We’ve all heard that engineers are socially awkward, geeky, or both. And this stereotype is reinforced by popular television shows. The truth is that engineers are not all of these things. In fact, engineers can be both introverts and extroverts.
It’s a social wallflower
Despite the fact that social media is a boon for consumer-facing companies, many engineering and construction firms are still unsure of the value of social engagement. The’social wallflower’ stereotype continues to plague B2B companies, which can ultimately hurt their lead generation efforts.
It’s a geek
There are many stereotypes about engineers. Most people associate them with burly boiler men wearing oily overalls and introverted computer geeks. But that’s not always the case. In fact, engineers can come from a wide range of backgrounds and have a variety of different interests and outlets. Increasing numbers of women are joining the STEM field and are contributing fresh perspectives and different approaches to problem solving and creativity.
Another common stereotype is that engineers are introverted social wallflowers. However, this stereotype is untrue of the majority of engineers. The stereotypical engineer has been based on popular TV shows like The Big Bang Theory and is only partly true of the field. In real life, engineers can be extroverts as well as introverts.
Despite the reputation, engineering is a highly creative profession. It requires critical thinking, creative problem solving, and a willingness to embrace change. In some ways, this can make the job seem tedious and unappealing. However, the creative and innovative nature of engineering can help make it a rewarding career choice. It also pushes the limits of technology.
It’s a nerd
There are many stereotypes surrounding engineers, and some of them are untrue. For example, engineers are stereotyped as social wallflowers, which is not always true. The stereotype, which is mostly based on television shows like The Big Bang Theory, is not true for most engineers. In reality, engineering is a wide-ranging field of study.
Another stereotype is that engineers speak like robots. However, engineers actually have social awareness. This helps them to read their audience and change their vocabulary accordingly. Thus, they will speak in everyday English with non-engineers, while ramping up their technical vocabulary when speaking with other engineers.
Women in engineering have long struggled to hold their own in a room filled with men. But there are now more confident women entering the field. These women are often willing to challenge their male counterparts and express their opinions in a way that might surprise others. Older generations would likely flatten these opinions, but women in engineering have learned to speak their mind and make their voices heard.
Another stereotype about engineers is that they can’t think of original ideas. While the reality is quite different, engineers have a core mission to increase the utility of things. They design processes and products to solve problems faster and cheaper. They use their brain power and creativity every day to solve problems.
