Who Do ASCE Members Work For?

Abstract

Statistics show that approximately one of every three civil engineers is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Most ASCE members (44%) are employed in private consulting firms. Another 19% have government positions. Over 10% are student members. Only 5.5% are employed by construction firms. It appears as if the ASCE membership distribution is different from the distribution of all civil engineers. For example, the ASCE membership of civil engineers from construction firms is far below the total number of civil engineers employed in that sector of the industry. One might readily conclude that existing ASCE members have unique needs. It might be further concluded that these needs may be satisfied, at least in part, by the current directions taken by ASCE. Of those civil engineers who are not members of ASCE, do they have needs that the current structure of ASCE does not satisfy? Would a change in the ASCE agenda attract these engineers? These are questions that ASCE should entertain for its long-term vitality.