At this time of year, I typically reflect upon the highlights of the last year and think about what the current year may bring. I hesitate to put in writing what I think may happen in 2025. With the current administration’s massive—often seemingly random—funding cuts, it’s difficult to look to the future with any certainty. But I will reflect on some projects and changes that happened in 2024. The following are some headlines that could describe what I witnessed:
The AI revolution is turning science fiction into science fact. I attended a Lifelong Learning session (a series of opportunities to listen to Valparaiso University professors discuss their recent research topics) on AI. I came away less afraid than I was, and I’m confident this will become another tool in our arsenal.
The space race is alive and well, and the United States isn’t the only major player. Japan, China, India and the European Union all are participating. Much is being learned, but some may be using space as a new means of intimidation.
The climate continues to heat up. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Earth’s average land and ocean surface temperature in 2024 was 2.32 degrees Fahrenheit (1.29 degrees Celsius) above the 20th-century average—the highest global temperature among all years in NOAA’s 1850-2024 climate record.
Finding civil engineering talent remains a huge issue. There are many factors, including specialized skills, work-life balance and the fact that there just aren’t as many people available to fill the demand.
Wars. Obviously, international conflicts create a need for engineers to rebuild damaged facilities. Of course, we have enough to do to better our world without this needless destruction. And with our recent administration change, will the United States be a willing part of the international rebuilding?
A Student Poll
As I mentioned earlier, I’m not confident in predicting what may come this year or the next few, so I asked some experts I know at Purdue University: sophomore civil engineering students. If I remember correctly, I was sure I knew what the future would bring when I was that age. So here are their answers, opinions and predictions:
First question: “What do you think you will be doing immediately after graduation? (Type of job, time off, etc.)”
• Working full time for either a structural engineering firm or construction company.
• Either grad school or work right away, undecided at the moment.
• I hope to have a few months off to myself so I can travel around the world before I start working full time in September as an engineer for a large company.
• Work in transportation engineering as a designer at a civil engineering firm.
Second question: “What do you think you will be doing a few years after graduation?”
• I hope to be working for an energy company where I’ll be working on building energy infrastructure. Preferably clean energy infrastructure such as nuclear energy or carbon capture.
• Hopefully work my way to a leadership position at the company I work at, travel, start a family.
• Keep on working, get P.E., start a family.
• Getting P.E. license at earliest possible, then opening my own firm.
Third question: “Do you have positive, negative or scared feelings about the future?”
• Very positive.
• Definitely scared, hoping all works out.
• Scared that I will not enjoy the work I do or the place I must live for work.
• Positive. I think the job security for transportation engineers is pretty high; roads will always need to be worked on.
Fourth question: “Do you have any big concerns?”
• How AI will be incorporated into the profession and how much the demand for civil engineers will grow but not the production of civil engineers.
• Not getting a job, not passing classes.
• If I’ll be happy in my future job and if it’s really what I want to do for the rest of my life.
• Climate change and its effect on sustainable materials or rising sea levels, how AI will be integrated into the workplace.
While some of these answers may be expected, it’s clear even sophomore engineering students are looking ahead. I was glad to see that AI, climate issues and the job market are three of the concerns I pointed out (before I received their answers). I applaud them and their professors for bringing awareness to these topics. I also note the range of answers to the third question from very positive to positive to scared to definitely scared.
It’s important to hear what engineering students think about the future. In these changing times, perhaps more so than the last decade or so, we all need to consider how we will move forward and help enable our engineering students
to become adaptable and successful.
About Robert Schickel
Robert Schickel was born in New Jersey and received his BS in Civil Engineering degree in 1971 from Valparaiso University in Indiana. His career started as a bridge design engineer and expanded to include design of various transportation facilities, including highways, bridges, rail lines and stations, and airport runways. Mr. Schickel managed engineering offices ranging from 20 to 140 people. He also served as a consultant to a large utility company.
Mr. Schickel currently resides in Indiana and serves as Adjunct Professor for the College of Engineering at Valparaiso University. He enjoys his retired life at his lake house, playing golf, listening to music and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
The post From The Editor: What I Have Seen and What Concerns Engineering Students first appeared on Informed Infrastructure.