Approximately 10 to 15 million engineers exist in the world, with the United States producing the second highest amount annually. That number isn’t dwindling any time soon – and we wouldn’t want it to! With a variety of disciplines and talents, engineers make it easier to work, have fun, stay safe, and be inspired. Think about it.
Now answer this. What assumptions and opinions do you have about engineers as a whole? What are their strengths and weaknesses? That’s what we’re going to dive into. Today, we’re talking about engineers and some of the most common myths and misconceptions about them.
What is An Engineer, Anyway?
The term “engineer” has many definitions. According to Indeed, an engineer is “a professional who is involved in inventing, designing and maintaining a variety of machines, structures and data systems.” Other sources, such as Dictionary.com, describe them as “a person trained and skilled in the design, construction, and use of engines or machines, or in any of various branches of engineering.” No matter which definition you come across, they all have commonalities such as their focus on invention, design, machinery, and data. So, what kind of person does that make an engineer? Next, we’ll explore society’s assumptions compared to engineers’ reality.
Engineering Myths Examined
1. Engineers are Not Creative.
At Flying Pig Designs, our team is incredibly diverse and innovative as are the projects we take on, so we can confirm this myth to be false. Engineers must be logical in their methods for design and problem solving, but that doesn’t mean they lack imagination. To the contrary, people with creativity possess passion, curiosity, and focus on detail. This describes most engineers to a T. In fact, engineering professionals use their creative prowess daily to imagine clients’ ideas, create and review designs, and solve problems in unique and out-of-the-box ways.
2. Engineers are Not Social.
One of the biggest myths about engineers is that they lack social skills. The consensus is that engineers tend to be introverted, impersonal, and difficult to work with. Conversely, these professionals need to be able to communicate effectively to solve complex problems and produce results with their team. While it’s possible for awkward social interactions to occur with an engineer, the same can be said for any other industry specialist. As a matter of fact, many engineers have strong connections in their community. And because their work is often geared towards addressing pain points for their clients, they tend to be practical and empathetic. They’ve got the best of both worlds.
3. Engineers Can Fix Anything – and They’ll Gladly Do It!
While people in the engineering field are natural problem-solvers, that doesn’t mean they constantly crave work. It’s an all-too-common assumption that engineers will gladly fix things for free in their spare time. It’s true that some may be willing, but it doesn’t mean they are thrilled to take on the task. (Yes, this means you shouldn’t keep asking your uncle who’s an engineer to come fix issues at your apartment.) Engineers are passionate about using design and technical knowledge to resolve issues and increase efficiency. But despite their wide range of knowledge, they still can’t fix everything. Engineers are savvy, and they might understand the basic rules behind devices like a toaster, radio, or blender, but they aren’t interchangeable with a repairman/woman.
4. Engineers Have Dull, Repetitive Jobs.
When you imagine an engineer, what’s your first thought? Do odd, dorky adults typing calculations and fixing broken parts all day come to mind? Think again. People may assume engineering is a dull and monotonous profession with repetitive tasks and no flexibility. Contrary though, it is a dynamic field that requires more than crunching numbers and quick fixes to be successful. Responsibilities from estimating spending and predicting timelines to conducting research, reviewing designs, and plenty more, fall on an engineer’s shoulders. If you ask us, pushing perceivable limits and problem solving is far from boring!
Conclusion: Engineers are Eclectic
Despite what stereotypes are floating around about engineers, they can’t be boxed in. With an expansive list of interests, engaging work tasks, creative outlets, and social skills, engineers are far from boring. It just goes to show, you can’t judge an engineer by his (or her) cover.
Have any more engineering myths to demystify? Want to share a fun fact about an engineer in your life? Leave a comment below or reach out to us on social media!
info@flyingpigdesignsllc.com
720-470-9122
75 Waneka Parkway, Lafayette CO 80026
Katrice Stover is a passionate writer and the Community and Office Manager for Flying Pig Designs LLC. Combining her love for knowledge, growth, and a good read, it’s her mission to provide informative, engaging content for inventors, creatives, engineers, and industry professionals alike. In her spare time, you can find her dancing with her daughter, playing video games, and dying her hair vibrant colors.
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