Conference Session

Tree-huggers, Diggers, and Queers--Oh my!

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Erin Cech, University of California, San Diego; Tom Waidzunas, University of California, San Diego

Tagged Divisions

Liberal Education

, 7Professionalization is the process by which students learn and adapt to this culture, contend withuncertainty, and begin to understanding the ethical responsibilities of a professional.7, 8, 9Professional cultures inculcate numerous norms and assumptions, producing mental habits inprofessionals that become taken for granted.10 Through the rituals of coursework, internships,and informal interactions, students become professionals as they adapt to this professionalculture and learn what it means to be a capable engineer.5, 7, 8, 11, 12 The longer they spend in theinitiation process, the more firmly impressed upon the students are the values of the profession.13,14 If the socialization process fosters a culture in which certain groups of people are favored