You have spoken (loudly and clearly). I want to thank everyone for engaging on this blog and for your candid opinions on our 40 Under 40 program.
We really do welcome your feedback and value your opinions. As I've stated on many occasions, DesignNews.com is as much your community as it is ours. So in that spirit, we're changing not only the name of the program (to Rising Engineering Stars), but also the requirements for entry.
First and foremost, it was never our intention to intentionally discriminate against anyone with our 40 Under 40 program, but that's the message that was received by some of our readers. Hence, we are removing the stipulation that the engineer must be under the age of 40 to enter our "contest," and we are encouraging all to participate.
One of the key reasons for this program is to give recognition to people who often go unnoticed. It's no secret that the number of engineers coming out of US universities is diminishing. Hence, we want to do our part to give recognition to the engineering profession.
My definition of a rising engineering star is someone who is influencing or has the potential to influence the design engineering community, and/or someone who is outperforming his or her peers. If you are a "rising engineering star" in your company or you work with or know someone who fits that bill, please nominate that person using our online form.
Also, I welcome all of you to join this initiative by Shachi Nandan Kakkar which he is leading to motivate high school students and youngsters to choose engineering in college. Engineering is not considered cool and trendy by youngsters and Shachi wants to change that mindset. He would like to see USA at the forefront of technological innovation and have enough exciting jobs for our graduates.
But, he needs your support in trying to find solutions. Corporate support is welcome.
You are not just any hapless engineer. Please read this blog to find out why Shachi Nandan Kakkar feels "it's all worth it" in one of his EDN blogs and why he feels that you are cool:
I feel that sometimes the rising star competitions are limited to "rockstar" engineers and ones who lucked out on having a popular project or two. The guy who shows up to work every day, has projects on time, save money, etc never gets the recognition they deserve. How about a hapless engineer award?
Agreed, bobjengr. The medical world provides a great example of your point. Countless lives are saved every year by new diagnostic and surgical systems designed by engineers. Somehow, though, the engineers rarely get the credit for saving those lives.
bobjengr, you hit it right on the head. That's one of the key reasons why we're doing this. To bring some amount of recognitoin to people who really are changing the world, and getting very little credit for it.
One great thing provided by this"contest" is recognition of efforts expended by individuals in the engineering profession. I honestly believe that many working-blue-collar engineers receive far too little recognition and sometimes no praise for the work they accomplish. I have worked for managers who gave absolutely no "atta-boys" for good work, delivered on time and correctly implemented. They felt we were being paid and that was reward enough. Encouragement can go a long way to retaining engineering and strengthening the profession. This exercise is good for all parties.
I disagree with taking away the under 40 category. I think it's important to encourage younger engineers and designers who are often over looked--I know I was.
I would suggest adding another list: 40 over 40: Dream team mentors. Many people over 40 have quietly made a siginificant contribution to the industry. Mentorship is lost today.
When we try to submit the nomination, answering the age question comes up as a requirement, but I do not see that question when filling out the nomination.
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