Definition of Structural Engineer for High Schoolers 1

[WillisV]

The princeton review has posted a write up on what it means to be a structural engineer. This is a service that many high schoolers use when looking for a career. At best it is unflattering - at worst it is flat out wrong:

http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=151

They have already been notified to this effect and are revising it now, but I thought you might be interested in what it said before they pull the link.

 

[astructurale]

Let us know what they change it too. You're right, the comments were unflattering. If I would have read that while in high school I would probably have re-considered becoming one.

 

[bridgebuster]

What a bunch of morons; thanks for the post.

 

[JAE]

I also sent back an email with bracketed comments - hope they change it - it really does a dis-service to our profession.

 

[vooter]

"Structural engineers are employed primarily by government agencies responsible for inspecting construction projects for safety and adherence to local and federal building standards."

Strange, most of the structurals I know are primarily employed by civil/structural firms or others. Their duties usually concern design of structures, but may include inspection of construction.

All I can say is a big, fat "WTF." This came from Princeton? Boy, those Ivy League Restrooms certainly have seen better days.

This is the worst part:

"Many structural engineers have a construction background, and they return to this field when they leave their jobs as inspectors. They become construction managers, materials purchasers, architectural assistants, and consultants to worksites."

"Architectural assistants"? Sure... I suspect that the author of this article is a architect who had been beaten up by structural engineers too many time and wanted some revenge.

 

[JAE]

Actually, in truth it sounds like some high school student tried to interview a few structural engineers, got some kind of semi-engineer-type or other yahoo to respond, and then wrote a little term paper of what they "thought" was right.

 

[SacreBleu]

Sounds like an AOL chatroom-conducted interview with just one engineer, who is primarily into inspection as opposed to primarily design.

 

[HgTX]

Oh good lord. SEs aren't inspectors any more than EEs are electricians. When I applied for my PE, I had to get creative in describing my work so that no one could even try to claim it was inspection, because Inspection Isn't Engineering.

I happen to be an engineer closely involved with inspection, but I've always had the impression I'm a rarity, considering that the PE process is geared toward designers.

Hg

Eng-Tips guidelines: faq731-376

 

[bandraoi]

Strucutral Engineer?!?
They're talking about Site Safety Inspectors.

Eegits.

 

[vooter]

Inspection = "field-based design verification"

...oh yes it does!

 

[JAE]

A week later and the silly description is still up on their website.

WillisV - you mentioned that they are revising it "now". I would think we here could come up with a good working definition if they need one.

 

[whyun]

This showed up in the seaint listserver. Very fine start, compared with the Princeton's version.

http://www.euken.net/group/seaint/mailarchive/2005c/msg00666.html

 

[HgTX]

But this one's better:

http://www.euken.net/group/seaint/mailarchive/2005c/msg00607.html

Eng-Tips guidelines: faq731-376

 

[JAE]

heh - very funny - I love it!