| |
    
|
A mandating must for the engineering community
by Gregory Lauer
In the 1970s classic, Animal House, John Belushi et al. persuasively argued in movie theaters across the nation that formal education isn't necessarily a prerequisite to success in later life. For those who do survive the rigors of four (or more) years of microwave dinners, late-night cram sessions, and an endless parade of midterm and final examinations, who wants to bother with continuing education?
The need, however, for professional development in today's ever-evolving business climate is critical.
Continuing professional development is a must if we hope to remain in control of our techno-driven society. The National Research Council recently declared, "Technology is changing and interdisciplinary approaches to engineering are becoming more and more common. Thus, new science and mathematics must be regularly introduced to engineers." It is not enough nowadays simply to graduate from a college or university and assume that the learning curve has flattened out.
Additionally, engineers are now being asked to perform more duties outside the traditional realm of the profession. Not only must we wear a construction hard-hat or churn out drawings in the office, but in many instances engineers must also be persuasive writers and engaging speakers. Training in the arena of public relations usually isn't contained in the curriculum of engineering colleges, and continuing education is the best mechanism to deliver these much-needed skills to the engineering community.
An increasingly litigious society also demands continuing professional development if for no other reason than to save ourselves. In The Death of Common Sense: How Law is Suffocating America, Howard Philip convincingly argues that the burgeoning bureaucratic nightmares of regulation are causing many sleepless nights for those in business and industry. This is especially true, for example, in environmental engineering where the genesis of law is experiencing exponential growth at rates not seen since the seven days of the Creation. No engineer can afford to not remain current on the latest statutes, yet no one with professional obligations and responsibilities has time to keep up with the flood of legal documents emanating from Washington. Short courses for engineers in the field are the only viable option if we intend to safeguard the public and protect our pocketbooks.
Increasing our professional stature in the eyes of the public is another justification for continuing training and development. Nationwide, states are steadily moving towards mandatory continuing development for all types of professions such as certified public accountants, lawyers, pharmacists, social workers, etc. The general trend of other professions is to "emphasize competency and currency of material" by mandating some type of continuing education program. By not opting for a similar course of action, engineers are relegating themselves to the ranks of second-class professionals; this is clearly not in our best interest.
And the bottom line is the bottom line. Employers are demanding continuing education because it shows up in the profit margin of the corporate balance sheet. In a survey of urban and non-urban engineering employers, respondents identified the two most important reasons for continuing education: preparation for increased responsibility and increased performance of present job assignments. Continuing education makes sense because it makes dollars for the companies and engineers involved.
Consider the case of federal and state controls on surface drainage systems and water quality. In the early to mid-1970s, coal became a popular energy source in response to the oil embargo, and subsequently surface mining practices became widespread. Unfortunately, much of the existing knowledge used in the design and construction of drainage systems and sedimentation basins utilized theoretical models and numerical algorithms originally developed for agricultural applications. It was not only problematic but simply wrong to extrapolate agricultural methods based primarily on flat topography to mining areas typically characterized by great topographical relief. Extensive research was conducted in order to adequately modify the agricultural methods currently in place, and this information was then integrated into a series of computational models, nomographs, charts, and procedural rules. Short courses were offered, and mining engineers began constructing proper temporary stream channels and storage basins that met federal and state regulations regarding stream loads and erosion-deposition standards.
Continuing professional development is an urgent need if we as engineers intend to provide high-quality services to the society of tomorrow. If we are to increase the stature of our profession, protect ourselves from Shakespeare's "damn lawyers," and ensure the technical and non-technical competence of today's engineers, we must mandate formal education and training programs beyond the level of the B.S. degree. Finally, if we don't embrace continuing education, we may find ourselves the subject of Al Franken's next New York Times bestseller, The Engineer is a Big Fat Idiot.
