Occupational Socialisation - a New Model of the Engineer’s Formation

1 Norrie S. Edward, The Robert Gordon University, School of Engineering, Aberdeen, [email protected] 2 June C. R.Middleton, The Robert Gordon University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Aberdeen, [email protected] Abstract -We explore the formation of the engineer from school pupil selecting engineering as a career path to practising professional by drawing on survey evidence from undergraduates and recent Scottish graduates. It is not a smooth progression but a series of rather ill matched offices. The individual experiences dissonance in adjusting his selfconception to meet the demands of the environment and in revising his model of the profession. Some do not adjust and are lost to the profession. The entrant’s naïve concept of engineering is predicated on a public image of an essentially practical occupation. The university portrays the professional dealing with theoretical models and imposes on them the “grade culture”. Students attracted to practical work or unable to cope with assessment drop out. After graduation adjustment to employment brings further dissonance. Rather than highly theoretical modelling most deal with more “fuzzy” problem solving where “soft skills” dominate. Most make this adjustment but it disturbs their individual self-image. We propose that the engineer’s formation requires the novitiate to make several radical adjustments to their self-image. A significant minority does not survive.