Are engineers respected professionals in the same way lawyers and doctors are?

[Anonymous]

Yes they are

No they’re not

[rigmarole]

Most people don't like lawyers all that much. After COVID a lot of people don't like doctors either. An engineer is a pretty neutral profession unless you tell them you work for a defense contractor or something like that. Then the anti-war/anti-gun crowd will see you as a merchant of death.

[AviatorTom]

Overall, yes. I've been an engineer all my career, and I've been always treated very professionally and respected. There have been some situations where engineers have not been appreciated, usually stirred up by the media when something bad happens , like a bridge or building collapse.

[wolfcat87]

The average person may not even really know what an engineer is, but anyone who does respects them as much. It takes a high IQ to be a good engineer. I adore them far more than doctors and lawyers when it comes to dating and family <3 They are more humble and have much better personalities.

[bededazzle]

I think so, but in some countries, I think a lot in Latin America, engineering is more prevalent in terms of sustainable living. Also there are many more female engineers here. It is simply more sought after and in some ways meaningful, and yes, I believe more respected.

[slatyb]

I don't think the general population views engineers in quite the same way as they view doctors and lawyers, but in many ways it's more difficult than either. Top software developers are paid quite well, more than many attorneys.

[Asker]

Doctors undergo years of extensive training and work long hours though. And it’s competitive to go to med school. Whereas any idiot can become an engineer.

[Asker]

Attorneys also hard to become.

[slatyb]

It's not hard to graduate law school. Engineering requires some math. If anyone could do it, FAANG companies wouldn't be paying new graduates $150K.

[BCA6010]

I have absolutely no inherent respect for people just because of the job or degree (s) they hold. There are plenty of scumbags everywhere, and respect has to be earned.

[exitseven]

Npo but they should be, It is harder to be an engineer than it is to be a lawyer.

[Asker]

But anyone can become an engineer.

[exitseven]

No, you have to be really smart. All that math is crazy. Law school is easier. I know very mediocre people who have become attorneys. I never met a dumb engineer.

[Asker]

Medicine has to be harder surely.

[exitseven]

Medicine is maybe harder than being an engineer. The quantity of stuff you need to know is a lot more.

[AviatorTom]

@Asker. Not anyone can become an engineer. In addition to being smart (like @exitseven says), there's a lot of responsibility that goes with engineering. Most engineering disciplines affect peoples' lives directly, and bad things can happen if things aren't done properly. In addition, Professional Engineers require comprehensive experience and certification.

[AviatorTom]

@exitseven Agreed. If a defense lawyer loses a case, their client goes to jail or pays a fine. If an engineer messes up a design. like the strength in a pedestrian bridge, people die.

[Asker]

@AviatorTom but it’s not the same as a doctor surely. Are you an engineer?

[JacobJordan]

more so. doctors and lawyers are professional liars. engineers are blunt, honest, direct, if something is wrong they tell you.

[NathanDavis]

NASA engineers, are...

[Jersey2]

Nah, its all outsourced to companies like SpaceX and others. I saw a NASA engineer on a game show and she was an embarrassment as she lacked knowledge even in building a simple boat on the show. She was clearly a diversity hire which many are and it hampers their ability to do the real work there anymore.

[NathanDavis]

@Jersey2 they're still engineers... working with/for NASA

I am sure you know what I meant... all of those who REALLY made it possible for the Webb to work as it does, today

[Jersey2]

I've just lost so much respect for NASA’s ability to get things done. To me, they aren’t what they were but I din’t know much about how Webb was developed, deployed and managed.

[NathanDavis]

@Jersey2 on this, I agree 1000%

it seems like they went from exploring onto space... to, marketing and profiting air and space, but oh well... "progress"

if interested, there's few documentaries/YouTube videos that go into some of the details about the Webb telescope... specially the solar winds shield, an impressive feat in so many ways

[Redstang88]

People respect lawyers? News to me

[Avicenna]

Absolutely

[Asker]

Are you an engineer?

[Avicenna]

No, but I used to be a telecom technician and have worked with numerous engineers

[Avicenna]

Why did you ask this question anonymously?

[ThrillSeeker01]

Yes I think so.

[Anonymous]

And what about CPA accountants?

[FenixG45]

Depends