On: The curse of the senior software engineer

[_dp9d]

It's interesting you wouldn't study Software Engineering to call yourself a Software Engineer.

[mmcdermott → _dp9d]

What is engineering? That isn't a rhetorical question, but the root of the whole question.

I would argue that engineering isn't certifications, exams, or education. Those are methods of quality control, not the act itself.

Merriam-Webster gives the following definition for engineering:

> 1: the activities or function of an engineer

> 2a: the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people

> 2b: the design and manufacture of complex products software engineering

> 3: calculated manipulation or direction (as of behavior) social engineering compare genetic engineering

(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engineering)

The first definition is unhelpful as it takes us back to the question of definition, but definitions 2-3 apply to software engineering.

Should software engineering require the same quality control mechanisms as civil or mechanical engineering? Possibly, but that's a very different question.

[boolemancer → _dp9d]

I would imagine you would call yourself a Software Engineer if what you do for a living is software engineering. I'm not sure that schooling needs to be a factor.

[The_Colonel → _dp9d]

Meh, it's my job title / position.