Automation’s Image
Others have said it, and I agree. We—automation professionals or even engineers in general—need the help of Hollywood to enhance our image. Most movies and television shows do technical people in general a real disservice by presenting them as geeky social outcasts, if they make note of them at all. Despite all this, there is hope!
There have been a few movies that presented engineers, scientists, and “smart” people in a positive light. One movie that did the most for aerospace engineering was Apollo 13. Disney’s Meet the Robinsons presented the smart kid in a more positive light than is typical; and my kids love the Nickelodeon show “Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius” (Jimmy is a little bit of a nerd, but he gets the girl (Cindy) in a couple of episodes). Another movie, where the scientist, or in this case the machinist, is the hero, is Chain Reaction. Yes, there is hope.
If I were to imagine a movie about technology and the people that create and apply it, what would it be about? Perhaps there is a story line in cyber security or safety. Just imagine a drama about an evil-doer breaking into a major chemical facility and changing their product from something benign to something horrific. Or perhaps a biopharm facility where Ibuprofen is turned into biological warfare material…hmmm…the possibilities are endless.
Who would be the ideal cast? When I think of some of my favorite thespians I would put Donald Sutherland, Morgan Freeman, Dame Judy Densch, Kyra Sedgwick, Matt Damon, and Danniel Day-Lewis at the top of my list. Could you imagine them collaborating as engineers and scientists? I would see the flick!
But while we wait for Hollywood to pick up the idea and type the cast, we have lots of opportunities available in our reality-show based world. “Dirty Jobs”, “How its Made”, “Modern Marvels”, “Extreme Engineering”, etc., are all looking for story lines. If you have a dirty job, a product that people might wonder how it’s made, etc.—send your ideas in. The more we get the media into our plants and operations, the more understanding the world will gain, and the more our image will be enhanced.
It can’t hurt to try!
posted by ISA at
4:59 PM
1 Comments:
I teach business communications at the university and talk frequently on this subject, with lots of dialogue back and forth from business professionals and students from all generations.
We mis-characterize and demean GEN X and GEN Y Engineers when we assume that the only way to reach them is through Hollywood or pop music. Most of these younger Engineers are more in synch with current events and professional networking tools than those in previous generations. They are interested in relevant technologies, opportunities, and market trends. They are quick to learn and adapt to changing trends in technology. There is another side to this generation that is not frequently mentioned. As an example, take the FIRST Robotics Competitions as an example. This is an exciting way for younger people to find an interest in automation and manufacturing. Also, the automation competitions (sponsored by Emerson Educational Services) at the ISA Expo are another relevant knowledge-building opportunity.
I wrote a blog on this subject with more detail:
http://www.mynah.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=271
It's a case study of Gen Y Engineers. I recently interviewed several Gen Y Engineers. One of the questions I asked them was about the ISA Expo. Most were not familiar with it and said that pop music and a special event for them would not attract them. They are interested in relevant professional development and networking opportunities. One way to do this is through strong and relevant online resources and tools. Traveling to an onsite show is not often the best use of time when we can hit all the vendor sites in minutes online.
Maybe setting up partnerships with others who are already doing relevant work in this field would help develop this educational network and help to bridge the skills gap.
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