4 ms·
> Step 2 would be the creation of an actual software engineering profession complete with the equivalent of the 'iron ring' and a pledge to go with it. Maybe th
by kogepathic 9y ago
> Step 2 would be the creation of an actual software engineering profession complete with the equivalent of the 'iron ring' and a pledge to go with it. Maybe the ring could be made of ferrite ;)
This is already possible. If you graduate with a B.Eng in Canada you can become a P.Eng with the appropriate training/certification. Many Computer/Software Engineering programs in Canada are B.Eng programs (the alternative is B.Sc though those are less common).
Software/Computer Engineers who graduate with a B.Eng are eligible to receive the iron ring, and many do decide to participate in the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer.
I think it's much less common to find a P.Eng who is a software or hardware engineer, versus say a Civil or Mechanical Engineer, but the option exists.
I'd be very surprised if Pratt & Whitney Canada didn't have a P.Eng to sign off on their turbofan control software. But Aerospace is different, because it's a highly regulated industry and people's lives can be quickly and obviously at risk due to a mistake.
- jacquesm 9y ago> But Aerospace is different, because it's a highly regulated industry and people's lives can be quickly and obviously at risk due to a mistake. Self driving vehicles and 'the Internet of Things' are in the same league.
- etimberg 9y agoI think part of the problem, especially in software, is that not having a P.Eng designation is now self fulfilling. So few people in software have one that the number of people who can get one is very small. I think the solution would be to find a way to induct an initial group to get the process kick started. The challenge is verifying the training of that initial group as one needs some way other than the current method of working for 4 years under an existing P.Eng.