider to be the "un-cool" group of metaphorical kids on the metaphorical block. This reminds me of a rather interesting anecdote. About a month ago I was sitting in the Portland airport, when a just-ambulatory little boy comes running up to the window adjacent to where I was seated. He then proceeds to say "arpal." I am of course a bit confused, but after the fifth or sixth repetition of "arpal," and the accompanying banging on the window, I realize that he is indicating the CRJ900 (Regional Jet) sitting at our gate. His mother was close on his heels and apologizes for her son's disturbance by telling me that he is obsessed with airplanes. My response is that he is probably an engineer in the making, and she replies that she hopes that he will be spared that fate...I laugh...and on the inside I cringe.

So I tell you this tale for a reason - I swear that there is a point to make. Why on earth would a mother wish that her son would be "spared the fate" of becoming an engineer? Engineers (and scientists, who I will include in this discussion as they are often viewed in the same light as engineers) make a very decent living - for the most part - and more importantly, many of them develop the technologies that make our lives easier. Furthermore, it is these people, who are going to make our future here on earth a reality. I can think of no honor greater than having your child be a part of these solutions, so why would this mother be so set against her son following that path? I have been reflecting on this topic on and off for some time now trying to come to an understanding for this young mother's position, and all I can think of is that she doesn't want her son to become socially inept.

I feel that at this time I should offer some clarification. Yes, the fields of engineering and science do attract people of high intellect, intense work ethic, and awkward social practices. Yes, engineers and scientists are responsible for making some of the most devastating technologies in the history of humanity (not our finest moment) and in some cases they were even responsible for using these technologies for their cataclysmic ends. Yes, we are in general a fairly intense group of people who are known for putting our work before of other parts of our lives. However, not all engineers are socially awkward. In fact many of us are indistinguishable from other members of society when out and about. Earning a degree (or two, or three) in engineering doesn't magically turn you into a hermit or cause you to forget how to interact with others. Likewise, gaining an engineering degree doesn't make you smart or a good worker...I can give examples, but I think that to be nice this is all I will say on that particular subject.

Here is what you will get if you put in the effort to succeed. You will learn how to think and apply that ability to many parts of your life. Unfortunately you will also gain the concept that nothing can be answered simply...a trait that will sometimes bite you in the butt and one that you will have to work to suppress. You will have a better understanding of the technologies in your field, and hopefully in other fields as well. You will likely learn the values of working hard, but partying hard because you need to and deserve it every once in a while. In this time where jobs are scarce, there are more jobs for scientists and engineers. This fact, coupled with the fact that fewer people are competing for these spots (because there are fewer engineering school students than liberal arts and business school students), means that you will be more likely to get a job than your "cool" friends. Finally, and this is perhaps my favorite part, you will get to help define the future of technology - a field so intertwined with the life of every individual on the planet, that you are really going to be helping to define the future of all life!

So...what is the point that I really want to make? It is not that engineers can be "cool," although that is a good point to make - it is that technology is going to be the key driver of a stable future for the life of the population of the world. Scientists and Engineers are on the front lines of this struggle every day, and we need reinforcements to keep at the forefront. The United States was once the pinnacle of scientific and technological advancement. We were a sign of prosperity in the world and an example for the world to strive for. We got lazy because we thought that no one could ever catch up to us. Guess what? They have done it and more countries will surpass us every day. I work every day with the Chinese. They are extremely industrious and they are quickly overcoming their quality issues. The Chinese hold more U.S. debt than any other nation and there will come a day when they are going to want to collect. On that grim day, what are we going to offer them? Technology? Not unless we can offer them something better than what they already have, and to do that we have to start developing it today.

In the very near future the strength of the United States will not be determined by the strength of our military or our wealth, but rather by what we have to offer the rest of the world in terms of a future and leadership. The world is quickly becoming flat in the sense that all types of disparities between countries are dwindling. If we want to be at the top of the dog pile, we must become a model society and government once again. Technological superiority is the new military might (although, I would argue that both are necessary but that is a topic for further discussion). We need more people in the fields of science, engineering, and technology to achieve this superiority. To that end, I would encourage all those mothers (and fathers) who fear that their daughters and sons may someday grow up to be engineers, to support that direction of development. If you are thinking of a career in engineering, I encourage you to take that path. If you are not thinking along those lines, I encourage you to consider it. There are programs in schools for students of all ages to get them interested in these fields. Play with Legos, model rockets, and science kits. Dare to be a nerd, geek, or whatever you like to call them because the next 25 years are going to be really exciting and you should be a part of it!