National Engineers Week was observed in February. It’s origins and purpose include: “Founded by NSPE in 1951, EWeek is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.” A point of differentiation for Pro QC is the engagement of engineers. Engineers are at the heart of the organization, including a founder whose roots are tied there. It was noted once during an interview that “engineer is not a word, but rather an identity.” And, Queen Elizabeth II herself was noted as saying “at its heart, engineering is about using science to find creative, practical solutions. It is a noble profession.” So, what makes up a “good” engineer? At Pro QC, we hire a number of inspectors, auditors, etc. to assist with projects all over the world. Common attributes we look for include: Problem-solving ability Enhanced critical thinking, creativity Detail-oriented Natural curiosity Effective communication skills A few questions we ask to assess the attributes noted above include: To know more about how an engineer approaches problems, ask them to identify which tools they would use to address a particular issue. To know more about natural curiosity, inquire about projects or hobbies outside of work. Ask for examples of what processes they have developed that have enhanced some example of engineering performance capabilities? What was the impact on the organization? To evaluate critical thinking, we ask applicants to look at a cluttered photo and find a cat. We want to see how the applicant approaches finding it. We ask what people like the most and least about engineering in general. To learn more about someone, we ask them what they get out of engineering that they don’t feel like they would get from another professional. Learn more about National Engineers Week: https://www.nspe.org/resources/partners-and-state-societies/national-engineers-week
