Oh my! I think you’re right! Though I am not an IT professional I am an engineer of some 40 years. What one person said, if you are really an engineer you have the training in math, physics, chemistry, materials, thermodynamics, electricity, fluid flow, statics and dynamics and economics to eventually solve problems outside your field of expertise.
Engineering is the application of physical principles to economic means. Our study is often long on the physical principles part and short on the economic means.
My view after all these years is that engineers need more of two things added to the curriculum though it would make the program at least one or two semesters longer.... to which I say, tough. You can always ditch the humanities junk and save 6 to 9 hours. Frankly, the only thing I remember about my humanities classes is that there were girls in them! Add some business, finance and economics classes then require them to all enlist, preferably in the Marines, to develop leadership skills which first includes learning how to follow and take direction.
If I were to advise a youngster what discipline of engineering to study I believe it would be Mechanical with some electives in Civil and Electrical even if you only audit the course since so many have prerequisites. Study is costly but I believe we miss opportunities for study without credit. My undergraduate study even included things like agricultural economics... all about trading, commodities and futures. I believe engineers live in silos and need to look outward of the discipline for learning and understanding.
There are lots of engineering schools in the world that have the name only. Sadly, even janitors are sometimes referred to as engineers and like so many we see from some schools have the title without the credentials.
My hat is off to you for a 40 year career as an engineer. Your insight is enlightening.
Amen brother. I almost had it out with my Humanities professor. It was my attitude of course. But at the time I realized the University/College system is gamed. What the heck does an engineer major need Humanities for? Oh, to give some loser a Doctorate and tenure, oops, es-cuuuuuse me.
There are two skills/characteristics that are always in short supply: Leadership and people skills. Of course work ethic helps too. And can I get an engineer that can write a coherent and legible report?