Shaping the Future of the Civil Engineering Profession
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 139, Issue 6
Abstract
In this paper, the author provides observations on the state of engineering education and a blueprint for how to shape the future of the profession to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. The engineering profession is one rooted in history and accomplishment. Yet engineers—whether civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, or of other engineering subspecialties—share a problem of perception. Many people do not know what engineers do and are not familiar with their challenges or accomplishments. Some may regard an engineering career path with apathy. Engineers themselves can fail to see their work in its fuller social context, resulting in self-reinforcing limitations on the potential of technology. The challenges of a complex, increasingly connected world demand that the engineering profession renew itself continuously, highlight and promote its accomplishments, and cultivate a future generation of engineers. These engineers must be prepared to contribute to substantive deliberations, to lead and shape the issues, identify and solve problems, and find and pursue the opportunities of tomorrow.
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Acknowledgments
For their review and comment on the development of this paper, the author wishes to recognize and thank Thomas A. Lenox, Ph.D., M.ASCE, Executive Vice President of Professional & Educational Strategic Initiatives; Stuart G. Walesh, Ph.D., P.E., engineering consultant and former Dean of the College of Engineering at Valparaiso University; Daniel R. Lynch, MacLean Professor of Engineering, Dartmouth College; and Jon Nelson, Vice President, Central Region, Tetra Tech Engineering & Architecture Services.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 139 • Issue 6 • June 2013
Pages: 654 - 664
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 29, 2011
Accepted: Aug 1, 2012
Published online: Aug 8, 2012
Published in print: Jun 1, 2013
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