The third week in February (Feb. 16-22) will be National Engineers Week, a celebration of engineering started by the National Society of Professional Engineers back in 1951. NSPE timed the week to coincide with founding father George Washington’s birthday. Based mainly on his surveying work, Washington is considered by some to be the first U. S. engineer.
There are no paid holidays for engineers during this week, no traditional meals or parades, and I have never seen anyone wearing a “Kiss me. I’m an Engineer!” button during past celebrations. Instead, it’s a week for heralding the contributions engineers have made to society, highlighting how engineers make a difference in the world, and bringing engineering to life for school children, educators, and parents.
There are plenty of scheduled events at local museums and science centers, including Girl’s Day (encouraging women to consider the engineering profession), and awards programs for educators, young engineers, and engineers working for the federal government.
For more information on programs and events scheduled for Engineers Week, check out the website of DiscoverE (www.discovere.org).
DiscoverE was originally called the National Engineers Week Foundation, but it renamed itself recently. According to the group’s executive director, Leslie Collins, “The name DiscoverE captures the potential, promise and possibilities of engineering. It perfectly articulates who we are today.”
And if you’ve forgotten why you love the engineering profession, here are 10 reasons that should remind you, courtesy of DiscoverE.
• Love your work, and live your life, too.
• Be creative.
• Work with great people.
• Solve problems, design things that matter.
• Never be bored.
• Earn a big salary.
• Enjoy job flexibility.
• Travel.
• Make a difference.
• Change the world.
Let us know how your Engineers Week went and if you uncovered any additional reason to love the engineering profession.