COMMUNICATING ABOUT ENGINEERING DAVID BOWKER, PURDUE UNIVERSITY

OVERVIEW Definitions of Engineering Engineering Demographics Engineering Functions Myths about Engineers Conceptual Framework Questions and Discussion

OKAY, YOU TELL US… WHAT DO ENGINEERS ACTUALLY DO? (Take a few minutes to brainstorm here…we’ve got time!)

Builds/constructs/makes things38%26% Designs/draws/plans19%27% Mechanic/mechanical work9%2% Train operator7%5% Creates/is creative3% Mathematics/physics3%2% Develops new technologies3%- Application of technology2%- Equipment maintenance repair2%- Works with computers2%- Source: Harris Poll, December 2003 What Do Engineers Do?

Engineers Scientists Make strong leaders 56%32% Care about the community 37%51% Sensitive to societal concerns 28%61% Save lives 14%82% Source: Harris Poll, December 2003 Contributing To Society

WHY IS ENGINEERING IMPORTANT? “Engineers have a hand in designing, creating, or modifying nearly everything we touch, wear, eat, see, and hear in our daily lives.” - American Society of Engineering Education

Clean water Bridges Cleaning up the Gulf after the oil spill Solar power Cell phones and computers MLB schedule Amazon.com artificial organs biodegradable plastic Endoscopes Automobiles The flush toilet Google Air conditioning iPods Solar power Bionic limbs Incubators WHAT DO ENGINEERS ACTUALLY DO?

Melt-a-way Cupcake Liners

WHAT IS ENGINEERING? OR: WHAT ISN’T ENGINEERING?

WHAT IS ENGINEERING? More brainstorming—who does engineering? How do you define engineering?

WHAT IS ENGINEERING? Application of Problem-solving skills Creativity, intuition Math, science, technology Engineers are problem solvers who search for quicker, better, and less expensive ways to use the forces and materials of nature to meet today’s challenges. The application of creativity and teamwork using Math and science principles as tools to solve problems Develop real-world solutions which impact various areas of medicine, business, law, music, environment, nutrition, education … changing the worlddream solutionssmartinspiringinvent designbuild things that matter Engineers are changing the world all the time. They dream up creative, practical solutions and work with other smart, inspiring people to invent, design, and build things that matter [

WHAT IS ENGINEERING? In every major you learn core skill sets, such as: Problem-identifying and problem-solving Project Management Design and innovation Global perspective and ethics Political Sensitivity Team dynamics and communication Predicting Performance Adapting to Change Learning to learn

WHAT IS ENGINEERING?

Aerospace Agricultural Architectural Biological Biomedical Chemical Civil Computer Computer Science Electrical Environmental Industrial Manufacturing Materials Mechanical Nuclear Ocean Operations Research Petroleum WHAT IS ENGINEERING?

ENGINEERING DEMOGRAPHICS OR: WHO ARE THE ENGINEERS, ANYWAY?

“THE KNACK” WHEN YOU THINK OF AN ENGINEER…

MYTHS ABOUT ENGINEERS  Nerdy  Guys  Love math/science only  Grinds  Narrow field  Solitary  Repetitious  Boring/not creative

ENGINEERING DEGREES Total Bachelor's African American AA % of total4.0%4.1%4.2% Asian American Asian % of total10.7%11.2%11.4% Hispanic HA % of total6.9%6.8%6.5% Native American NA % of total0.4% International Int % of total5.9%5.8%6.4% Female female % of total17.8%18.0%18.1%

WHY DO WE NEED MORE ENGINEERS, ANYWAY? Aging population of Engineers Reduction in students choosing engineering Global Competition Big challenges to solve The integration of Technology into all things!

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OR: HOW TO SPOT A FLEDGLING ENGINEER

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: IDENTIFICATION Creative students with math and science aptitude (think “Top Chef” and knife skills) Broad Definition of Diversity Geographic, Ethnicity, Gender, Interests, Thought Process, Dance Moves, etc Why Diversity is Important Great career for all Team should be represented with folks who use products We need more engineers Diversity = innovation  better solutions

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: CAREER BENEFITS  Broad opportunities  Making a difference  Salary  Variety  Travel Starting Salaries$$$$ Chemical64,902 Computer61,738 Electrical60,125 Mechanical58,766 Industrial58,385 Materials57,349 Aerospace56,311 Agriculture54,352 Biomedical54,158 Civil52,048

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: “NEW” HONESTY OLD PERCEPTION EN isn’t for everyone Weed out Retention horrible It is hard “REAL” DEAL Great fit for a variety of people Right fit Retention is better than most Do we want it easy??

ENGINEERING AS A CAREER?? Engineering Community It’s a challenge Go for it! It’s difficult, but rewarding Use math and science to solve problems What students want Enjoying what I do Good working environment Making a difference Good income Flexibility

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: “NEW” HONESTY OLD COMMUNICATION “Use math and science to solve problems” “Go into engineering if you’re good in math and science.” “It’s really hard, but worth it.” “Engineering is hard – you need confidence to get through. NEW COMMUNICATION “the application of creativity and teamwork using Math and science principles as tools to solve problems” “Because your dreams need doing.” “Turning ideas into reality” “Engineers make the world better” When describing why to be an MD is the first thought you have to be good at anatomy and physiology?

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: HS PREP 4 years Math 3 or more years Science 3 or more years Social Studies 4 years English 2-3 years Foreign Languages 1 or more years Other Electives

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: RESOURCES Engineer Your Life  Try Engineering  Pathways to Science  Engineering, Go For It! (eGFI) 

QUESTIONS? OR: LET’S CHAT IT OUT!

ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS OR: SO WHAT DO ENGINEERS ACTUALLY DO?

WHEN YOU THINK OF AN ENGINEER… …what attributes do you think of? Who do you think of? Show the Knack whiteboard