Am I qualified to apply for CEng (UK) ? 2

[Cutiee]

I’ve got a MEng (master) degree in electronics engineering in UK. I’m now working in an oil and metering company as an electrical&instrumentation engineer. There isn’t too much technical stuff in my daily job and my job is mostly not relevant to my degree, I’m wondering if I could still apply for CEng?

I heard if I apply for CEng, I have to have 2 mentors, one is my line manager, another is someone who got a CEng title, well I can ask my line manager, but I doubt there is any CEng engineer in my company. Can I just ask anyone (who’s CEng) to be my mentor? for example, someone from this forum, or he/she has to be someone who’s doing the same sort job or got same sort of degree and know me in person?

Many thanks.

 

[Cutiee]

P.S, is it worth it? (don't think my company will pay for me) is it difficult?

Thanks again xxx

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Are you trying this in the US or UK??

 

[Ussuri]

When did you graduate? What Institution do you intend to apply for? Different institutions have different entry requirements and methods for assessing you.

Having said that, they all must meet the engineering councils standards UK-SPEC. UK-SPEC sets out the requirements you must meet to become chartered. Have a look through it and see what you think. You will be assessed against the competancies. How do you feel you will do under a critical review?

Most institutions will require sponsors (mentors). Usually they have to keep an eye on you, give advice and monitor your professional development. You cannot get someone on eng-tips to be your mentor as they know nothing about you.

Is it difficult? It requires a lot of work. In my case, a lot of work/study on your own time, practice, and commitment. If you prepare properly, can demonstrate you meet the engineering council requirements and are confident then you should have no problem. On the other hand, if you try to blag it, you will be found out. There has to be a minimum standard for the qualification to mean something.

http://www.engc.org.uk/

http://www.engc.org.uk/documents/CEng_IEng_Standard.pdf

 

[Cutiee]

I graduated last July, apply in the UK, possibly IEEE, I don't think we have any CEng in my work, ganna be hard to find some one .

Cuttie

 

[Cutiee]

thanks guys

Cuttie

 

[ScottyUK]

If you're applying in the UK and work in the UK then membership of the IET (the former IEE) would count for more in the eyes of employers. In North America then the IEEE would be the logical choice.

I doubt you have the required experience to go for C.Eng at this early stage in your career, even if your work was directly relevant. If you're not in a structured training scheme then figure on at least five years relevant experience. I applied at about 10 years post-grad and found it fairly straightforward; it would have been tougher at 5 years post-grad.

If you're serious about going for it then you need to find a job that will help you gain experience which will count toward your C.Eng: it does not all have to be technical by any means and some of what you are doing is probably relevant. Follow up on Ussuri's advice and investigate at what they are looking for, then try to steer your career to help gain that experience. Chase the money later!


----------------------------------

If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[KENAT]

When I was in the UK, my starting point was to join the relevant institution, in my case RAeS. I was just getting serious about it when I met my now wife and moved to the US. If you contact the relevant society they should provide you the required information.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[Ussuri]

If you have only a years experience then you are not ready to sit your professional review. For a start you need to be at least 25 years old.

For those people on a structured training programme it usually takes 4-5 years after graduating. You can do it in three if you get all the right experience at the right time.

There are other methods for getting CEng, these are usually appraisal based and take longer than the training approach. You may be able to apply without mentors, you should check with the institution as they are best placed to help you.

 

[Cutiee]

Thanks, I'm not that far yet, I am about to start the registration process for a CEng, I don't want my final interview for another 4 or 5 years, plus I'm not old enough.

Just really confused about the mentor thing, as I don't think I can find a CEng in my company, also not too sure what i should be doing in the 4-5 years time to help myself.

Cuttie

 

[KENAT]

If you join a society and attend meetings you may make contacts with people that could sponser you. I can't remember the details but there was only one CEng (my boss) at my last place however several of our clients/partners had CEng and we were looking at one of them who had worked with me being the other sponser.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[GregLocock]

If you can't find a mentor yourself contact the Institute in question, frankly it is their problem not yours. You will need one.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[Cutiee]

thanks for the help, I'm going to apply for the memebership of IET to start with.

Cuttie