Transients and trends

Engineering is topped only by medicine in terms of public esteem according to a recent Gallup survey as reported by the National Society of Professional Engineers. But there is widespread lack of understanding as to what engineers actually do. Respondents in the Gallup sampling were handed a card listing nine professions and asked which one they would recommend first to a young man who asked for advice, assuming he was qualified to enter any of the professions. A total of 33 percent said doctor, 18 percent said engineer, and 11 percent said scientist. Next in order by percentage were lawyer, 7; clergyman, 7; dentist, 5; professor, 4; government administrator, 3; and banker, 2 (8 percent did not choose; 2 percent selected other professions). Those who chose engineering gave these reasons for their choice: best future, diversity of opportunity, good income, and engineers are needed.