…On the Future of Engineering

I am worried about the future of engineering in the United States. With more and more jobs moving offshore, an engineering degree is no longer the guarantee of a life-long career it once was. This and the H-1B visa problem, whether real or imagined, is probably the cause for low engineering enrollment in today’s universities.

If we continue to displace our engineers, no one will be left to produce the innovation that has always been the strength of the United States. Besides that, if we all have to work at the mall, McDonald’s or installing PCs, then who is going to be able to afford all of the high-tech products coming out of Asia?

I am wondering if, at 44 years old, I should be pursuing a different career path. I would consider it, but I can’t imagine what it would be.

— Guy DeRome
IEEE Member
Morgan Hill, Calif.

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…On Working Together (August 2002)

I am a new member of the IEEE and holder of 15 patents, with 100 more pending worldwide. I suggest that people take a less linear approach to inventions and work with groups and alone. Both are good for the spirit, and the competitive environment raises the level of product for all. Next time, try including yourself with others to challenge your belief system. Next take what you really know and prove to yourself you can really do it, that you have the creative talent.

Finally, one should consider that we rely upon people every day and get over the notion that we can do it alone. Outside stimulation stirs up the creative juices.

— Michael Obradovich
IEEE Member

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Your article raised some question about finding time to think about engineering meditation. I spent half of my design years working on the microwave oven at Amana Refrigeration, and the team approach was certainly used. I always thought about the first words that I heard as a new hire: “How can we get the microwave oven door to work better to reduce leakage?” These words stuck in my mind throughout my career and seemed to be a challenge for the future. The challenge resulted in a number of creative ideas. The tuned microwave door, which I designed at Amana, is in use in every microwave oven presently manufactured.

The mind can work on a problem or concept even while we are in meetings, watching TV or having a conversation. Here is what worked with me. I was shaving one morning and the idea of a tuned microwave oven door flashed into my mind. It was really a very practical idea. Why hadn’t I thought of it before? I sent a few drawings to the model shop that morning to try it out. A lot of time was needed to perfect the idea. The challenge as a new hire stuck with me for years.

I agree that the creative time and meditation are all part of what is needed in engineering design, even with the team approach. I would also add challenge. Just as the independent inventors of the 1800s and early 1900s were challenged with their ideas, let the engineer of the present era continue to use innovation to take up challenges.

— Arnold M. Bucksbaum
IEEE Senior Life Member

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