Is Engineering a Profession?

Lawyers get respect?

I think they are more feared than respected.

I think it's more despised than feared.

What other "profession" makes obscene amounts of money by dealing in other people's misery?

I don't practice engineering any more. I work for a non-profit organization. But, I still consider myself a professional.

There was a sustained period of time when most engineering types were scorned by 'Hollywood' as socially inept and uncool. 'Nerd' and 'geek' used to be derisive terms for anyone in that profession. Only a few - astronauts (who were typically engineers) for example - were 'cool'. But a lot of that has changed over the past decade. Before, on TV you often saw doctor and lawyer shows but you seldom saw a show about science or technology, aside from PBS' Nova. But now there is a lot of programming that is pro-technology, and guys like The Mythbusters have become almost heroic and have made it ok, even cool, to be a geek or nerd. -- So I think that aspect has changed a lot.

The extra years of college needed to become a lawyer or doctor place those professions a half-step above other professions like engineering, accounting, teaching, etc., that only require a bachelors degree. And for practical reasons there are licensing boards needed to maintain standards of practice in doctoring and lawyering, which are not as important in much of engineering (though I'd like to be sure every bridge I drive over was designed by a licensed engineer).

That's just not true according to the American people....not sure where you are...

http://www.forbes.com/2006/07/28/leadership-careers-jobs-cx_tvr_0728admired.html

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/top-10-most-respected-professions_8.html

http://economy.blog.ocregister.com/2009/08/15/what-is-the-most-respected-job-in-america/15007/

They tell me that engineering is a profession, but due to a company closure and age discrimination I can no longer find employment as an engineer so for me engineering has become a hobby.

Sure it is a profession if it is performed professionally.

Recent reflection has had me wondering whether it may be a profession and a calling...like a religious ministry or monk-hood.

Meditation, abstract reckoning, self control, visions, voices in my head and enlightenment.

Ommmmm.