Career‐Guidance Programs: Needs and Activities of ASCE Sections/Branches

Abstract

In April 1991, ASCE adopted a policy statement encouraging career-guidance activities among its members. It was perceived by the Society that programs are needed that describe the challenges and rewards of a civil engineering career to prospective engineering students. In addition, activities that encourage and promote the study of mathematics and science at all levels are believed to be required. Recently, ASCE has been quite active in developing career-guidance information. Numerous sections and branches are also involved in career-guidance activities. Comprehensive programs have been developed, which include middle- and high-school visitations, involvement with career days, development of slides and videos showing local projects, and participation in various elementary-school/community-college activities. It was found that students are not only interested in specific engineering job characteristics. Questions often asked include salary, benefits, working conditions, engineering lifestyle, and interference with home life. The education of high-school teachers concerning civil engineering was also determined to be an important aspect and benefit of career-guidance programs.