2007 Issue

UTAH ENGINEERS COUNCIL JOURNAL 29 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS www.asme.org Chair Steve Maughn, FMC Technologies, Inc. Vice Chair/College Relations Norm Smith Secretary/Web/Newsletter Editor Jon Bready Treasurer/UEC Representative David B. Merrill Van Boerum & Frank Associates 801-530-3148 SOCIETY FORUM Students Observe Engineers at Work F OUNDED IN 1880 AS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, TODAY’S ASME IS A 120,000-MEM- BER PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and tech- nology community. ASME conducts one of the world’s largest technical publishing operations, holds numerous technical con- ferences worldwide, and offers hundreds of professional development courses each year. ASME sets internationally recognized indus- trial and manufacturing codes and standards that enhance public safety. The Utah Section provides various pro- grams for the local membership. Events held have included plant tours, sponsorship of technical programs and short courses, PE exam review courses, and technical programs. A major focus of ASME has always been engineering education, and support of stu- dent organizations and programs. There are five ASME student sections in Utah, at the University of Utah, Utah State University, BrighamYoung University, Weber State Uni- versity, and Salt Lake Community College. The premier event sponsored by the Utah Section is its annual Student-In-Indus- try Day. 2007 is the thirty-first consecutive year of this program, which is designed to give students an opportunity to observe engineers at work. In brief summary, it consists of the Section arranging with local industries to host one or more students for a Friday afternoon visit, and then sponsor the student and partner, and the host engineer and partner, at a dinner that evening. An additional goal of Student-In-Industry Day is met with the program for the dinner. It is provided by presentation of student papers which are usually intended for later participation in the ASME Old Guard Oral Competition. This is a Society-wide (inter- national) student paper competition held first in district competitions, with district winners proceeding to a final competition at the annual International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. While not an official part of the Old Guard competition, the Student-In-Industry Day competition is judged by the same rules, thus providing participants an excellent warm-up. Students can then refine their presentations for the district competition, which is held a few weeks later. Utah stu- dents have typically done very well in the district and national competitions. The track record of Student-In-Indus- try Day shows significant benefits for all involved. Students frequently get leads to internships and ultimately jobs, with indus- tries getting first looks at engineers of the future. Students also get a rare opportunity to meet with their counterparts from other engineering schools in the state. The Utah Section Student-In-Industry Day has been included by ASME as one of its Best Practices. It can be referenced at http:// www.asme.org/Governance/Volunteer/Prac- tices/StudentinIndustry_Day.cfm.