Media Perpetuates Stereotype of Engineering as "Boring"

I was very disappointed with the "Making It" column in the Post Magazine on Sunday, February 18. Christine Bowles, an engineer-turned-photographer was described as "bored with one job after another." It seems that the author succumbed to the stereotypes of engineers, reinforcing those stereotypes as a result.

The column made it sound as though when Bowles has a problem she runs away from jobs. But the issue is likely much more complex. Some female engineers feel dissatisfied, or "bored," with their careers because there still are barriers against integration into the work culture in many work environments. It is common for managers (not just in engineering) to have their own agendas and to keep information about what is happening at higher levels in the company from their staff. This is often a bigger disappointment to female engineers because the profession attracts highly intelligent women, such as Bowles, who expect to be able to cultivate opportunities to make an impact in their field.

It is important now more than ever that the American public begin to see engineering as a highly respected career -- as the Asian and Middle Eastern cultures have for ages. It is even more important that American managers ensure that the work is important and fulfilling for their engineers because the United States is quickly becoming a country of inferior products. I hope Bowles uses her engineering knowledge to communicate the importance of technology to the masses through her art.