Despite embarking on my career just three years ago, I'm already beginning to feel that people's perceptions of the role of engineers is somewhat inaccurate. We are often viewed as those people who fix rather than design things. When asked for my occupation I reply "structural engineer", and this is often met with: "So you're like an architect then?" That may not reflect everyone's view, but it illustrates why engineers often feel they don't receive sufficient recognition for their job. Last year, a study by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering and Technology Board concluded that the reason for this lack of awareness was partly owing to the misuse of the term "engineering" to describe a variety of trades. The term originated in the 13th century, from the Latin word "ingenium", which means "innate skill or talent". This is part of the reason we are proud to be engineers. The lack of public recognition for the work we do is understandable, as much of it is hidden behind facades. However, when similar levels of ignorance are shown by those within our industry it's more annoying.
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