One of the most important things to learn early in your journey as an engineer is that engineers are professionals as engineering is considered a profession. A profession is distinctive from other career choices in that it requires specific educational requirements, has a path to licensure, has clients as opposed to customers, and is responsible for societal well-being. Other professions include (but are not limited to) teachers, chemists, accountants, lawyers, surgeons, registered nurses, architects, professors, etc. All of these are positions where people rely on the expertise of these individuals and put their trust into their educational background. Therefore, it is important as an engineer to remember that you are a professional and people put their trust in your results, calculations, and what you communicate. Often, people’s lives are in your hands. It is also worth being aware that there are many skilled jobs that do not require a college degree and pay well. Examples include plumbers, electricians, truck drivers, power plant operators, farmers, and real estate agents.
When we are talking about engineering as a career, the reality is that it is a professional career path governed by unspoken cultures, expectations, and rules of conduct that you are likely unfamiliar with. Some of the content in this chapter may be surprising to you, and other parts may just seem like common sense. The goal of this chapter is to get you up to speed on what it means to be a professional and how to conduct yourself as a professional to maximize your success in your future workplace.
I acknowledge that this chapter contains a ton of “no duh” information. However, in my almost decade of experience as a higher education professional, I think taking some time to review this is necessary and will prove to be helpful.
People say they are going to college for various reasons but the reality is that everyone comes to college to get a job. That is OK and doesn’t mean learning isn’t fun or important.
Universities like to say things like they “are making you global citizens” or “well-rounded lifelong learners” but for most students, they simply see college as a path to a career where they can be successful and make money. I do not blame you! That is a great reason to attend college! Although none of you are professional engineers yet, you will be an engineer soon (with a little bit of studying, help, and perseverance). It is important to learn how to conduct yourself, what your future colleagues will expect from you, and what you should expect from your future colleagues. It is important so that you can get a job and be successful in that job. It is also important to begin to use what you learn in this chapter right away, both towards your professors and your fellow classmates.
