Engineer? 30

[MacGruber22]

Nearly every time I get into a career/job conversation with a few of my friends I find it interesting how they hold so tightly onto job title definitions that have nothing or little to do with engineering. They didn't go to engineering school, they don't know how to solve even the most basic static force system (in any engineering discipline), can't revolve a vector into components, etc. etc... Yet, they are continually offended that I make the claim that their title should be stripped of containing the word "engineer".

Is this an issue worth defending? If "yes", what is the most sound way to argue the point?

 

[drawoh]

MacGruber22,

Is this a chat over a few beers with buddies, or is there some sort of office politics involved? How badly do you want these people to be your friends? What sort of authority is coming to them through their use of the word "engineer"?

--
JHG

 

[KENAT]

This equine has been flogged to death repeatedly, leave the poor old nag alone won't you.;-)



If you don't believe me:

thread730-181246
thread731-180126
thread730-28395

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[MacGruber22]

Good point, KENAT.

drawoh: They are good friends discussing over a beer, and they are MCSE people.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Well, since Microsoft says they're engineers, it must be true.

;-)


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[ScottyUK]

Doesn't bother me. Not since I became a generator surgeon.

 

[SomptingGuy]

The only people who actually give a rat's are those who know what one really is and pay you for being one. I find "engineer" is a nice generic term to hide behind in social situations. Not showing off. Not wearing my qualifications on my sleeve. If I want to show off, I call myself an "enginerd". I'm over the whole status thing.

- Steve

 

[moltenmetal]

In some jurisdictions, the word "engineer" means something in legal terms- most of the time, within limits, and its misuse can result in fines or worse. However, enforcement is typically lax- it relies on people getting annoyed with the misuse of term and making complaints.

In others, particularly Scotty's UK, the term is liberally applied to repairmen...hence Scotty's upgrade to surgeon.

 

[rb1957]

for us, "engineer" is "protected" by law ... but anyone who joins the "club" is allowed/permited/required? to call themsleves "engineer" even if they can't do the simplist engineering things ... but they do have a piece of paper.

mind you, do lawyers/accountants have similar complaints of some of their fraternity ?

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[CheckerHater]

 

[zdas04]

When my kids "learned" what an engineer was, they bugged me to come to my workplace. Dang they were disappointed to see a regular office instead of a locomotive. I never rose as high in their estimation again.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual. —Galileo Galilei, Italian Physicist

 

[MacGruber22]

I guess the lesson learned may be to look for and embrace the humor in it (at least in social situations).

I like the photo of that "Engineer", CheckerHater. His look of "gotcha" is great.

Maybe I will change my title to "Building Chiropractor"

 

[ScottyUK]

One of the jokers here has just suggested I use the title 'generator executioner'.

 

[EdStainless]

Within industry they can call people what ever they like, and I have quite caring.


If you are selling services then it is a different matter.
The guy that did my new septic system says that he provides engineering and design, and yes he is a PE Civil and a damn good dozer operator. If he wasn't a PE in the state where he operated:
1. He wouldn't be insured (either none or voided because he misrepresented himself)
2. The state board would sue him
3. the county wouldn't issue a permit, they don't don't require an engineer for this work, but if say that you are then you had better be.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Plymouth Tube

 

[beej67]

Here are some reasons to not get your knickers in a twist:

https://www.rugdoctor.com/

http://www.drroof.com/

http://www.plumbingdoctoronline.com/

etc etc.

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East -

http://www.campbellcivil.com

 

[MacGruber22]

beej67 - your post has gone over my head. What is the commonality between those services? I didn't see anything where they claimed to be engineers.

 

[SNORGY]

Nope, sorry. It's a restricted title. It's a cause that is worth protecting and fighting aggressively for.

To do otherwise only serves to cheapen ourselves and perpetuate the cancer that is destroying this profession.

Why do we continue to put up with what others don't?

You teach people how to treat you. What are we teaching the public about us if we roll over and let them have their way with our title?

We may as well not even bother going to university - unless it's to get an MBA or something.

 

[KENAT]

No, they 'claimed' to be Doctors.

Something the public is more likely to be concerned about, and yet still happens.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[KENAT]

Snorgy, before trying to protect the title shouldn't we come to an agreement on what an Engineer is? Previous threads along that line have failed miserably.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[MacGruber22]

LOL! That is a lot of beaten horses. Kenat, maybe you should relieve yourself of the conversation if you think the subject is dead. I doubt anyone is forcing you to open the thread. Personally, I wanted to see some fresh takes on the situation, so forgive me if my thread seems old hat, feudal, monotonous, etc. etc.

Snorgy,

The question for me is how do I explain that in a respectful manner to my friends who are MCSE and the like? I certainly feel similar feelings at times, as you expressed. But, they won't respect my opinion if I am perceived to be pooping on their profession/abilities.