Why do engineers think they are so smart? Some engineers think this because they solve complex problems using a lot of math.
But, exceptional engineers don’t need to go around talking about their smarts. They let other people do the talking for them. In fact, most engineers are humble.
That’s why I really dislike it when engineers walk around as if they’re smarter than others.
The reasons why an engineer may think they’re smarter than others
Here are the typical reasons I hear why an engineer thinks they’re so smart:
- Coursework: completing years of demanding complex coursework in school.
- University: graduating from engineering school. Only a small percentage of applicants get accepted into engineering schools. The below table shows the acceptance rates of top U.S. engineering schools in 2018.
- IQ data: having a higher than average IQ. A strong correlation exists between certain professions and conceptual and analytical skills.
- Math in the workplace: applying advanced math in everyday work.
- Real-world problems: solving problems in the real world that directly impact society. Just look at the impact of all types of engineering.
- Self-interests: wanting to solve difficult problems instead of doing brain-dead activities.
| University | Undergrad acceptance rate | Graduate acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | 7% | 12% |
| Stanford | 5% | 13% |
| UC Berkeley | 12% | 17% |
| Caltech | 7% | 8% |
| Georgia Tech | 20% | 33% |
| Cornell | 12% | 28% |
| Carnegie Mellon | 13% | 19% |
| UCLA | 12% | 27% |
| Princeton | 6% | 13% |
With that out of the way, I’m going to go over why I think it’s wrong for any engineer to think they’re superior to others.
#1 Using the “engineer” label
In today’s world, being called an “engineer” often comes with a sense of prestige and smarts. When people hear someone’s an engineer, they usually think that person’s pretty sharp.
Sadly, some engineers exploit the reputation that comes with their title. They show off their “engineer” label even if they haven’t done anything significant in the real world.
This is just like folks who try to boost their status by hanging out with famous people or bragging about being at a big event. We’ve all met someone who can’t stop talking about knowing a celeb or witnessing some historic moment.
Let’s be real – a fresh engineering grad hasn’t achieved anything in the real world yet. Zero, zip, nada! What’s more, some engineers with years of experience can’t design anything worth mentioning. In those cases, the “engineer” title doesn’t mean a thing.
Still, some engineers ride the coattails of past engineers’ successes just because they’re now part of the fancy “engineering club.” It’s as ridiculous as that relative who claims to be a top chef but serves up awful food.
This overblown sense of importance often invites criticism, like construction workers asking, “Which clueless engineer designed this?!” But in the end, life finds a way to bring everyone down a peg, even the most arrogant.
#2 Catching a ride on successful projects
The habit of linking oneself to successful projects is a lot like the “engineer” label thing. Some engineers deceptively connect themselves to booming projects, then act like they played a big part in it.
This fake sense of involvement can puff up their egos, making them feel like they had a crucial role in epic feats, like sending a rocket to space.
In truth, they might’ve just followed the lead of more skilled engineers or done nothing but basic paperwork. It’s important to realize that most big engineering projects have a few leaders, while the rest of the engineers just follow along.
Think about the NBA, like the championship teams led by Lebron James. At season’s end, both Lebron and the 12th man on the roster get championship rings. But while Lebron played about 40 minutes a game, the 12th man might’ve only been on the court for 2 minutes every five games. Still, they’re both officially called champions.
The same kind of thing happens in engineering, showing why it’s key to tell the difference between real achievements and those gained just by association.
#3 Embracing the legacy of engineering
Every engineer stands on the shoulders of past engineers, inventors, and thinkers. There’s no way you could achieve anything on our own without relying on the genius of countless great minds from the past.
Our modern technology is the result of millions of small advancements, with many of these breakthroughs taking someone almost a lifetime to accomplish.
In short, humble yourself. No matter how independent you think you are, thousands of great minds are propping you up.
#4 Gaining perspective from the universe
Do you go around bragging about being smarter than ants and dogs? Probably not.
Similarly, I think there are likely aliens out there who are far more advanced than us humans. Our technological age has only just begun in the past couple of centuries.
I believe life exists all over the universe. Some lifeforms may be millions of years ahead of us in terms of technology. To them, we’d be the ants. Isn’t that a humbling thought?
Even if we assume that aliens don’t exist and we’re the only life in this vast universe, there’s still so much we don’t know. So why put other people down to feel superior? Life’s too short for that bullshit.
If you’re really that smart, you shouldn’t need to resort to primitive behavior to outshine everyone around you.
When I see this kind of behavior, I instantly know that the person has deep-seated insecurities. There’s no other reason to act like that. You can find better ways to feel good about yourself.
Better yet, go to a dark area void of artificial lights, and stare into the night sky to get the best dose of humble pie.
#5 Diving deep into subjects
Usually, the deeper you delve into a subject, the more you realize how little you actually know. You discover the true complexity of the topic and find that even the best scientists don’t have answers for countless unknowns. That’s why these mysteries humble great engineers.
Furthermore, your education should teach you the limits of human understanding. And if education doesn’t do the trick, working in the real world should definitely humble you sooner or later.
#6 Acknowledging unequal opportunities
It’s important to remember that many people you might consider less intelligent simply haven’t had the same opportunities as you. This could be due to various factors, such as:
- A lack of family support during childhood
- Economic hardships while growing up
- Exposure to violence and abuse
- Having to work from a young age to support their family
Circumstances like these lead to unequal opportunities, and where you’re born plays a significant role.
I’ve met people who, with just six months of training in engineering design, could outsmart and outwork many formally educated engineers.
In today’s rapidly changing world, the internet has made formal academic labels less important. What truly matters is your ability to produce results. Just look at Elon Musk, who taught himself rocket engineering before founding SpaceX, which has since become the first private company to send humans into orbit.
So, it’s quite absurd when some engineers act superior. Be grateful for the opportunities you’ve had to thrive in this incredible profession.
#7 Recognizing diverse forms of intelligence
People are intelligent in different ways. Lebron James, for example, is a basketball genius, possessing the unique ability to envision plays before they happen – all in a split second, with enormous pressure on his shoulders.
His mind works differently from that of even a great engineer. An engineer may excel in some aspects but fall short in others.
Similarly, there are individuals who do incredible work with their hands, like skilled carpenters. They are geniuses in their own right, and I couldn’t even come close to their level of expertise.
Some engineers have a tendency to overvalue their own specialization while undervaluing the skills of others. If you don’t excel in their area of expertise, they might look down on you.
But remember, everyone has their own unique strengths and areas of expertise that they’ve spent years honing.
“Why do engineers think they are so smart?” wrap up
To sum it up, it’s simply ridiculous to view oneself as smarter than others, no matter what profession you’re in. This kind of attitude is not only unpalatable but also laughable.
If you’re genuinely as bright as you think, others will naturally acknowledge and commend your talents. This recognition will make you more approachable, and your title will carry more weight.
The most brilliant minds don’t require an “engineer” label to display their genius; their work does all the talking. Additionally, the best engineers I’ve met are self-assured without being arrogant. They truly appreciate and respect the diverse talents found in other professions.
Why do you think engineers think they are so smart? Is there any group of people who you think are the smartest?
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Koosha started Engineer Calcs in 2020 to help people better understand the engineering and construction industry, and to discuss various science and engineering-related topics to make people think. He has been working in the engineering and tech industry in California for over 15 years now and is a licensed professional electrical engineer, and also has various entrepreneurial pursuits.
Koosha has an extensive background in the design and specification of electrical systems with areas of expertise including power generation, transmission, distribution, instrumentation and controls, and water distribution and pumping as well as alternative energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and storage).
Koosha is most interested in engineering innovations, the cosmos, our history and future, sports, and fitness.