When someone is trying to explain how simple something is, or how it can still be done even if it hasn't been done in a long time, they say "It's like riding a bike," or, more correctly, "It's as easy as riding a bike." This expression has become an ingrained aspect of the English language, and is referred to by some as a metaphor, when, in actuality, the phrase is a simile (indicated by the words "Like" or "easy as") which is a language construct that suggests "A equals B." In fact, A does not equal B, but may share characteristics that point to a mutual understanding. However, we will attempt to show the meaning of this phrase, but will refer to it as an "epigram", in the sense as that word was used by Robert Ritti.
Epigrams sum up the essence of human experience. They are a shorthand that ancient and modern cultures use to express their collective wisdom. . . They are uttered when their speakers are baffled by the speech, dress, or actions of those they expect to speak, dress, or behave differently (Ritti, Osborn, & Schermerhorn, 1997, 3).
The application of the epigrammatic theory of comparing the bike riding epigram to being an industrial engineer in the Automobile industry can be accomplished by making these leaps in logic.
A. Riding a bike is a human activity (generally) and being an Industrial Engineer is a human activity.
B. Riding a bike requires training. Being an industrial engineer requires education.
C. Riding a bike require practice to build up endurance. Being an industrial engineer involves practice within the corporation.
Of course, there is the possibility that the bike riding example, implying as it does that it is an easy task, is meant to imply that being an industrial engineer is as easy as "1-2-3" or a "piece of cake" (to add two new cliches to this mix of exotica). If this is the meaning, then the epigram,
...