Engineering is
Everywhere
David T. Bowker
Purdue College of Engineering
What Do Engineers Do?
Builds/constructs/makes things
Designs/draws/plans
Mechanic/mechanical work
Train operator
Creates/is creative
Mathematics/physics
Develops new technologies
Application of technology
Equipment maintenance repair
Works with computers
2003
38%
1998
26%
19%
9%
7%
27%
2%
5%
3%
3%
3%
2%
3%
2%
-
2%
2%
-
Source: Harris Poll, December 2003
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Contributing to Society
Engineers Scientists
Make strong leaders
56%
32%
Care about the community
37%
51%
Sensitive to societal
concerns
28%
61%
Save lives
14%
82%
Source: Harris Poll, December 2003
•Be creative
•Be a leader
•Design material devices that save lives
•Feed the world
•Live on Mars
•Protect the environment
•Never stop learning
•Be challenged
•Provide a safe water supply
•Be bold
•Provide affordable healthcare
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Engineering is…
…the application of creativity
and teamwork using Math
and science principles as
tools to solve problems
OR
…creating things that
will benefit society
Purdue University
College of Engineering
“Engineers have a hand in
designing, creating, or
modifying nearly everything
we touch, wear, eat, see, and
hear in our daily lives.”
- American Society of Engineering Education
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Engineering is everywhere
Everyone knows things like….
Purdue University
College of Engineering
But other engineering innovations include…
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Purdue University
College of Engineering
Safe drinking water
Microwave ovens
Baseball bats
Hershey Hugs
Seat belts and air bags
Elevators
Movie Special Effects
Cell phones
Heart Pacemakers
CD’s, VCR’s, and DVD’s
Instant Messaging
Skyscrapers
Facial recognition devices
Rollercoasters
and much, much more!
IN
Purdue University
College of Engineering
NO
VA
TI
VE
Engineers are…
850 books
(2/3 of a ton)
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Engineers are…
CR
Purdue University
College of Engineering
e aT
i
V
e
Engineers are…
How are these the same?
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Top 10 Engineering Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical/Creative Thinking

Design-Oriented

Communication-written & oral

Adapt to change
Top 10 Engineering Skills

Learn to learn

Global perspective/cultural awareness

Project management

Political/Social Sensitivity

Ability to work in diverse team settings
Purdue University
College of Engineering

Men and Women from every culture in the world
People who like a challenge and
to build, break, and design things

Trusted for having good
judgment & making sound
decisions

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Strong in math & science

Resourceful

Purdue University
College of Engineering
Able to express their ideas
Engineers are…
Fields of Engineering
Civil
Mining
Electrical
Mechanical
Petroleum
Computer
Aerospace
Materials
Agricultural
Industrial
Biological
Chemical
Construction
Biomedical
Geomatic
Nuclear
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Engineering Functions
Research
Manufacturing and
Construction
Development
Operations and
Testing
Maintenance
Design
Technical Support
Analysis
Customer Support
Systems
Sales
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Finance
Management
Law
Medicine
Business
Education
Leadership

17% of the Fortune 500 CEO’s have a
business degree.
of the Fortune 500 CEO’s have
an engineering degree and 22% of
the Fortune 200 CEO’s.
 Patent law requires a degree in
Engineering or science
 20%
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Why we NEED more Engineers
Aging
engineering workforce
Fewer students choosing engineering
Global competition
Integration of technology into all of
society
Diversity = Innovation
-
BS Engineering Degrees
2005 Engineering Degrees by Ethnicity & Gender
Women
19.6%
African American
6.5%
Hispanic
5.4%
Native American
.
.05%
African Americans, Latinos
and Native Americans comprise
30% of college-age people,
and 25% of the U.S. workforce
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Source: ASEE PRISM, September 2004
Let’s talk about Engineering
High School Girls
•Enjoying what I do
•Good working environment
•Making a difference
•Good income
•Flexibility
Engineering Community
• It’s a challenge
• Go for it! It’s difficult, but rewarding
• Use math and science to solve problems
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Average starting salaries at
Purdue university 2008
Aerospace
Chemical
Civil
Computer
Electrical
Industrial
Materials
Mechanical
Purdue University
College of Engineering
$55,772
$66,311
$53,231
$62,940
58,896
$57,519
$58,325
$60,000
High School Preparation
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Pre-calculus or calculus
Chemistry
Physics
Writing, Communication
Computer - programming, drafting,
general
Honors & advance placement
This gives you career choices!!
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Contact us
at
Office Phone: (765) 494-3975
Email: dbowker@purdue.edu
Purdue University
College of Engineering
For more information:
www.purdue.edu
www.eweek.org
www.engineeringk12.org
www.discoverengineering.org
www.jets.org
Purdue University
College of Engineering