NSPE’s manager of government relations and advocacy examines the licensure issues the Society believes will be the most active, the ones NSPE will focus on, and ways that members can get involved. »

“What are you most grateful for in your professional life from the past year?” We asked an assortment of PEs and others who contribute to the profession and got a wide range of replies. »

Engineers are humans.
Humans make mistakes.
It’s what you do with your mistakes that counts. »

The Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam is an important part of ensuring the competency of professional engineers sworn to protect the public. But it hasn't always looked the same. The administration, format, and content of the various PE exams have changed over the years. PE looks behind the curtain at past and current transitions. »

Ethical practice is vital for ensuring the public trust in engineering and in its practitioners. To teach professional ethics, some organizations use case-based reasoning, but there is still much to be understood about how professionals learn ethics this way. So, how can professionals ensure that solving ethical dilemmas at work will become second nature? »

The licensing and certification of professions and occupations are under increasing scrutiny, as legislators and regulators aim to remove barriers to the free flow of workers. Are the profession’s own longtime challenges, such as communicating the unique role of PE licensure in protecting the public, making the fight against threatening bills and regulations more difficult? »

The use of drones is becoming more common, with the technology contributing to construction inspections, mapping, and other tasks. Recent easing of user requirements and reduced costs have sped this process. But the unmanned air space is still a “wild west” of sorts. Safely incorporating drones into the national airspace has become a leading issue for government and individuals involved in facilities design and construction, such as professional engineers. »

The legal intricacies of engineering practice can be challenging. NSPE’s deputy executive director and legal counsel covers the basics in three commonly asked-about areas: document retention, agreements between owners and engineers, and liability laws. »

Internship and co-op programs can not only help young engineers lay the groundwork for securing full-time positions, but they can also be indispensable tools for organizations to cultivate talent and increase retention rates in a competitive environment. »

For students and young engineers, career advice comes from all angles. Some of that advice may be right on target and helpful. But misconceptions about the PE license can lead to decisions that are later regretted. »

Professional engineers often have a rare combination of leadership talent, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of the technical matters that are such a big part of living in modern society. These attributes often shine at the office, but do PEs have a responsibility to also put them to use in their communities? »

Solving the mysteries of cancer requires the work of many experts, and engineers are among those contributing. Innovative engineers and professional engineers in a wide range of engineering disciplines are lending their know-how to a multidisciplinary offensive to stop cancer in its tracks. »