Building a Stronger Profession: The Role of Public Image

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Building a Stronger ProfessionThe Role of
Public Image

• American Society of Civil Engineers
• December 2004

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Why does public image matter?

• Increases leadership opportunities for civil
  engineers
• Generates public support and funding for
  infrastructure renewal and development
• Attracts research dollars
• Inspires students to enter the profession

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Why does public image matter?

• Within ASCE, no issue has ranked higher in
  importance among members since 1990

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What is our public image?

• ASCE conducted public opinion and member research
  in late 1997
• Six focus groups in three cities
• Nationwide omnibus poll
• Member survey
• ASCE supported Harris Polls in 1998 and 2003

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Research Findings
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Public awareness of civil engineering is higher
than most ASCE members believe

• Most were familiar with civil engineer
• Most could name the leading local CE firm
• Nearly all could define infrastructure
• Some could name ASCE !

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High degree of respect

• 90 in Harris Poll would be pleased if children
  chose engineering career
• Engineers viewed as highly intelligent, solutions
  oriented, credible
• Civil engineers are considered more people
  oriented than other disciplines

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But...

• Engineers are not viewed as leaders
• Perceived as lacking the ability to balance
  public priorities rather than solely focus on
  technical considerations
• Public has little interest in learning more about
  civil engineers

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ACTION
Understanding
? Appreciation
?Awareness
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What the profession is doing...

• National Engineers Week
• Discover E
• www.discoverengi-neering.org

• Extraordinary Women Engineers Project
• Great Engineering Achievements
• AAES Council on Public Awareness of Engineering

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Extraordinary Women Engineers Project
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Extraordinary Women Engineers Project

• Coalition of 55 engineering organizations
• Mrs. Laura Bush is honorary chair
• ASCE is secretariat

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What ASCE is doing

• Infrastructure Report Card
• Media Relations
• Technical experts
• Concrete Canoe
• Security
• Promote the profession

• K-12 Outreach
• ZOOM Into Engineering
• Building Big
• West Point Bridge Design Contest
• Public Affairs
• Grants and Training

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What ASCE is doing

• Infrastructure Report Card
• Media Relations
• Technical experts
• Concrete Canoe
• Security
• Promote the profession

• K-12 Outreach
• ZOOM Into Engineering
• Building Big
• West Point Bridge Design Contest
• Public Affairs
• Grants and Training

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What ASCE is doing

• Infrastructure Report Card
• Media Relations
• Technical experts
• Concrete Canoe
• Security
• Promote the profession

• K-12 Outreach
• ZOOM Into Engineering
• Building Big
• West Point Bridge Design Contest
• Public Affairs
• Grants and Training

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New Faces of Engineering
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What ASCE is doing

• Infrastructure Report Card
• Media Relations
• Technical experts
• Concrete Canoe
• Security
• Promote the profession

• K-12 Outreach
• ZOOM Into Engineering
• Building Big
• West Point Bridge Design Contest
• Public Affairs
• Grants and Training

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ZOOM Into Engineering
Building Big
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What ASCE is doing

• Infrastructure Report Card
• Media Relations
• Technical experts
• Concrete Canoe
• Security
• Promote the profession

• K-12 Outreach
• ZOOM Into Engineering
• Building Big
• West Point Bridge Design Contest
• Public Affairs
• Grants and Training

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Government Relations
101 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC
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What you can do...

• K-12 outreach
• Public policy involvement
• Public service