[Bruce C.]

Well, let's see....... I've been an engineer now for about 36 years (BSEE, Clarkson College, 1970) and I can't say I ever felt the urge to be "glamourous." Can't say I ever had the urge to get rich, either.

I knew I wanted to be an engineer from age 12, when I had my first ham radio license and started building radios. I like being an engineer for the same reason I like hanging around my team and building robots - it's challenging, stimulating, rewarding, and fun!

As far as those engineers that move on to other fields, as was already noted, society can use doctors, lawyers and businessmen that understand the technical world. In the 80's I went back to school and earned two MBAs, in management and finance, not because I wanted to be a rich businessman, but because I thought it would make me a better engineering manager. It greatly broadened my view of the world, but I still consider myself an engineer, first and forever.

I also think the author of the article starting this thread "doesn't get it." Dean does. It ain't about glamour, it's about DOING.