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Abstract The evolving work environment of engineering practice challenges early career civil and environmental engineers with unprecedented ethical dilemmas. This research delves into some of the challenges faced by these young professionals as they transition into and navigate the complexities of their careers. We collected information, through in-depth interviews, on the ethical dilemmas faced by young engineers and are processing the data to summarize them in case study formats. Our initial findings revealed numerous challenges. Early career engineers often struggle with balancing the demands of their supervisors while upholding ethical standards, a struggle that influences both their professional integrity and the quality of their work. A few of the ethical issues brought up by the interviewees include billable hours charged to irrelevant accounts, meeting deadlines and working overtime affecting the quality of their designs and accuracy, inclusion and support at the workplace, and overseeing projects beyond their qualifications and expertise areas. For this paper, ethical dilemmas reported will be analyzed to develop a collection of case studies highlighting the ethical considerations and complexities involved. References and attributes to the ASCE canons of ethics and obligations of engineers will be made. Moreover, thought-provoking discussion questions will be developed for the case studies, aiming to assist engineering ethics educators. These questions will be tailored to stimulate classroom discussions, enabling faculty to prepare their students for real-world ethical challenges. By engaging students in these practical, context-specific dilemmas, educators can foster a deep understanding of the ethical nuances in engineering practice. This paper serves as a valuable resource for civil and environmental engineering ethics education. The case studies and discussion questions will provide an enhanced platform for engineering ethics educators to enrich classroom dialogue. By engaging students in these real-life scenarios, educators can empower emerging engineers with the critical thinking skills and ethical awareness necessary to navigate the complex challenges of the engineering profession. Through equipping educators with this resource, we aim to reinforce the ethical foundation of young engineers, ensuring they are well-prepared to uphold the highest standards of integrity as they embark on their professional journeys.
Ömür-Özbek et al. (Sun,) studied this question.