Engineers beyond engineering -- the art of being an engineer: Philippe Rival at TEDxImperialCollege

Philippe Rival begins by describing his three years as a civil engineering student at Imperial College, highlighting the enriching yet daunting prospect of designing structures like bridges. He initially embraced the intensive learning curve, but later felt a sense of displacement and unhappiness, realizing his diverse interests clashed with the focused nature of his engineering peers. He recounts feeling like a 'freak' for pursuing activities outside of core engineering studies, such as Model United Nations, which his peers viewed as a distraction from their serious technical responsibilities.

Feeling at a low point, Rival received a call from his dad about the One Young World summit in Pittsburgh. He attended, even taking time off lectures, and found himself among 1,300 incredibly creative, hardworking, and innovative young leaders and thinkers. The summit, which featured prominent speakers like President Clinton, provided a platform for debating and sharing ideas across various topics. This experience resonated deeply with Rival, as it aligned with his belief in diverse interests and collaborative problem-solving, something he hadn't found within his engineering cohort.

Upon returning from the summit, Rival realized he hadn't met a single other engineer there. This experience, however, solidified his belief that being an engineer is not just about technical grades, but about passion for people, the environment, and bringing them together sustainably. He argues that society and engineers themselves need to change their perception of the profession. Society, he contends, often views engineers as isolated problem-solvers, while engineers tend to stay within their 'silos,' failing to communicate their ideas and impact to a wider audience. He emphasizes the need to break down these disciplinary silos for better societal collaboration.

Rival shares encouraging news: change is beginning. His department at Imperial College recognized the value of the One Young World summit, supporting his return as an official delegate and planning to send a full delegation in the future. He stresses that engineers must become more open, approachable, and responsible for promoting their ideas, as even the smartest ideas are useless if not shared. He urges society to include engineers in more diverse discussions, bursting their traditional bubble. Furthermore, he highlights that companies are now seeking graduates with broader profiles and practical skills, pushing universities to update their assessment methods beyond academic ability, encouraging a more well-rounded education for future engineers.