SE3 Survey Comments Reveal Wide Range of Experiences Within Structural Engineering Profession

We received numerous comments at the end of our 2016 survey. They reveal a wide range of experiences in the Structural Engineering profession. Here is a small sample of the comments we received.

"I am enormously happy with my career as a structural engineer. I had a rare, varied, and highly rewarding career in design, construction and forensic work." Male, mid-70s

"People who stay in the field (both men and women) do so for the love of it - as an avocation, not to fulfill ego or greed. This makes them, on the whole, more respectful and interested in their employees as people." Female, early-40s

"Employers would be wise to learn that engineers are not a commodity. They are the source of income and profits, to be well nourished, consistent with their talent levels." Male, late-60s

"As a mother with a professional engineering career, my experiences are better described as 'confused' and 'conflicted', rather than 'pleased' or 'dissatisfied.' Female, late-30s

'I think our industry is lagging in... compensation as scaled to education and training requirements compared to other professions." Male, mid-30s

"I was explicitly told that a promotion was delayed due to the fact that management didn't know if I was 'going to be a mother or an engineer'." Female, mid-30s

"Wish I would have spent more time with family. Felt I could not in order to succeed at career." Male, early-40s

"I felt as a female I had a very strong support network throughout my years in college. Once I started working, however, there was little to no support for females, and work-life balance in general." Female, early-30s
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"In general, I believe structural engineers offer more value than they are compensated for." Male, mid-20s