In recent weeks, I have been somewhat troubled by several posts and threads that I believe have been overly critical of the profession of structural engineering. What follows is my alternate perspective, with apologies to Jeff Foxworthy.
You might be a (happy/productive/successful) structural engineer, if …
- You take considerable pride in being a structural engineer. In fact, you view structural engineering as one of the "highest callings" imaginable.
- You understand that a typical structural engineer plays a larger role in public safety than nearly anyone else, and you strive to practice accordingly.
- You view structural engineering as a career, not as a job. Moreover, you view structural engineering as a profession, not simply as an occupation.
- You consistently place ethics, integrity, and quality above any and all business pressures.
- You strive to team effectively with those in other professions and treat them as respected peers, but you make all structural engineering decisions independently.
- You take considerable pride in the tangible, constructed results of your efforts.
- For the most part, you truly love your work and genuinely wake up each day looking forward to going to your place of employment.
- You typically work somewhat in excess of 40 hours/week because you want to, and you couldn't care less about "the clock".
- You expect to be fairly compensated with a salary and bonus based on the value of what you accomplish, not with a wage based on the hours that you spend.
- You understand and accept the obligation to eventually give something back to the profession of structural engineering through financial contributions, active participation in professional organizations, or some other means.
I created this list in an hour or so and made no attempt to massage it. Some of the words could undoubtedly be improved, and other attributes/attitudes might very well be worthy of inclusion. Nevertheless, based on my experience as a happy, productive, and successful structural engineer, I firmly believe in the validity and importance of the ten points above.
Best regards,
Stan R. Caldwell, P.E.
Richardson, Texas