He looked shocked. I was having a conversation recently with a guy who was telling me about his nephew, a high school senior. “He should be an engineer,” the guy told me. “Engineers make great money. The job market for engineers is good. My nephew should definitely become an engineer. Don’t ya think?” “No,” I said. (That’s when he stared at me, stunned). “What?” he replied. “No,” I repeated. “I don’t know your nephew. What are his strengths?” “His strengths?” “Yes, his strengths. What are his strengths, his gifts, his passions? What is he interested in?” “Passion?” The guy scoffed. “Nobody chooses a job based on PASSION!” I calmly replied, “It’s important for him to discover who he is…what his strengths, passions, and interests are…” and he looked at me like I was speaking gibberish. I haven’t seen the guy again, and am not sure which career path his nephew will choose. But I know one thing for sure: if the nephew doesn’t understand himself, and if engineering doesn’t align