Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Its a pity that these companies expect so much nowadays, the people getting placements on my course are the ones who have the best academic record- but thats such a bad indication of how well they can work. Most of these guys getting high 1sts can't hold a conversation never mind work with someone, however the pressure to fill your CV just keeps increasing. Enthusiasm for both your work and life should be far more important. I've been told theres an average of one placement handed out per 90 companies written to.

As for engineering status, its a professional qualification like a (medical) Doctor so easy to define. To 'engineer' something means to design it for its purpose, not to operate it or to repair it. In Europe an engineer is called 'Engineer Homer Simpson' like a doctor would be called 'Dr Homer Simpson'. Its much more recognised and respected than over here. I often get asked if i'm corgi registered! The degree is a crucial part of it, as it teaches you all the fundamentals. I can fix a computer but wouldn't call myself qualified to do so.

The optimist - the glass is half full
The pessimist - the glass is half empty
The engineer - the glass is twice as big as it needs to be