By contrast, there are hundreds of engineering societies that represent specific types of engineers, but they are not united in their efforts. The engineering professions will not likely be able to compete with high-tech industries in terms of benefit packages and stock options. But there are some encouraging signs that we are seeing an up-tick in numbers of students attracted to engineering. And there are good reasons why. As a career, it s an attractive package.
Engineering offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.
But it offers something far more valuable over a career and a lifetime the opportunity to have a significant impact in everything, from reclaiming water resources and saving endangered species to developing systems that ensure health and life safety. While these signs are encouraging, it is really up to engineers themselves to tell their stories not only to students and their teachers, but to the general public as well. In order to attract the best and brightest, members of the profession must show just what it is this career path has to offer. Bill Garrity is executive director of the Consulting Engineers Council of Washington.