WSE�s members tell us that the ability to network with professionals from other disciplines continues to be a big advantage. Our members have also made it clear that there will continue to be a need for engineering leaders in today�s rapidly advancing society. This is why WSE will continue to offer and improve upon programs like the Young Engineers Forum. And, WSE will go beyond its own �bricks and mortar� to seek out the best management education and leadership resources on the Web and bring these to our members through our website so that members have a single source for leadership educational tools.

The business of engineering is constantly evolving. Change is expected to be a constant in all areas of the business including procurement and job delivery methods, the labor market, technology, marketing and competition. Wall Street will continue to have an influence on what was once a predominantly private ownership industry. Traditionally, engineers have not stepped up to the plate when it came to dealing with the forces shaping their profession and are now witnessing the commoditization of their professional services.

In its third century of service, WSE will utilize the technology of the worldwide web to help engineers be effective in their business and professional lives. To do this, WSE plans to:

• Be a single source in locating meetings, classes and events of interest to the engineering and technical community in Chicagoland.
• Continue to offer educational programs and hands-on leadership opportunities.
• Serve as an anchor for a more fluid workforce by providing portable insurance products and other benefits
• Continue to provide interdisciplinary networking opportunities
• Develop ways to maintain the camaraderie and community aspects of membership through technology with the use of chat rooms, discussion boards, job listings and more.

WSE plans to continue to partner with the wide variety of companies that employ engineers by:

• Providing learning opportunities for middle managers to become more effective at leadership
• Offering networking and discussion groups for CEOs
• Being the place to go for engineers by creating an online job board for employees, consultants, expert witnesses, project employees and more.

For more information on individual or company membership in the Western Society of Engineers, please go to our membership application.