Engineering as a profession

Ask a number of people chosen at random what the word “engineering” conveys to them and you will be surprised at the differences in their answers. The question is difficult to clarify in a few words, and precise definitions are difficult to find. Perhaps an adequate starting point would be to claim that engineering is a profession concerned with the application of the resources of the universe to create devices, systems and structures to satisfy the needs of mankind. Further, many engineers are engaged in tasks not clearly identifiable with particular devices, systems or structures.

An easy way out is to let the existing curricula in engineering colleges around the country define the substance of engineering. The usual structure of engineering curricular includes four main components. First come the basis of physics, chemistry and mathematics. Then a block of humanities courses are required.

Engineering is often compared to medicine and law in discussions of professional status. It would appear to qualify according to the dictionary meaning of the word. Engineers require specialized knowledge and intensive preparation with continued study after leaving the university. The profession has a strong organizational structure, requires high standards, and operates in the public service. These attributes are commonly associated with the word professional as it is used here.

Most important is the fact that engineers see themselves as professionals. They have to be technically competent and operate with responsibility in conformity with accepted notions of professionalism.

The type of responsibility is rather different from that of a doctor. The doctor’s responsibility is clearly recognizable because of the directness of the doctor-patient relationship. For the engineer, the result of his labours-be it a bridge, air-conditioning unit, automobile or computer- is interposed between him and the user. However, since people’s lives are often at stake if an error is made, a high level of competence is essential.

There is certain lack of distinctiveness about the engineering profession because of the very wide range of activities and individual backgrounds encompassed. The number of people involved is larger than in most other professional areas.