Are Engineers Ready to Lead?

This article presents an overview of a discussion named ‘Decision Point Dialogues,’ which is intended to explore engineering leadership and other critical issues facing the profession. The inaugural dialogue addressed the question: ‘Will engineers be true global problem solvers?’ Using a format developed by Fred Friendly, the former president of CBS News, the seminar started with a story and a problem. Jackson challenged panelists to respond to issues involving specific people, places, and events. Richard Benson, Virginia Tech’s dean of engineering, believes the issue of retention is more complex. Benson said that half of all engineers leave the profession within five years after graduation, where some switch to medicine, law, or business and others receive promotions to management. However, some fail to maintain their skills in a profession that advances at a furious pace. Governments may direct projects to villages to buy votes rather than to meet community needs. For development to succeed, communities must have a stake in the project.