Engineering is probably the most exciting profession in existence. World economies depend on Engineers for creating wealth, so it is important that they draw top-class young talent into a profession which is regarded as being very rewarding and challenging, both intellectually and financially.

Professional Engineering is a fragmented profession. On graduation, Engineers in many cases lose their identity when they commence employment. They normally get such titles as, Technical Manager, etc. As well, the profession has numerous initials such as, C.Eng., P.E., etc., which means little to most people. At present, none of these initials are or can become international for different reasons, which means that the profession is limping at a reduced image-deficit. This image-deficit is of concern since this can result in the inability to draw adequate young talent into the profession. Personally, I blame Engineers themselves for this, since they do not activity cultivate the Media on an on-going basis. The result of this is that Engineers do not get credit for their achievements. Ironically, employers too do not publicly give Engineers credit either. It is said that the reason for this is that employers are fearful that by doing so they might encourage Engineers to seek an increase in salary !

Take for example the Medical and Acting professions. They both get Media attention on a daily basis even though it is Engineers who make their, nowadays, hi-tec existence possible. We have all heard of the Bafta and Grammy Awards for acting, but very few have heard of the Draper Prize for Engineers.

Most people, internationally, know the meaning of the initials, B.C.L., MBA., etc. Engineers don't have this clarity. A solution is to choose new suitable initials which will identify the qualified Engineer, internationally. To this end, the initials, * iEng* and * iIng * have been coined. The * i * meaning international. * iIng * is for use in Continental Europe. These initials are available to ALL approved graduate Engineers and upwards.

The international introduction of the new title, * International Engineer * and the new initials * iEng/ iIng* should prove to be a great asset to the profession. Licenced Engineers to use the initials * P.iEng/ P.iIng *.

Regards,

Fintan Lynch, B.E., iEng.
Retired Power Station Engineer

 

international Engineer