[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: software engineer? -- Engineering Technologist/Technician

[Bryan J. Smith]

[ Last post, I promise ]

On Sat, 2004-07-31 at 09:27, Rev. wRy wrote:
> Then why attach it as a sig?

I didn't.  I only did it for that post only.

There is a reason I don't put my certs in my sig.
I want people to base my views on their merits, not credentials.

[ SIDE NOTE:  I have also removed the "E.I." from my sig now too ]

> Think about it.
> Perhaps it's a messenger thing, not the message.

I do _not_ represent the IEEE, it is an _alias_.
Many large organizations offer similar services.


Jim Adams wrote:  
> Granted we all share different views on things, that's what makes
> this list interesting.

Agreed.

> But arguing whether a software person is an engineer or not in my
> opinion is a bit "nit picky".

Agreed, from an "informal" or "internal-only" standpoint.
I'm 100% totally open to someone calling themselves an "engineer."
If anything it is just short for the "anal title" of "engineering
technologist" or "engineering technician."

Getting back to the _original_ poster(s), if you stick your tongue out
at the BoPEs and go "I'm an engineer dammit because I build networks,
computers, etc... and you build bridges" is not only taunting them, but
it's an insult to those of us who have studied electrical and/or
computer engineering.

[ And make it more difficult for us to actually prove to them that there
_are_real_ engineers who study and practice engineering as a discipline
in the software field. ]

Because when representing yourself in a "consulting" or "public trust"
matter, you have to be careful.  That's all I'm saying.

I further made the point that many people do not understand all the
details of what the "public trust" means when it comes to the title
"engineer" -- largely because they haven't had all the exposure it
entitles.

Construction workers don't think they need land surveyors or civil
engineers because they _can_ run transits, grounstations and levels.

Same deal with many IT professionals and developers.

Just because people have dilluted what that term "engineer" entitles in
recent years doesn't mean it doesn't carry as much weight as a doctor or
lawyer.  I'm not being anal, it's for the "public trust."

Until then, we'll have scares like Ohio's FirstEnergy.  It's time the
damn BoPEs "get off their duff" and recognize that for public safety,
software engineering _needs_ licensed PEs and a practium for it.


-- 
Engineers scoff at me because I have IT certifications
 IT Pros scoff at me because I am a degreed engineer
    I see and understand both of their viewpoints
  Unfortunately Engineers and IT Pros only see in me
       what they dislike about the other trade
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Bryan J. Smith                      b.j.smith at ieee.org