Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
(OP)
Since this seems like a non-technical thread, I'll post here.
I always hear from the all-knowing engineering greybeards employed by very technical companies that engineering used to be much more hands on, bustling on the shop floor kind of work (perhaps implying that the new norm of cubicle paper pushing is not REAL work). My contention is that they are observing only their own career progression from the trenches up to the management ivory tower and not witnessing some unique shift in the engineering world. It seems like most major companies still have some type of rotational hands-on program for recent college graduates. Curious to hear thoughts from the seasoned veteran crowd.
I always hear from the all-knowing engineering greybeards employed by very technical companies that engineering used to be much more hands on, bustling on the shop floor kind of work (perhaps implying that the new norm of cubicle paper pushing is not REAL work). My contention is that they are observing only their own career progression from the trenches up to the management ivory tower and not witnessing some unique shift in the engineering world. It seems like most major companies still have some type of rotational hands-on program for recent college graduates. Curious to hear thoughts from the seasoned veteran crowd.
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Not making a decision is a decision in itself
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
As a grey-bearded older guy, I claim that the requirement for hands-on depends on the type of engineering you do, and the process and culture of your workplace. As senior people, we may regard hands-on work as valuable experience for our junior people to acquire.
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JHG
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
IME opportunity depends more on the company and individual than anything. If you want opportunity and your employer isn’t providing then it’s time to find another. Personally I’ve never lacked hands-on opportunities despite always working for mid - mega sized corporations and always being in design or analytical roles rather than test or manufacturing.
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
In my experience the engineering paper pushing doesn't occur in geotechnical engineering until practical field experience has been acquired.
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
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Not making a decision is a decision in itself
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
I ended up with a very mismatched set of hammers, and no clue about how entry is done now.
Mike Halloran
Corinth, NY, USA
RE: Evolution of Engineering Paper Pushers
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Not making a decision is a decision in itself