Fall 2020

Communities: Government
Why NSPE Membership Matters to Me

BY LAWRENCE J. O’CONNOR, P.E., L.S., F.NSPE

Way back in engineering school, I joined ASCE.

In 1991, after 20 years as a “mailbox member” of ASCE, I decided to join NSPE.

NSPE’s main job is the support of licensure for engineers. Through licensure, states can assure that the Engineer’s Code of Ethics has practical meaning.

NSPE is a professional society, ASCE is a technical society. Both technical and professional societies fill important roles. However, by 1994, I had three children in private colleges, and I had to look hard at expenses.

I dropped out of most associations, but I stayed with NSPE. Why?

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers—one of the four organizations that came together to form the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1934—was the organization fighting for the engineer in government. NSPE offered the opportunity to apply strength at the point of need.

From my perspective, working inside state government, the profession was a force for rational decision-making. NSPE offered a way to defend the engineer’s role in public sector decision-making.

My conviction was, and is, that if decisions are based on sound data and competent analysis, if engineers are allowed to make engineering decisions, our society will be less political and more civil.

That was my cause; that was why I stayed with NSPE.

Over time I realized there were several other reasons for being an active member.

Fellowship: Working with NSPE broadened my world and introduced me to many wonderful professionals. The contacts I make at NSPE enrich my personal and professional life.

Service in support of the noblest of professions: Our profession has key roles in

• Securing the health, safety, and welfare of the people;
• Assuring the sustainability of projects and processes; and
• Conserving our home, Spaceship Earth.

To honor the creators of civilization: The rule of law creates the possibility of civilization. It is the work of engineers, however, to create the practical realities that make a civilization. Without engineers, there is no civilization.

Mentorship: Professionals give back. Devoting time and treasure for the betterment of the profession and mentoring young entrants is a hallmark of any profession.

Recognition: Those who selflessly give, inevitably receive. With the ups and downs of the business cycle, I’ve been laid off six times in my life. I’ve never been out of work for long. And, with each change, I’ve gotten a better salary. Professional licensure provides recognition, making skills more portable. The PE license was the main reason I could find new opportunities quickly.

My recommendation to the younger engineer? Be active in NSPE and give back to the profession. True professionals pass it forward.

NSPE member Lawrence J. O’Connor, P.E., L.S., F.NSPE, has over 40 years of experience as an engineer, surveyor, and manager serving in industry, consulting, and in state and local governments. Over the past 10 years his credentials have brought him work in the world of accreditation in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa as well as the US and Canada. This article is based on his speech to the NSPE House of Delegates in August.