| Based on qualitative field research with itinerant engineers, this thesis examines contemporary professional work as an ever-changing process. Through documenting and analyzing the experiences, insecurities and challenges of itinerant engineers, I aim to offer an avenue into understanding larger processes of social change. Itinerant engineers provide an excellent example of contemporary post-industrial professionals who engage with large-scale, multi-national structures and continuously negotiate their existence---in---turn demonstrating the fluid, processual nature of their profession. I develop the concepts of flexible professionalism and post-industrial space; the former highlights the versatility and adaptability that contemporary professionals exhibit, while the latter reconceptualizes space in terms of flow and interconnectedness across physical boundaries. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that contemporary professions are becoming more and more reflexive, with individuals taking a larger role in negotiating their own career development. |
