The Training of an Engineer
(An illustration from Numerical Analysis Methods)
A. Training Methods
While I will attempt to describe the training an engineer receives in a linear manner, it rarely occurs in such a manner. Instead, due to differences in teachers, scheduled course material, and work and research experiences, these lessons may be learned concurrently, incompletely, or even “backwards”!
Each method discussed below is big enough that often an individual will not become proficient in solving problems with that method. However, a well rounded engineer will at least understand the role of each of these methods in approaching an issue. Engineers rely on their problem solving skills to give them the information necessary to make a good decision.
Most people begin their lives with a sense of wonder and curiousity about the world around them. Children have an inherent desire to understand how the world around them works (here will tell you). This trait remains strong in engineers, forming the initial foundation on which training will build. So how does the training of an engineer start and how is it different from any other training?
-Mathematical (theoretical)
From the first day a student encounters a “word problem” they have started to establish the mathematical foundation required to be an engineer. As a student they are forced to determine how to analyze a physical situation and then come to some conclusion about it. Initially, these problems require them to use mathematics to further describe a given situation with set knowns and unknowns, which are often denoted clearly. There is usually one basic way to solve the problem, although occassionally there are a few paths one may follow to determine the “answer”. This is commonly referred to as “plug and chug”.
However, as the difficulty of problems progress the student is expected to learn to rearrange the fundamental concepts and equations they have learned to be able to obtain an answer. While the answer is still mostly “plug and chug”, a certain amount of rearrangement of the problem is required. “Guessing and checking” might be used to allow the student to understand the trend of a problem before they are able to find an answer. They learn to break down a problem into manageable components. They learn to identify known data that needs to be extracted from the physical situation and the difference between what they really know and what they really don’t know. An engineering student becomes more and more adept at utilizing the basic mathematics of algebra, geometry, calculus, linear algebra and differential equations. Often before they are comfortable with such methods, they are told to apply these techniques to problems where their math skills are refined by fire. As an engineer progresses they are taught to look at an increasingly complicated system in a more and more complete manner.
The engineer’s training teaches them not just information but also the techniques to obtain information. They are not only trained to be experts, but they are trained on how to become experts. This has given rise to the saying that “engineers can do anything”, though I remain somewhat incredulous on that point. However, as one continues to develop their problem solving abilities they start becoming more aware of the assumptions which are made to solve a problem. Thus they begin to realize that their answers are only approximations and that there are problems so complex so as to be indefinite. Thus one is taught techniques which account for uncertainty, ways to numerically approximate the real solution or make good enough assumptions to obtain answers which are considered acceptable. An engineer, to be practical about how much time is spent obtaining this approximate answer, is often forced to settle for a description of how things are to some defined “confidence level”. This leads to the disturbing realization that we will be and are forced to make decisions based on an incomplete picture of everything that is going on. Although everyone has to make decisions in this way, the daily decisions required of an engineer make him continually lock horns with the truth of that reality. What then are other ways engineers learn to obtain information to base their decisions on?
-Literature Search/Historical Background
When the solution to a problem is expected to be applied beyond a classroom setting in the world, before an engineer can begin to know what to do, they must look at history. Often solutions to a similar problem already exist and can be used to save the engineer time. During this search, it is important for the engineer to learn to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant knowledge, determine what knowledge needs to be aquired and then use their time accordingly. Search engines (Suggested technical search engines) and libraries are invaluable resources in this process. They use automated tools like FreePatentsOnline, Google Alerts, Engineering Village Alerts and Zotero to stay on top of information in their realm of expertise. Engineers must become proficient in informational organization to be truly effective since the amount of information in the world is large and proliferating quickly. Many programs are available to help track important information and databases allow us to organize many sources of information to be easily accessible. Social networks have are enabling many people to share information. Engineers become good at using technical tools to organize and consolidate all of this information. For example, I have started using Microsoft OneNote to take all my class notes with a Wacom tablet. Alright, enough of the product placement.
-Experimental
When previous experience has not given enough information about a problem or there are too many unknowns to adequately describe a system, or you want to simply get an idea for a concept or what is going on, experimentation can be used to fill in the blanks. Here statistical analysis tools can be used to set up an efficient experiment and yield a statistically valid description of physical reality. While the engineer must pay careful attention to detail to avoid noise from the experimental apparatus, experiments provide an invaluable source of information. They have lead to many of the basic physical laws and revolutionary breakthroughs existent today. As a side note, remember these may not only be physical experiments, but Einstein also proposed setting up “thought experiments” and computational experiments are often used, both of which can also be rich sources of information
-Computational
Computers have revolutionized the way engineering is done. They are indispensable tools which allow the engineer to do multiple tasks to gain insight into a particular problem. Computers can handle and organize much more information and do not make computational mistakes. They can also perform calculations must faster. Thus an engineer is trained to use many different computer programs which under their direction will simulate many different circumstances simultaneously.
Computers have allowed us to obtain answers to problems which cannot be solved completely. While these solutions are based on certain approximations, they provide valuable data for extremely complicated problems. Often they can be compared to experimental data to check for experimental error or visa versa.
In order to prevent themselves from “reinventing the wheel”, engineers will have to use software written by other engineers. The ability to learn new programs and interact with unfamiliar code may form a sort of computational intelligence which will be vital to future progress. Computers will continue to play a major role in almost every future engineering project and will continue to require engineers to be on their toes to change quickly. They may eventually provide the platform which engineers use to work together at home as individual contractors with teams of people all over the world.
-One must learn how to learn, not just concepts, but literally how to THINK and solve problems, not just memorize the answers to them. When one type of solution method does not work, an engineer will try another based on what someone else has done, or will create their own method to solve a problem. However, describing a problem and obtaining as much information as required to analzye the situation is only part of what an engineer is trained to do.
2. Developing Advanced Concepts: To know what has never been known before
An engineer may have the opportunity to be trained in engineering research if the problem one needs or wants to address requires more technical training, or the engineer just wants to focus in on a certain area to learn more. In pursuit of a masters degree, their research will be required to solve sophisticated problems in a certain area and possibly make some new contribution, while a doctrate’s research will create completely new knowledge. The process of research forces the engineer to approach the problem as realistically as possible, paying systematic attention to detail, and persevering to bring the project to a conclusion.
A masters level engineer will generate new information, but with a view to justify bringing an idea into a real-world application. Their mathematical background will continue to be strengthened such that differential equations and linear algebra are rote. For example, at the end of high school, algebra is generally something that would be pretty easy. However, it still would take some effort to work through a word problem. At the end of a master’s degree, substitute say linear algebra for algebra, and you get the idea. Solving problems is still difficult, but it is mainly a matter of just taking the time to address the problem. While they may discover new fundamental science, in general, masters engineers have learned how to apply a higher technical expertise to any given problem. They are trained not just know approximately how to do something, but to know why they are doing it. They may not be as skilled in determining which path they are to follow into the vast darkness of the unknown.
Experience in blazing new trails amidst an awareness of what has been attempted throughout history is aquired in pursuing a Ph.D. Doctoral students must be able to balance the demands of researching the unknown in light of their previous training, but also set a path where no one has gone before. Therefore, even an engineering Ph.D. has a large science component to it since it not only addresses an immediate application, but also a new concept with a view toward many different applications. Basically I think a PhD engineer is simply a scientist (one who seeks why things happen and knowledge in general) who has acknowledged the practicality demanded by the world. I still have much to learn about what is actually required of a doctorate student, but I am looking forward to doing it here at the University of Florida.
Aside: Engineers in general are trained to become decisive decision makers though they are aware of how little they actually know. They can act confidently in the face of complexity by obtaining data about the situation and then proceeding in the way which appears best. While I was talking with my undergrad research advisor, Dr. Gale, he suggested this may be the root of the academic ego, which is only a mask to cover over their insecurity, caused by a continual demand on them to make decisions in unfamiliar territory. FYI.
3. Design: A eureka moment AND sophisticated process
An engineer must have skills which go beyond mere problem solving, data collection and research. They must be able to use that data to make decisions which will formulate the design of a system, however small or large. Often a eureka moment will form the basis for a lot of sweat later working out a design idea. Truly great engineers see the bigger picture and see how solutions to the details contribute to an overall design. Often the complexity of a system prevents the engineer from being able to fully characterize everything. Yet, they must be able to look at the data and provide some sort of decision or a fully designed product. Computers have become the method of choice for optimizing many parameters simultaneously to obtain the best solution. Visualization tools on computers also help the engineer see what they are designing and how all the parts come together to make a whole design solution. Specifications from customers or some specific needs usually drive the product design. Often legal issues must also be considered throughout the process. Design criteria must take into account the factors below in addition to the data that has already been found describing the system.
-Practicality/Economics
The world around an engineer puts strict restraints on what solutions can actually be considered. We were able to go to the moon because this strict restraint was loosened somewhat to passionately pursue a goal, however, this was a rare case. An engineer may be able to design the lightest and strongest bridge, but if the material costs or availability are prohibitive, one may have to come up with a compromise.
- Manufacture
Engineers must be able to use common sense while making their decisions. They are called to consider how a solution would be realized. This may involve knowing various manufacturing processes and limitations on those processes or ensuring that the solution can be implemented without affecting other parts in the process. A good engineer will keep the final product and production method in mind throughout the design stage to prevent a fruitless final product. They will oversee that the manufacturing process is carried out with scrupulous attention to detail.
Sam Kobliska making the Eagle Eye
-Testing
A design is only so good on paper. Once it has been made, an engineer must know how to use testing to determine how close they are to having provided a real solution to a problem. This often implies many repetitions of the same thing with slight differences to ensure that the engineer knows what is going on.
Sometimes testing can drive you crazy…
-Maintenance/Use
A design must take into account how the solution will be maintained and used, hopefully in the design process. It could be argued that this is one of the most important parts in any design, since this is where the customers are most directly affected by the engineer. If a solution does not meet their needs, the engineer has not done his job correctly.
Not your everyday RC aircraft… AUAV-2 Eagle Eye, Our DBF plane for Auburn
4. Leaving a Record
Once an engineer has done all this work, they absolutely MUST leave a record which is useful for those who come behind. While this involves the dreaded “paperwork”, it can be one of the most important parts of an engineers job. Since this work is often done towards the end of a project it requires perseverance to finish well. The best situation occurs when data is recorded while working through a problem so it does not become such a burden torwards the end of a project. As I discussed earlier, here again efficient data management is essential for engineers as they address increasingly complex problems.
5. Engineering (Doing #1-4) as a team
While all of the previous training may have involved oneself, the engineer’s training is missing a vital organ without exposure to working as a team. Engineers must realize that they are not the only experts in order to be able to propose solutions that require knowledge beyond what they themself have. They must learn the role of both a leader and follower since they will be called on to walk in both positions often. They must be able to relate with many different people to solve the problems of the future. Good engineers know how to present themselves and can communicate well, not just to those who know exactly what they are talking about. Globalization is making this even more imperative. I may elaborate more on teams in the future, since I find their workings facinating, so I for now I will leave this subject at that.
vs. 
DBF Team-AUAV-2 Eagle Eye is different but similar to Auburn Ultimate
6. Did I mention stress?
Engineers live in a stressful environment by definition. People’s lives may hang on their work. Their world constantly changes, they are constantly under pressure to do a difficult job with excellence, and oh, by the way, it would have been better if they had finished yesterday. This environment has given rise to the somewhat cynical but perhaps true statement that any given engineering project usually hits 2 of 3 goals: done on time, with excellence, and under budget. Constant challenge is an inescapable part of an engineers training.
Alright, well hopefully I haven’t convinced everyone out there to run away from engineering. From everything I have seen it is a very rewarding career, but it constantly requires ingenuity, perseverance and committment, just as doing anything well would. Ultimately, after and during all this training, an engineer will be able to contribute to and understand a great deal about this world, which is an amazing privilege.
II. Who do engineers become as a result of their training?
I actually found a site which claims to know who engineers are, and since it is supported by our friendly neighborhood govenernment agency, it must be right? See it here. It defines engineers as “people who make things work” and proceeds to specifics. Universally, engineers are defined by what they DO, and less so who they ARE. I think personally this is sad somehow; that when I am asked what I do, I say “I AM an aerospace engineer”. On a more serious note, after some study, I believe that I have figured out finally how to define who I am. The ironic thing is that I am left unable to define myself, by myself. Please don’t miss this side note: 21+ Methods of Definition along with my first attempt at a formal philosophical argument. (I am excited about sharing this with you!).
Within the framework of what has been stated above, certain attributes seem to me to be exceedingly common among various engineers. Whether these are because of their nature or from their training I don’t know, for now I’d like to make a few observations. I was going to try to fit this into “strengths vs. weaknesses” category, but too often the traits had some good and some bad, so I decided to treat them simply as characteristics which “are”. However, I would caution you in reading this not to put a box around a person since no real individual fits in a box (I know I’m actively trying not to!). Still, perhaps herein lay some insights which might help you encourage or understand your engineering brethren.
A. Worldview of Engineers
1. The Facts
Knowledge is an engineer’s most valued commodity, and thus an engineer usually takes the development of a worldview “model” as a serious matter.
2. Personal Observations
Engineers desire to understand the world and believe in general that at least certain regimes of the world are comprehensible at a given time. Therefore often they are often rationalistic and believe that the world can be discovered as a true reality. However, they are often skeptical and ask that facts be proved to a large extent before they will believe them. They don’t mind holding and cultivating a complex view of the world, but they try to keep it as tangible as possible. Engineers rely on some combination of reason, emotions, experiences (personal and external-in accordance with natural law or miracles) and faith to determine their basis for truth, just like everyone else. However, they often deemphasize emotions, miracles and faith compared to others.
B. Characteristics of Engineers
1. The Facts (What type of people become engineers)
The most common Myer’s Briggs types for engineers are ISTJ, ESTJ, INFJ (source), but almost anyone can succeed as an engineer. If you really like Myer’s Briggs and want a more detailed version, click here.
For More information on who engineers are:
Governmental Definition
2. Personal Observations of Characteristics
Aside from doing more research on the subject, I can only offer my own assessments. So here they are.
a. Spiritual Characteristics
Engineers approach religion from a very practical stance and they expect it to be as consistent as possible. They are usually consistent, systematic and faithful in their pursuit of truth and God. Often they deemphasize passionate or relational aspects of religion and are prone to legalism (thinking their actions can earn favor). They struggle to let themselves be loved and are often self reliant to a fault. They often struggle with pride, selfishness, self-reliance and materialistic attitudes. They are often extremely stubborn, but if moved are capable of acting boldly.
b. Emotional Characteristics
Engineers have been trained to take their emotions out of the decision making process, and thus may be immature in knowing how those emotions could or should play a role in their decision making process. This can hamper their relationships since they are perceived as cold and unsympathetic. However, although this may be true, I believe engineers often feel things deeply, even if they have trouble expressing those emotions.
c. Intellectual Characteristics
Usually engineers are mathematically minded, like to solve problems, are gifted spatially and like intellectual challenge. Their intelligence is probably partly natural gift, but I am often inclined to think that it flows more from their naturally curious propensities which have driven them to continuously learn throughout their lives or by a stubbornness coming from their desire for others approval and subsequent monetary or status rewards.
d. Social Characteristics
In engineering world, physical solutions to problems and ideas are valued highly. Therefore, often engineers don’t see as well how to affect the world through people directly. That said, they generally are caring people. Every action they take, every word they say, and every person they serve is a very intentional action. At best they desire to serve the good of society.
Often the decision making skills that they are forced to practice make them good leaders, especially if they learn to communicate with others. Most are fairly risk-aversive, or at least take risks after they’ve done their risk management calculations. They often lack spontaneity and the ability to “turn their brains off”. I often have people telling me to “just relax”! Their sense of humor can be dry, ironic and sarcastic (think the Office, Dilbert, Office Space, He Was a Quiet Man), grounded in the world they know, which is another reason why many recommend that engineers “loosen up”.
Often they take a little longer to warm up to the ladies. I’m not sure if that’s a wise thing or if it is mainly just motivated by some kind of intimidation since ladies tend to be somewhat incomprehensible. That’s about enough on that subject…
e. Personal Characteristics
They are trained to deal efficiently with large amounts of information (ie: they are organized). Along that line, they are usually very punctual and often rely on schedules. They are reliable and generally loyal.
f. Physical Characteristics
Engineers come from pretty much all walks of life. It seems there are fewer women and minorities in engineering. There are probably many reasons for this; I think most of them are just that the cultural obstacles are higher. Still if you are a lady or a minority and interested in engineering, there are many opportunities for you; go for it!
III. Am I willing to be an engineer and follow the path where that leads me?
So, now having examined the training process and some personal character qualities, am I actually going to be an engineer? I ask this question of myself to counter the submissive mentality expressed by the movie “The Weatherman” where Nicolas Cage asks the question of how he got to where he is and his only answer is that life took him there. Quote I want to try to control the path of my life, but more than likely life is a stream that I will get swept up in and Cage is right. I do have some ability to swim around, and I’m a pretty good swimmer, but the river still moves me.
I almost look professional already!
I do believe that I am willing to follow where engineering may lead as a career. However, if anyone is to make the best of what training they have received, they must examine both it’s strengths and deficiencies or they are destined to stagnate. As a result I hope to continue to ask myself these questions. That’s ok though. I am convinced that without such a struggle, life would become boring, a perspective driven into me by all of my engineering training. So, if there is nothing more you take away from this assay at an essay, please use it as an encouragement to continue to persevere in struggling through life’s complexities. Peace.
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The Life Examined 
