Is engineering a profession?

IN DISCUSSING the question — is engineering a profession? — it is logical to begin by defining what we mean by a “profession.” If we have a common understanding as to what a “profession” is, we may then be able to ascertain whether or not our particular calling is or could become a “profession.” In the process we should obtain a clearer conception of what it means to belong to a profession in terms not only of the privileges and rewards, but in terms of the obligations as well.