Contents

Acknowledgments

Author

Preface: What’s This Book About?

PART I Basics

Letter 1 What’s an Engineer?

Letter 2 The Different Types of Engineers

Letter 3 A Brief History of How Engineers Built Civilization

PART II Preparation

Letter 4 To BE or Not to BE: Studying Engineering in University

Letter 5 Why (and Why Not) to Get a Master’s or Doctorate in Engineering

Letter 6 Professional Engineering Status: Societies, Certifications, Designations

PART III Principles

Letter 7 The Science of Engineering

Letter 8 The Art of Engineering

Letter 9 The Business of Engineering

Letter 10 The Ethics of Engineering

Letter 11 The Personal Traits of an Engineer

PART IV Workforce

Letter 12 Where Do Engineers Work? University, Industry, Government

Letter 13 Start Your Engineering Career: How to Get a Good Job

Letter 14 Keep Your Engineering Career: How to Make Your Boss Happy

Letter 15 Advance Your Engineering Career: How to Climb Ladders and Cross Bridges

Letter 16 Personal Organization Skills for Engineers: The “Clompass” Strategy

Letter 17 Communication Skills for Engineers: Speaking and Writing

Letter 18 Leadership Skills for Engineers: How to Lead Others Effectively

Letter 19 From Screws to Space Stations: All Engineering is Important

Letter 20 Have an Engineer’s Eye: Watching for Future Technologies

Letter 21 Protect Your Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyrights, and More

PART V Aftermath

Letter 22 Engineering Your Retirement

Bibliography

Index