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                    The Image of the Engineer 
 
 
 
The image which we, as engineers, project to the public, and the  
 
image which the public has of us, should be a matter of concern  
 
to all engineers. Image affects the prestige of the profession,  
 
and in the longer term, the vitality of  engineering. It af- 
 
fects the quantity and quality of young persons that we attract  
 
as new engineers. It also relates to how we are perceived and  
 
treated by employers, and hence ultimately affects our compensa- 
 
tion and working conditions. 
 
 
 
The Executive Committee of the Rochester Section has recently  
 
begun devoting time to discussions of the engineer's image. The  
 
consensus seems to be that there is plenty of reason for concern.  
 
The question is - what can we do about it? My own feeling is that  
 
the single most effective step that could be taken would be a  
 
long term commitment by the IEEE and other engineering societies  
 
to a professionally produced public relations campaign. We can  
 
see clearly the power of the image makers in the political arena.  
 
The same combined public relations and advertising approach could  
 
work for the engineer's image. We need to recognize, however,  
 
that we need the help of professionals in the fields of advertis- 
 
ing and public relations for a campaign to succeed. This means,  
 
over the years, a multi-million dollar commitment. Can we afford  
 
this? I think we can.  
 
 
 
If you have any thoughts or suggestions, observations or criti- 
 
cism, please let us know. You can write me, or the Chairman of  
 
the Rochester Section, Edward Balsley. You are also welcome to  
 
attend any of the monthly Executive Committee meetings, held on  
 
the first Tuesday of each month, and participate in the discus- 
 
sions. The December meeting will be held at the Rochester Engi- 
 
neering Society on December 5th at 12:00 Noon. 
 
 
Jacob Z. Schanker, 65 Crandon Way, Rochester, NY 14618 
(716) 442-3909


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 Jacob Schanker - via UFGATE
 Internet: Jacob.Schanker@f206.n260.z1.fidonet.org
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