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by someguydave 3808 days ago
In some states in the US you actually need an engineering license to call yourself an 'engineer' in public - but usually there are exceptions for people who work for large companies.

Government licensing of engineering isn't the answer, but on the other hand calling oneself an 'engineer' without any formal or informal training seems like equivocation in the best case and outright lying in the worst case.
2 comments
__derek__ 3808 days ago
Who said people without CS degrees have no formal or informal training? It would be difficult to work in a software role with no training. Pulling that off for any amount of time would be an impressive feat.
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someguydave 3808 days ago
As far as most state law in the US is concerned, 'formal training' for engineers is generally defined as having an accredited degree. 'informal training' for engineers is generally defined as having a documented apprenticeship under someone of known competence.
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__derek__ 3808 days ago
Ah, that "informal" was referring to a particular body of training. I took it to mean its standard English definition, which would extend to self-study and working as a junior developer.
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ozim 3808 days ago
In eastern europe you can get engineering degree in computer science and then you can call yourself engineer. Also it is nice if you have testers and developers and you do not want developers feel superior to testers or just reduce tensions between those two groups just call them "software engineers". Everyone is happy because it sounds nice and team spirit is better.
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someguydave 3808 days ago
> Also it is nice if you have testers and developers and you do not want developers feel superior to testers or just reduce tensions between those two groups just call them "software engineers".

Indeed this practice is generally the case in the US.

It seems that there are many who feel free to redefine the title 'engineer' as they see fit. I would ask those people: Why isn't it also the case with 'doctor' (medical)?

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icebraining 3808 days ago
Why isn't it also the case with 'doctor' (medical)?

In some cases, it actually is. In my country, to get a driving license one needs a certificate from a doctor saying they don't have any medical condition that makes one prone to sudden fainting, seizures, etc. Recently, the veterinarians have been demanding the right to pass those certificates, since they're legally doctors too!

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