Innovation has always shaped the world, but the formal profession of engineering is relatively young. People didn’t begin calling themselves engineers until the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s. Since then, the role of engineers—and how society views them—has evolved dramatically.
Engineering is all about solving problems and embracing change. But some outdated ideas from the past have stuck around—like the false belief that women can’t be engineers, or that engineers have to look, act, or dress a certain way. These stereotypes, even when unspoken, can make people feel like they don’t belong.
Changing these perceptions takes more than individual effort—it requires intentional action from companies and organizations. In this section, members of our engineering community share their ideas about what needs to change, and what workplaces can do to become more welcoming, inclusive, and innovative for everyone.
If you're considering a future in engineering, pay attention to how companies support the people who work for them. It can tell you a lot about whether that workplace will support you.