SE3 (Structural Engineering Engagement & Equity) Survey

Designed to understand how structural engineers experience their work, the SE3 Survey focuses on job satisfaction, engagement, retention, and perceptions of the profession. It explores how people feel about their jobs, their firms, and the structural engineering field as a whole. Results will be free for anyone who participates.

Take the SE3 Survey

If you’re currently working in the structural engineering profession in the U.S.—including in non-consultant roles (plan reviewers, manufacturer representatives, industry organizations, etc.)—your voice belongs here. This survey informs national priorities, resources, and programs aimed at improving the day-to-day realities of structural engineers.

What the Survey Covers

The SE3 Survey explores the full workplace experience so we can identify what’s helping—and what’s getting in the way—of a healthy, rewarding career in structural engineering. Major topic areas include:

Job satisfaction & engagement: Overall career satisfaction; what keeps people in the profession vs. what pushes them out.
Career growth & feedback: Advancement expectations, performance review frequency/quality, clarity of promotion criteria.
Recruitment & retention: Why people consider leaving firms or the profession; perception of opportunities and firm reputation.
Professional development: Mentorship, access to training/resources, participation in professional organizations.
Workload & flexibility: Hours, work-life balance, remote work, reduced schedules, and leave/sabbatical norms.
Workplace climate: Experiences observing or receiving discrimination/harassment; office leadership composition.
Caregiving & dependents: How caregiving responsibilities interact with career progression and firm culture.
Perceptions of the profession: How structural engineering compares to other STEM fields in attractiveness and reward.
Demographics (optional): Age, location, race/ethnicity, gender, etc., to allow aggregated, anonymized analysis of trends.

Why Participate in This Study?

Shape a national picture: Your input helps identify what’s working—and what needs attention—across roles, firm sizes, and regions.
Immediate value for you and your peers: Participants receive the results for free, including key findings that can inform firm policies, resource allocation, and personal career decisions.
Better data for better decisions: With strong, diverse participation, findings can be segmented by geography, role, experience level, and more—making insights more actionable at the local and firm level.
Advance equity and engagement: Help the community understand barriers to retention, pathways to advancement, and practices that improve belonging and satisfaction.

About SE3

The Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (SE3) Committee works to raise awareness and promote dialogue on professional practice issues with the goal of improving engagement and equity across the profession. Through national research and local initiatives, SE3 examines the everyday experiences of structural engineers and identifies opportunities to strengthen the field. Its work spans professional development, diversity and inclusion, and project management, providing resources that support both individuals and firms. By highlighting challenges and opportunities, SE3 helps advance a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable structural engineering profession. Learn more.

Data Handling & Confidentiality

Rest assured, responses are anonymous and confidential, and data collected will not be linked to you or your employer/firm. Dynamic Benchmarking, a leading technology provider serving associations nationwide, collects, anonymizes, and analyzes all survey data. This means that neither your personal information nor your firm’s details will be linked to the data, ensuring full anonymity and privacy.