CHAPTER 3. The Engineer at Work 3:1. Purposes and Results of Engineering Training. It.is not the aim of professional schools to turn out professional men. The limited time spent in an engineering school and the object sought do not warrant such a purpose. The object of the professional traning of technical men has already been considered (see section 1-3) and the necessity of develop- ing judgment, accuracy, and speed by the practical application of such training to actual work has also been discussed (see section 2-4). It is evident to all practicing engineers and architects that the subjects studied in the schools can become of practical value to the professional man only through their actual application under many conditions and in many places. Practical knowledge may be developed to a considerable extent in a trade school, for its field is limited to narrow lines; but in a profes- sional school the field is so broad that the opportunities for such develop- ment are small, and real professional knowledge must be gained or at least improved largely by practical experience. If the student has become thoroughly interested in the profession which he has chosen, if he has acquired the ability to apply himself to work and study, if he has at- tained.a good conception of the manner in which and the source from which professional information can be obtained and has gained at least limited facilities in the use of those elementary features of practice on which his early employment will probably depend, he has done alll that can reasonably be expected in a graduate of an engineering school. He hhas not become a professional man, but he has acquired a capacity which, when properly exercised, will assure him the professional stand- ing which his abilities and opportunities afford when his experience and practice have made the theoretical Knowledge obtained in school the actual, individual knowledgé of the man. In practical life, the facts of importance in a material way are the ends, not the means, Except as an aid in estimating possible knowledge and ability, the matter of educa. tion and experience is of no material importance to the employer. The. : 38 s Scanned with CamScannerThe Engineer at Work 39 question is: Can the man properly fill the position for which he applies or for which he is considered? Both education and experience are value- less in practical life unless they can be intelligently applied to useful ends. There can be no exact measure of the factors that determine individual usefulness in life. Every position has certain definite requirements and these must be fulfilled. For performing calculations, a man must have sufficient mathematical knowledge. One without knowledge of the sub- ject is useless for such work. If the work requires the exercise of judg- ment, mathematical knowledge alone is useless; and if fiduciary relations are also involved, character may also become of equal or greater impor- tance. The characteristics discussed in section 2-3 and their relative per- centages of importance, seem to represent fairly a somewhat definite ideal of professional men as to the factors essential to engineering suc- cess. The main ends of present-day professional education emphasize the last two, although most educators recognize the relatively greater im- portance of the first four, which are impressed on the technical student only incidentally, if at all, with the various subjects taught. To what extent they can and should be impressed on the student is an open ques- tion. That these factors must be developed to the extent necessary in every particular case cannot be questioned. Few technical graduates are of much immediate value either in the office, the factory, or the ficld; and they can make themselves of value only by the aquisition of character, judgment, efficiency, executive ability, and the practical ability to apply their technical knowledge to the exient necessary for such technical work. The young graduate is usually incompetent except in minor positions; he frequently overrates his capacity and may not recognize his own experience and incompetency to fill positions of responsibility and trust. His education gives him the opportunity to secure subordinate employ- ment and to acquire and demonstrate his ability to fill satisfactorily higher positions which may be open to him. Intelligent observation, close application, and hard study will fit him for higher positions. He fre- quently fails to recognize the chances for development afforded him by the minor positions which he first secures, and his failure to advance is dften largely due to his dissatisfaction in his subordinate position and his personal failure to take advantage of the immediate opportunities offered to acquire practical knowledge and experience and thereby make himself available for advancement. 32, The Man and the Job. To secure the most economical and satis- factory results, both for the job and for the man, it is desirable that the man best fitted for each place should secure the position, whatever its importance. This would accomplish the best that the proper exercise of Scanned with CamScanner40 ‘Contracts, Specifications, and Engineering Relations the necessary ability can secure and would permit the development of individual ability to its maximum. 2 % : See ch desirable results can only be approximated, In practical Jife su Positions and men are often widely separated, and consequently the man and the very best position for which he is suited may seldom come in contact. The problem, on the one hand, is to secure the best available man for a given position and, on the other hand, for a man to secure a position in which his services will be satisfactory and which will give him the greatest returns not only in income but in personal satisfaction. As engineering positions are often widely scattered and often far from the centers of engincering education, some methods of intercommunica- tion become necessary. It is customary for the employers of large num- bers of men to send out representatives to interview and recruit students who are graduating from engineering colleges. Most of the engineering societies have some form of employment assistance which is available to their student members. Engineering colleges usually have placement offices which aid the graduates in obtaining jobs and also keep a file of the jobs which are available, together with information concerning the type of work involved and the histories of the companies which have jobs available. . Companies which employ engineers go to great lengths in trying to pick the man who is best suited for the job when filling vacancies. Care- fully trained interviewers are used, and the information which the appli- cants are asked to submit has been carefully selected, and is thoroughly analyzed, The use of aptitude testing as an aid in selecting new em- ployees and in placing them in suitable positions is increasing, When a company offers a man a position, he may feel well assured that they have satisfied themselves that he has at least the minimum ability necessary for starting te ip It is the duty of the applicant, however, to in- stigate the other factors which mak is is tory over-all Living siteation, e for a satisfactory or unsatisfac- The immediate job is not the final aim of engineeri the manner in which the job-fits the overall profes ee tat = sonal désires of the individual should be given careful ‘eeatiiag a There are a number of considerations not directl ested with oe job which materially affect the over-all satisfaction which ate from a given job situation. The desires and pref Sng obits ‘usally d¢vwoll ss bis Preferences of the individual's y as his own must be considered. Consideration should be (if any) required, the i localit quired, the probable length of the recreational facilities of the oe the school faltiee Gee a a Scanned with CamScannerThe Engineer at Work 41 children of school age), and any other consideration which will mate- ially affect the happiness and welfare of the engineer and his family. 33, Obtaining Employment. The difficulty of obtaining engineering employment depends on the general economic condition of industry. In times of economic depression, it is usually very difficult for-the recent engineering graduate to find employment which is profitable ‘both in terms of experience and income, In times of high industrial activity, there are usually more job offers than there are applicants to fill them. The procedure to be followed in obtaining a job must, therefore, be adapted to currently existing situations. One should keep in mind the fact that only one job offer may be accepted and that the correct number of con- tacts to make is the number required to produce the one acceptable offer. Interviews at colleges are usually arranged through the placement office. It is usually well for the graduating engineer to take a number of interviews, even with representatives of companies with whom he does not expect to take employment. This will give him experience in the manner in which interviews are conducted and will also give him a chance to learn much about the general organizational pattern of a num- ber of companies. : When a satisfactory offer is not obtained through the usual channels, it becomes necessary for the individual to start a job-seeking program of his own. While personal interviews are desirable, in most cases it is necessary to make the initial contact by letter. If one has decided on the general lucation in which he would like to work and on the type of employment desired, it is possible to obtain from a directory of manu- facturers a list of the companies which are engaged in the desired type of activity in the desired area, Letters may be written to a selected group of these companies, or it may even be desirable to write to the whole list. The time required to write even a large number of letters is well spent if it develops the one job offer which is desired. The initial letter should, in general, be short, stating in brief, general terms the applicout’s qualifications and the type of position desired, It is not necessary to give references, school transcripts, or any similar detailed data in the first letter, which should only in exceptional circum. stances be more than one page Iong. In every case the letter should be neatly typewritten. : If there is employment available, the prospective employer will reply and state what type of additional information should be furnished. This information should be furnished promptly, and if favorably received, it will usually bring a request for an interview. This may seem to be a rather long procedure, but the interchange of letters gives both parties a chance to become hetter acquainted with each other. oH seat Scanned with CamScanner* Contracts, Specifications, and Engineering Relations tion papers and during the interview, the engines obviously should ‘place the greatest emphasis on the most outstanding abilities which he possesses. This is only good sales procedure, and, while some engineers instinctively dislike using merchandising methods, it re. mains a fact that engineering services are a market-place commodity ang must, therefore, be merchandised if the greatest benefits are to be ob. tained. There is nothing morally or ethically wrong with this procedure provided no misrepresentation is used. The engineer has spent many years in preparation for the rendering of engineering service; and if the product is good, there can be no valid criticism of presenting it in the’ most attractive manner possible. It is customary for the prospective employer to ask for references, and the applicant should select his references with care. They should be persons who are familiar with his ability, character, and experience. ‘Where teachers or former employers who are not familiar with the engi- neer’s recent work are to be used as references, it is desirable that they be brought up to date concerning the engineer’s work, It is only proper courtesy to secure the personal consent of those whom one plans to use as references; but if friendship is close enough to warrant using an ° acquaintance as a reference without such permission, the fact that his name has been used should be made known to him immediately. Advertising for a position may prove of value where a man has acquired considerable special experience in some special line. In such cases an advertisement may attract the attention of those who may be in need of the particular service in question. Employment agencies also offer a means of communication between employees and employers. When these are considered, their standing should be investigated, and they should be used with caution. For higher positions, favorable and wide acquaintance, a clean record, and a good personal and professional reputation based on satisfactory service, experience, and ability, are the principal factors. These must be acquired by suitable effort; and the more widely they ‘become known, the better capital they become for the future. 34, Influence. The value of the influence of family, friends, and acquaintances should not be underestimated, but it is equally important that it should not be overrated. Influence frequently brings opportunity, but character, energy, and ability are essential to take advantage of the opportunities successfully when offered. The position that is not only acquired by influence but is retained by pull instead of by push is. a. serious detriment to the individual unfortunate enough fo employ such means. The retention of a position by influence dwarfs character, undler- mines ability, weakens conscience, and destroys initiative and personal .// reputation, : : od 42 In the applicat Scanned with CamScanner' ‘The Engineer at Work 43 The cultivation of friends and a aintances, both social and pro- fessional, may result in valuable assist’ assistance when needed, if the character, ability, and experience of the individual warrant its exercise. The seek. ing of friends for a. purely utilitarian purpose should not be considered, for such aim will surely defeat itself. True friendship must be based on reciprocal esteem, respect, and personal regard founded on both char- acter and ability, 3.5. Selecting Employment. While in many cases opportunities for em- ployment are so limited that little choice is afforded the young engineer in the selection of employment, yet in the long run he may exert con- siderable control over such selection if he makes careful preparation for his future work. It is evident in most cases that the future rather than the immediate present should be the objective of the young engineer. The line he desires to follow should be based so far as possible on his personal preference and on his personal fitness, aptitudes, and abilities. The greatest success will usually come with that line in the pursuit of which he experiences the greatest satisfaction and in which he can exercise to the greatest degree his native abilities and talents and his acquired knowledge and experience. Any man is fortunate who finds his professional or business life laid down on the lines he would most gladly follow, and who in consequence is most thoroughly interested in the work he is called upon to do. It is evident, therefore, that immediate salary is of secondary consideration but that employment should be sought in those lines and in those places where both opportunities occur and conditions give promise of ultimate advancement in the lines of the chosen work. Financial difficulties may occasionally make a different course essential, and in such cases the employee should endeavor to instill into his work the enthusiasm and interest required for his success. Continuous effort to this end will normally create conditions of satisfac- tion quite equal to those which would result if he were able to pursue the line to which his early inclinations led. 36. The First Job. As a first position, an “easy job” may be disastrous and may lead to habits of indolence and inefficiency. The first work should be hard and exacting so that strenuous effort and concentration may become a habit. one : A subordinate position with an organization of greater or less size, either in the office, the factory, or the field, is the first practical engineer. ing employment which usually comes to the young engineer. Such a position is seldom important in a relative sense but is most important to the individual, for it is his first step in practical life, his first chance to “make good.” His future largely depends on his fitness to fulfill the re- quirements of this position. If he is interested in his work, if he is able, accurate, conscientious, dependable, and loyal, he has begun the estab-- Scanned with CamScanner44 Contracts, Specifications, and Engineering Relations lishment of.a reputation which should ultimately lead to success. These qualities will be recognized and his advancemens aaah na op- portunities occur. Advancement will follow, for it es aa led by the personal interest of the employer, as men with marked characteristics such as described are not to be lost if their services are needed and can be retained on a reasonable’ basis. If one is interested only in his pay check, if he is careless in his work, heedless of instruction, inaccurate, inattentive, late in arriving and early in leaving his work, these facts will also be noted and his prospects for advancement will be poor. Many young men fail to appreciate the vital necessity of properly fulfilling Subordinate functions or the real importance of such functions. Each unit is an essential part of the whole. The spire of the cathedral seen from afar, but every pile in the foundation is important, and the spire cannot stand without it. So the labor of the artisan, the mechanic, and the subordinate is as necessary for the success of the structure as is that of the engineer, the architect, or the builder; and yet no individual is absolutely essential. If one falls out another will take his place, and any vacancy from the lowest to the highest is soon filled. Every man should recognize with both pride and humility his own importance and his own insignificance. If he does his duty to the best of his ability, he is an essential feature in the endeavor of which he isa part. If he fails, he causes only a momentary disturbance, and his disap- pearance is only of brief interest except to himself and to those who are dependent upon him or especially interested in him. 3-7. Improving Opportunities. Many young men, after securing engi- neering employment, will become discouraged with their status and prospects for advancement and will feel that they have not obtained the position for which their education has fitted them, They fail to develop the opportunities which the job presents and soon seek a change in em- ployment, hoping to find a position closer to their ideal. They fail to recognize that the ideal job never exists and that there must be a certain amount of adapting the man to the job in any employment situation, If the young engineer can train himself to approach every employment situation with a constructive attitude, there is much to be gained from any job. There is experience to be obtained, there are contacts to be established with the various people with whom one associates, and there isa reputation to be established. All these can be very useful in later years, even if the job itself is not all that the individual desires. A job well done is always a good recommendation, even for a totally different type of employrient. * _, Whee @ man accepts a position, it is a duty which he owes both to imself and. to his employer to do his best to fill the position in the most is conspicuous and is Scanned with CamScannerThe Engineer at Work 45 acceptable manner possible. Even if the job is regarded as temporary, or if it is not of the type which the individual expects to follow over an extended period of time, the self-control and self-restraint exercised to master a difficult or uninteresting subject, the abilities applied, and the practical knowledge gained by conscientious study and effort will strengthen his character, increase his’ ability, enlarge his experience, and make him a broader, better, and more useful man in whatever field of endeavor he may ultimately be employed. Probably not one-half the men who graduate from engineering courses ultimately enter the exact line of work which they have in mind in their college days. Conscientious and continuous effort in every position which they may occupy after leaving college will often develop their capa- bilities and make evident their fitness for other lines which in the long run prove more interesting, more remunerative, and more satisfactory from every point < view. The satisfactory fulfillment of the first work begins to give the young man a real knowledge of his own needs, his aptitude, and defects. His aptitude must be developed, his errors eliminated. The establishment of a reputation either good or bad is at once begun. In general, he should retain his position until a promotion is secured or until he has developed himself and this position to a reason- able extent. When there are no opportunities within the organization, he should seek another and better position, leaving his work only after due notice. The young are naturally impatient at delay and expect rapid advancement. They often fail to see the opportunities which are the most obvious and make early changes in employment, to their ultimate disadvantage. A new position should offer some immediate and impor- tant advantage or some tangible opportunities, otherwise a change is undesirable, for the‘organization in which a man has served has the best knowledge of his abilities and will undoubtedly advance him when the opportunity offers, because such advancement is obviously to the logical advantage of all concerned. _ 38. Salary. The amount of salary to be received from a given position is naturally a matter of interest and frequently receives greater con- sideration than its importance warrants. To the young engineering grad- uate, the matters of experience and opportunity are commonly of much greater importance. If the young engineer has a job which permits him to gain a broad background of ‘experience, he is seldom in 8 position to produce engineering results of much commercial value to his employer. His salary, therefore, even if low, is seldom eared in full. If the salary received is more than should ordinarily be expected for 4 given position, it usually means cither that the work is temporary or that the man has found a niche into which he fits by unusual aptitude - and in which he is likely to remain without the opportunity of acquiring Scanned with CamScanner46 Contracts, Specifications, ‘and Engineering Relations ‘a broader and more extended experienc services must be utilized to the greatest advantage ut nds to make them profitable, which usually: means that the employee will be kept on i in which he is especially proficient. tho one particular class of work in which he is espec™hy DUT ition affords opportuni Almost every postin sre furnished for long unless such employ- , Employment will ne is pottable to those who furnish it. Advancement will not come until the individual has shown his dependability and his capacity for greater things; and such capacity must be exhibited before and not after eee advancement is secured. There are few cases where ability, capacity, and dependability are not recognized, and advancement comes when opportunities arise, with few exceptions. i employees who have demonstrated their fitness for a position to leave ther cervice. The employer, for his own interests, prefers those whose honesty, integrity, and ability he knows; and he will seldom look else where to fill an important position unless he is satisfied that such course is necessary in order to secure the desired results. 3.9. Change versus Continuity of Service. At one time it was considered desirable for the young engineer to remain in one position only long enough to familiarize himself thoroughly with the work and then to seek other positions where his practical experience might be considerably extended. This procedure is still followed by some, but'a broader, more over-all viewpoint seems preferable. Useful experience is the most valuable asset which any engineer can possess, and the opportunity for gaining useful experience should always © be considered when a change of job is being contemplated. The, oppor- tunity for gaining experience, however, cannot always serve as the only basis for the evaluation of a job because there will sooner or later come a time when the engineer will feel, and rightly so, that he should begin to receive some financial return from the store of experience which he has accumulated. The decision on whether or not to change jobs should be based on an over-all evaluation of both the job being held and the one under con- sideration. Factors such as the amount of the experience to be gained, the financial return, the satisfaction which the individual will receive from the work, and the manner in which the job fits the individual's over-all ambitions should all be considered. The individual must weigh each of these factors and reach an over-all judgment. There is'little, if any, advantage in holding a job year after year if the employee is com- pletely dissatisfied and there are no other compensations, On the other ~ hand, it is usually considered undesirable to change jobs quite frequently because most businessmen. feel that it takes several years to become familiar enough with a job to get the maximum benefit in experience 7 ce, If th> salary is large, the » tlt ta able Few employers willingly permit , Scanned with CamScannerThe Engineer at Work aT from it. Most companies are not interested in trying to make permanent employees of men whose records indicate that they are “drifters.” Jobs which offer the most rapid advancement very frequently offer the least security, and the converse is also true, The engineer must usually make up his mind which he considers to be more desirable, rapid promo- tion or security. 310. The Relative Values of Various Classes of Employment. The relative values to the engineer of various classes of professional employ- ment depend largely on the personal inclination and point of view. Architecture and many special forms of technical work are definite and after selection require no further comment, The engineering student who has not specialized may perhaps be benefited by a brief discussion of various lines of work in which opportunities for employment may occur. When the education of the student is general, the opportunities for employment are coextensive with the whole engineering field; and it makes little difference in what line of employment he begins, as all work furnishes desirable experience. At the end of a period of years, he has acquired knowledge and skill in certain definite work, and his chances for the profitable sale of his services are limited to a much narrower field. Many engineering students have the wrong point of view in regard to the best opportunities for ultimate professional advancement. It has already been noted that the field engineer is the ideal of many engineer- ing students. It is also worthy of note that the office, almost without exception, controls the field and that many men who have had long ex- perience in the field fail to make further advancement because of a lack of knowledge and experience in office work, Experience in field work usually leads to parallel advancement. The timekeeper, the storekeeper, and the inspector become the foreman, the superintendent, and the resident ‘engineer. Good office work leads to advancement in the office. The able draftsman becomes the designer, the assistant engineer, and with experience, the chief. Surveying and field work in many countries can be done to advantage only at certain periods. Drafting usually offers more steady employment and has the advantage of placing the employee near the responsible head of the organization. — 7 3 Different classes of employment offer varying advantages. Construc- | tion work is often temporary unless with a permanent organization. Un- fortunately, many engineering positions have no future. The work is more or less temporary, and in dull times and seasons the employment ceases and the employee must look for new fields. In this way he-may, and frequently does, pass from one job to another, holding each position until the work is accomplished, and never becoming settled or a perma- nent part of any engineering organization. Scanned with CamScanner48 Contracts, Specifications, and Engineering Relations Engineering employment may often lead to business opportunities, The young man with capacity who, after he has acquired the experience _ which can be obtained in engineering positions connected with great | industries, has the foresight and the energy to drop out of line of promo. tion which may be of only limited opportunities, and to take a position through. which he’ will acquire a knowledge of operation, maintenance, and general business management, will frequently be rewarded by plac. » ing himself in line for greater business opportunities than are possible if he confines his efforts to the purely engineering phases of the work, Public utility corporations offer many opportunities for ultimate advance. ment, Employment with such corporations may frequently result in permanent positions, and a qualified man will advance slowly but surely, and may ultimately reach the highest position which such corporations have-to offer. It is exceedingly desirable for the engineer to become at an early date a part of a permanent organization in a line which he will be content to follow as a permanent lifework. If a change into another line is de- sirable, it should be made at an early date; delay greatly complicates the situation. If he withdraws from one line of work and enters another after considerable advancement has been attained, it must usually be at the expense of salary, for he will not have the value in any other line with- out acquired experience. Foreign service is subject to the same disadvantage, and should be regarded as a permanent lifework or abandoned carly for work at home. Work in a foreign country involves a loss of touch with home conditions ” and professional acquaintance, and a change after some years abroad often results in the necessity of accepting a subordinate position at a. greatly reduced salary, Employment in the government service has certain advantages and certain disadvantages. Compensation in the minor positions is usually. equal to or greater than that which can be secured in private work, but the higher positions are not so well paid. On the other hand, those who reach advanced positions and display reasonable ability are assured of permanent positions. Instructional work in engineering institutions is subject to the same comments. Such positions offer many opportunities for development, but they do not demand the constant exercise of energy and the continuous effort which are common to commercial work. If the individual lacks initiative and force, the opportunities for retaining the positions with a minimum of effort are conspicuous, and inclination in that direction will soon unfit the individual for any important positions in commercial work, Whatever the work of the engineer may be, his aim should be to do the work at hand properly, to study, and to improve’. Advancement, where opportunities offer, will take care of itself if the © ati Scanned with CamScanner= The Engineer at Work 49 young engineer by his acquisition of knowledge and skill is ready for promotio: 3-11. Private Practice. The great majority of ‘engineering positions are salaried’ positions. Probably less than 10 per cent of the engineering profession is engaged in what is termed “private practice.” In such work the compensation is generally based on either a per diem basis or on a percentage of the cost of the work which is undertaken. In such practice . the engineer usually furnishes all the assistants necessary for making the original surveys, designs, and plans, and for supervising the con- struction; and occasionally some of the larger organizations of this kind undertake the actual construction of the work as well. For success in private practice, at least on the larger and more im- portant, works, extended experience on a great variety of work is re- quired, for in general the work of a private office cannot be devoted to a single specialty, although it is usually confined to certain definite re- lated lines, Occasionally a young man just out of college with only a few years of practice behind him attempts to enter private practice. If such work is confined to simple service such as drafting, surveying, etc., in which reasonable experience and adaptness have been attained, such a venture is justifiable. When, however, the young engineer offers to the public inadequate experience, unsound judgment, and insufficient skill for the proper performance of the work he desires to undertake, his attempt is unjustifiable and immoral. The sale of skill and knowledge which are not possessed is fraud; and“although such a business may be conducted in such a manner as to escape the legal liabilities involved by misrepre- sentation, the moral sense is sacrificed with resulting permanent injury to the professional success of the one who pursues such a course. Most attempts of this kind result in the failures which are rightly their due. If. sufficient work is secured to pay expenses, it must usually be secured at a price too low for the class of services which should be rendered. Without broad experience, proper services cannot be rendered; and be- cause of the low price received for his work, the engineer is often unable to furnish even the best services of which he is capable, The results are unfortunate. He leaves behind him a record of work inadequately con- ceived and improperly done. He has mortgaged his future for an oppor- tunity for an early professional attainment for which he was unprepared, and he can never become more than of minor grade in his professional Gta, Duties to Subordinaes: While ruth has been said of the duties of the employee in the performance of his work, such duties are by no means reduced: when he reaches a position where others are subject to his direction and supervision. As previously stated, with professional Scanned with CamScannerXS ei oI and Engineering, Relations umed; and such obligations ard the client or superior, but toward should advise and assist his sub. sonable encouragement and incentive d reproof where necessary should be ement, and praise and 50 Contracts, Specifications, higher obligations A ee not only tows well. The engineer are’ assi the subordinate as ordinates and give ee ee in their work. Critici 0 eet Kindly and with the idea of improvement, ane) PENS & commendation should be offered for initiative, Ly ee o Jealousy of subordinates ‘and the consequent failure to a ie ist irom og to give them suitable credit for valuable ideas or suggestions i the sign of limited ability or an ungenerous disposition, The Promtin of subordinates should be made on the basis of actual merit and not on the basis of capricious preference. If the superior is employing his sub- ordinates for others, he is especially bound to consider intrinsic ‘worth instead of personal preference. a rig In dealing with artisans and workmen, 2 similar course of action is desirable. Nothing is gained and much is lost by harshness, conceit, and Gverbearing conduct. A feeling of injustice and resentment is seriously detrimental to the esprit de corps of any engineering force in the office or the field, and every force is bound to ‘exhibit to a considerable degree the spirit displayed by those in authority. 3:13. Duties to Clients. The relations of the engineer to his clients are fiduciary in nature and therefore involve, both legally and morally, ob- ligations which must be exercised even at the sacrifice of personal interests. The client must place his trust in the personal honesty, business integrity, and professional ability of his engineer. Frequently this trust involves not only large construction cost but the successful outcome of an endeavor of great importance, The client is frequently entirely ignorant of the technical features of the work and is only interested in it as a business venture, He may know nothing of the hazards or contingencies involved, and cannot judge the relative values and costs of different methods of development, different materials and machines, or the effects of the same on the ultimate aims to be attained, The engineer must _ oa between his client and all adverse interests. The desire of the con ae Goopen the work of construction, the desire of the manu- of the promoter to finance tioiae ea ene oachiniery, the dey other «interests must be carefully esa Sen te aha ea mp aed ed, fairly considered, and ‘0 he a suitable advi ‘ ; loyalty must be bajar hein he Positions, the engineer's yay. i 5 ly interest must be that of his Scanned with CamScanner. The Engineer at Work ~ 51 recognized as essential by the best men of every age and nation and in every business and profession. If the engineer has adverse interests of any kind, no matter how innocent they may appear, they will bias his judgment and he will do less than his duty. It is the insidious ‘interest which has no apparent relation to the immediate work of engineering rather than the action that is frankly dishonest that is to be feared, for through such interests the Hirst serious misstep may be taken. It is not believed to be essential to discuss here the necessity of abso- lute honesty in such work; Personal interests with contractors, profits from the sale of materials, commissions from manufacturers, and collu- sion with promoters are not only obviously dishonorable and dishonest, but so unquestionably immoral and against public policy that they tender the individual amenable to the law. No one who respects his profession or who hopes for professional advancement could possibly yield to such gross temptation. 3:14. Consultation. Commonly the man who is called upon to take charge of an important endeavor is one who has developed more or less special knowledge and ability in the principal field which with other Phases constitutes the project. When a young engineer has been ad- vanced to a position of responsibility and authority on a project of this nature he often feels that the importance of his position demands an ex- hibition of learning and ability that is often entirely beyond his capacity. Nevertheless he is frequently impelled to attempt professional ventures quite beyond his experience rather than to acknowledge that even his abilities have their natural limitation. In this manner young men of undoubted ability frequently attempt professional work of a special nature for which they are in no way qualified and risk the success of their employer's interests in a manner that is unjust and unwarranted. While such attempts are usually attended with more or less success, they usually fail to accomplish the results that might be attained by more expert service’ and wrongly deprive the client of the very best results. No man can be uniformly expert on all branches covered by many proj- ects, and it is the sign of a narrow mind and limited ability for a man not to recognize his own limitations or to fail to call in expert aid when such aid can be used to advantage in his client's service, 3:15, Duties to the Profession. Every professional’ man is greatly in- debted to his profession. His knowledge and usefulness have been greatly augmented by the labor and investigation, the successes and the failures of those who have gone before. ‘The proceedings of technical societies, the articles in the technical press, the treatises on technical subjects, and the ee ee of technical schools all afford the engineer occasion to Ser etnegi Jage, expand his experience, increase his usefulness, and Nake hinwelf of greater value to himself and to the public, The high Scanned with CamScanner1 52, Contracts, Specifications, and Engineering Relations ' : ¢ distinguished ability that have been exercised by the men ” es a ee in tho past bring to the professional man a considera, tion and standing which he could not otherwise enjoy. It is self-eviden therefore that he who enjoys the manifold benefits to be derived from the lives and labors of those’ who are his associates or have preceded him in his profession: is morally bound to maintain such ideals ang ec of his best judgment and best conserve such respect by the exercis ment ability and by a high conception of personal responsibility and of personal honor, and by a corresponding exercise of such ideals in his professional work. : : ; 3.16. The Engineer in Business. Engincering training affords a suitable foundation both for professional work and also for various other occupa- factory training not only for the sub. tions and vocations. It is a satis emen, superintendents, and salesmen, but also as ordinate position of for l a preliminary to entering the field of contracting for the construction of engineering work, for the manufacture of machinery, engineering mate. ials and supplies, and other occupations which have to do with or are intimately related to engineering work. Almost all that has been said of other activities applies to these and to any other lines of work in which the engineer may engage, whether dircctly or indirectly connected with technical affairs or in fields quite foreign to such matters. Honorable and conscientious service, intelligent application, considerate action, and high ideals are the passports to high standing, public confidence, and business success. 3-17. The Engineer as a Citizen. The failure of engineers as a class to take part in social and political activities is largely responsible for the lack of appreciation of the public at large for the engineering profession. The work of the ‘engineer is often far from the public eye, in the office and in the field. He is often away from home, and his mind is so con- centrated on his work and on his duties that he is apt to avoid the public; and he is often almost a stranger in his own town except among his personal friends, No man should become so engrossed in his business oF profession that he forgets or neglects his duties as a citizen, ‘The engineet should lend his aid and support to every beneficial public movement and should be especially active in shaping public opinion and securing propet legislative action along those lines on which he is especially informed through his professional training and activiti mi ne ig tivities, In many matters in which the engineer is best informed the public needs advice and assistance. Agitators and politicians frequently encourage for their own ends Popular prejudice for or against government action along ‘lines with which the engineer is familiar or of which, through his training in the analysis of conditions and the determination of facts, he is best fitted t judge. The public is largely ignorant of the true principles underlying. Scanned with CamScannerThe Engineer at Work 53 conservation, inland waterways, ‘preparedness, public improvements, sanitation, municipal ownership, and many other questions with which the engineer is or may easily become familiar. With many of these sub- jects, unless there is an enlightened public opinion, the public through its legislators or members of Congress, is liable to deal unwisely and un- justly. It is a duty of the engineer as a citizen to give the public the benefit of his training and practical experience in these various'matters * on which he is particularly able to render valuable service. Efficient and effective service in such matters will not only be of bene- fit to the public but will be of great value to the individual and enhance the reputation of the profession in the minds of the people. 3.18. Types of Engineering Work. Engineering is a broad field and covers many types of activities. These activities may be divided into seven general classes, namely, administration, planning and design, sales and consulting, construction and installation, production and operation, research and development, and teaching. Administration. About 30 per cent of all engineers rise to suy positions where they direct the work of other people. Of all the indus- trial executives about 40 per cent are engineers. In these positions the engineer deals more with human problems and business decisions than with highly technical operations. These men usually earn the highest salaries and have maximum responsibilities. In both general and technical management capacities, engineers find that their education helps them cultivate the’ analytical and creative approach. Planning and Design. In this highly technical function the engineer creates machines, structures, electric and water-supply systems, transpor- tation and communication systems, and many other useful objects’ or services. For instance, he or his superior may have observed some practi- cal need, such as lack of water or power supply, or a costly operation in a manufacturing process that can be improved. With his knowledge of scientific principles and properties of materials the engineer draws up plans‘and specifications for a machine or system to satisfy such a need. In doing this he keeps careful watch on the costs involved, those to build the machine or system and those to operate and maintain it. This total cost must make the new-machine or sérvice.a profitable venture for who- ever buys it. i Beas About 20 per cent of all engineers are engaged in this form of activity, Sales and Consulting. In the industrial field all sorts of equipment are available to do specific jobs. Firms supplying such equipment need engineers to sell their products, often to planning engiricers who are the customers. Sales engineers must exercise their knowledge in knowing just what the customer needs and recommending the machines that will Scanned with CamScanner34 Contracts, Specifications, and Engineering Relations | je ition, they must have the faculty of know do the ob roan. In ain ny can sll thei I how to get along wit of products. oc a it t hi much the same traits ds sales engineers must havo pretty 7m 2 eee ay Consulting .. ee Eee engineers. They differ in that in: ol g proc d eave and experience to clients who need engineering projects planned, ised, and executed. : “About 4 por cent of all engineers work as salesmen, while over 5 per cent work as consulting engineers either independently or for consulting firms. . Construction and Installation, After a structure, machine, or system is designed, construction or installation engineers take the plans and specifications and tum them into reality. ; ise purchase of materials and organization of con- They must supervis struction or installation crews. They issue and follow up orders on when and how the work is to be done. About 7 per cent of all engineers work in this activity. Production and Operation. Factories to make an immense variety of goods, generating stations to produce electricity, communication systems, and transportation systems all need to be directed by men who fully understand their technical details. In this capacity the engineer organizes’ operating crews and materials for running his plant or system. He con- timaously studies the performance of his project and looks for ways of re- ducing costs and improving the service or product. About 7 per cent of all engineers function in this capacity. Research and Development. Civilization advances by the discovery of new knowledge. This activity uncovers new scientific principles or a better understanding of known phenomena, Development of this new Knowledge by experimentation often results in creating new apparatus or machines of practical benefit. Development precedes design, About 18 per cent of engineers work in this activity, Teaching. To train young men and women for the profession a staff of engineering ete must be available. Such engineers, in addition, often engage in research or consulting activiti 3 E enti oogne Soe ake § activities. Less than 3 per cent of engi- \ REVIEW AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, 1. What of the technical train a ybtain ince of cngincering college suadica’ Of % engineer can be obtained by is téchnical training fc je fe ceil ec aining for an engineer by on-the-job experience only 8. What factors related to the work and work iio: i ginoer investigate when considering a change Of jebeg onsnoms SHOU an em Scanned with CamScannerThe Engineer at Work 55 4, What factors other than working conditions should an engineer investi- gate when considering a change of jobs? 5. What part does sell-analyats of one’s aims and ambitions play in consider- ing job offers? 6. Why is it that a given job may be unsatisfactory for one individual and close to ideal for some other individual? 7, Outline a procedure for locating a job opening aud obtaining a job offer. 8. Why is the first job always a very important one? 9. What course of action should an engineer take when he feels that a job on which he has just started is totally ‘uninteresting? 10. At what time is it desirable to change jobs? 11. Discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of “field” work as compared with “office” work. 12. What are the advantages and disadvantages of an engineer's setting him- self up as a consulting engineer within a short time after his graduation from engineering college? 13, What special obligations does being in a fiduciary position place on an engineer? 14. What are some of the obligations as a citizen which one has because of having had engineering training? 15. List and discuss some of the professional fields in which engineers work. Scanned with CamScanner