Interview About Writing in Engineering

In summary, the conversation was about a college senior studying Mechanical Engineering who is currently taking an upper division writing class. They are required to interview someone in the field about writing in engineering and have a few questions. They are asking what type of writing is involved, how often it is done, to whom it is written, and how much time is spent on it. They also want to know what students should know about writing in this job and what they can practice before graduation. They discussed the impact of writing on how others perceive them and what makes writing "good" or "bad." Finally, they asked for suggestions on how to improve their writing.
  • #1
Brandon Lathrop
1
0
I am a senior in college, working on getting my bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am currently taking an upper division writing class about writing in engineering, and am required to interview someone either presently working or has worked in the field, about writing in engineering. So, I have a couple simple questions that I was hoping somebody here could answer. Any answers would be much appreciated, and thank you for your time.

  • What do you write? How often? Why? To Who? How much time do you spend writing?
  • What should students know about writing in this job? What can we practice? What should students know about writing in their profession before they graduate?
  • What effect does a person’s writing have on the way clients, customers, co-workers, bosses, etc. perceive them?
  • What makes the types of writing you do and read “good”? What makes it “bad”?
  • What do you wish the people whose writing you read would do differently?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to the PF, Brandon. :smile:

Sorry, for privacy and anti-phishing reasons, interview threads are no longer allowed at the PF. Thread needs to be closed.

PS -- check your private messages in a few minutes...
 

1. What is the importance of writing in engineering?

Writing is a crucial skill in engineering as it allows engineers to effectively communicate their ideas, designs, and findings to colleagues, clients, and the general public. Clear and concise writing is essential for proposals, reports, technical documents, and presentations, which are all integral parts of the engineering profession.

2. How does writing in engineering differ from other fields?

Writing in engineering is different from other fields in that it requires a high level of technical knowledge and precision. Engineers must be able to convey complex concepts and data accurately and effectively to a variety of audiences, including non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, engineering writing often involves the use of specialized terminology and specific formatting guidelines.

3. What are some common challenges in writing for engineering?

Some common challenges in writing for engineering include translating technical jargon into layman's terms, organizing and presenting large amounts of data, and maintaining a balance between technical detail and clarity. Engineers must also be aware of the audience they are writing for and adjust their writing style accordingly.

4. How can engineers improve their writing skills?

Engineers can improve their writing skills by practicing regularly, seeking feedback from peers and mentors, and taking courses or workshops on technical writing. It is also beneficial to read and analyze well-written engineering documents to understand the structure and language used.

5. Are there any specific writing tools or resources available for engineers?

Yes, there are several writing tools and resources available for engineers, such as style guides, templates, and software programs designed for technical writing. Additionally, many engineering organizations and societies offer resources and training on writing for the profession.

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