enginsoc

enormous trust in the skill and integrity of the engineers, and others, responsible. We cannot
allow ourselves for whatever reason to lower our standards.
One of the most challenging roles that comes later in a career is the choice and assessment of
potential employees. Fortunately in the case of professional engineers, universities and
colleges do a good technical job with the support of the appropriate institutions. Looking at
engineer’s qualifications and role within the appropriate institution gives an excellent insight
into skills, and this combined with experience enables judgement to be made of competence.
It is much more difficult to assess character. The key question is “Can I trust this person”
But there are many related ones. How will he or she react to pressure Will they be able to
resist the temptation to take shortcuts when under time pressure Will they attempt to cover
up mistakes or failures In my experience, however strong a candidate’s technical
qualifications, without the required character and personality they should not be offered a job.
There are some employers who do not share the lofty ethical aims of our profession. I have
met in my time situations where I considered that improper influence was being brought to
bear in a decision to award a contract. Where I felt that I could handle it, and ignore the
pressure, decision making was simplified. If the pressure seemed too great for me I had no
hesitation in referring the matter to my superiors. And if I did not have the confidence in their
ability to handle the situation with integrity then I would have started to look at the job
adverts in the press. If one cannot trust one’s employer in dealing with technology, customers
or suppliers, then one cannot trust them to deal properly with their employees.