Innovation—Engineering a Better Engineer for Today’s Workforce

Abstract

The typical engineer coming out of today’s university programs does not have all of the skills required to create innovative solutions for the public. Further, the demographic of practicing and graduating engineers is lacking in diversity, especially with respect to women and minorities. Lack of diversity and innovation in the field hold back engineering professionals from reaching their greatest potential. In order for the engineering profession to remain relevant in the future, engineers must recognize the need to resolve these issues. Some potential solutions are discussed, including taking steps to change the engineering profession’s demographic to reflect the public demographic, improving the way engineers communicate their accomplishments to the public, studying why high school students do not choose to pursue engineering in college, and studying retention of women and diversity in the profession.