• Question: What do you not like about engineering?

    Asked by Lindis :) to Matthew, Neil, Paula, Pete, Philippa on 9 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Pete Symons

      Pete Symons answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      Engineering can be frustrating, often you think you have solved a problem, tested your solution and then it doesn’t work like you expected. When you don’t have deadlines etc to meet then this process can be fun but when your up against the wall and your fourth iteration of a solution that still isn’t working the pressure can get pretty intense. At the time it doesn’t seem like fun but when you eventually accomplish your goal it feels all the better for all the pain you had to endure!

    • Photo: Neil Taylor

      Neil Taylor answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      Hi Lindis!

      I would find it very hard to find something I disliked about engineering itself because it’s pretty awesome, but there are a couple realities about working as an engineer that you need to be able to manage effectively – namely budgets and deadlines! At the end of the day, you are using your engineering skill to produce something – and there will usually be an acceptable timescale and cost associated with producing it.

      The ability to deliver work that is on time and on budget is one of the hallmarks of a successful engineer.

    • Photo: Philippa Jefferis

      Philippa Jefferis answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      Hi Lindis,

      I agree with both the replies below. I would also say that one of the challenges faced is that often with engineering, if you are doing a good job then no one notices. Engineering is all about improving lives, yet often when everyone is doing a great job no one notices. They only notice when it goes wrong. I am as guilty as anyone for taking engineering for granted, I never really think how much effort goes in to ensuring clean drinking water comes out of my tap – I just expect it to happen.

Comments