Work in progress - the public image of an engineer

Abstract

Recent efforts aimed at improving technological literacy and attracting the younger generation to engineering careers by the National Association of Engineers, as well as IEEE, have provoked discussions about the public image of the engineer. These discussions usually focus on the image or stereotype of engineers in popular television shows or other media. One element that is missing from this discussion, however, is the historical context in which this image has developed. This paper presents a historical perspective which examines how engineers were viewed by past generations and how the current image of engineers from earlier periods shapes how individuals see the engineering profession today. We conclude that though the overall image of the engineer is not entirely negative, there is a lack of understanding of the contribution of engineers in the publicpsilas perception. This paper also proposes an image of engineering that more fully represents the work and contributions of engineers.