Career Advice

[dtse86]

I am a recent grad in mechanical engineering (Dec 08) working for an AEC company specializing in the microelectronics sector. I have started the process of obtaining my P.E. by taking the F.E., but I am concerned about acquiring the needed experience to take the P.E. test. I am currently working under a more construction related group in the company as a drafter that performs engineering support/calculations on occasion, but I do not work directly under a P.E. There are P.E.'s in my company and I have requested to be moved into that group, however they responded to me by stating that there is shortage of resources. With the poor economy I'm afraid that they won't have the "resources" to take me in for a long time because they have just hired several other "entry level engineers". I am trying to still poke my head in by offering my services while I am free in my department so that I could try to get some work under a P.E. however the work that he gives me is mostly drafting or field verification. What should I do? I feel like I'm loosing a valuable year towards my professional engineering development.

 

[KENAT]

What should you do, well take a poke around here, use the google custom search above and try and find some of the not too dissimilar or related threads that get posted every few months.

While it doesn't have much in the way of answers thread731-250769 is vaguely relevant. Try looking in forum732 & perhaps even forum730 too.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484

 

[TheTick]

Look at the requirements for your state to see what is listed for qualifying work.

For example, Wisconsin has a long and detailed listed of qualifying work, including drafting. WI also does not require that the work be done under immediate supervision of a PE.

 

[dtse86]

Kenat: I have poked around this site quite a bit in the last couple of months and found some of the threads similar, but it seems like a lot of people say that referencing a PE gives you the best shot at getting your time/experience accepted by the board. I'm at a point where I'm considering looking for another job, but I'm afraid that by not staying with my company for at least a year and the economy in a very poor state especially for construction, I won't be able to find a job.

TheTick: I wish to get my PE as soon as possible and am even considering flying out to CA (they only require 2 years with a degree) on my own expense when I am eligible. But they require at least 4 PE's referenced. The state I am currently in doesn't say they require a PE, but I've heard that it is strongly recommended especially in the field I wish to pursue (HVAC). I also plan on not limiting myself to one state licensure, ideally I would like to practice in as many states as possible.

 

[rowingengineer]

why hurry?

Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that them like it

 

[dtse86]

I already know that I want to become a professional engineer in HVAC and I figured it'd be easiest if I got the test out of the way as soon as I could like a bandaid. And from a lot of people that I've met that don't have their P.E.'s they seem to suggest to finish it before it becomes too late in life with other distractions that make taking and passing the test more difficult. I'm just worried that I'll end up like many of those that said that they wished they pursued a P.E. sooner in their career or at all. There's also the extra job security, increased responsibility, and higher pay is nice as well. Right now I feel like I am lacking all three of those characteristics.

 

[ggordil]

If you are a PE in a state that has lower standards, your license may not transfer. For example, where I work, we had several PE's from Texas who had been "grandfathered" in, meaning they didn't take the exam and used years experience instead. When they moved to Louisiana, they had to take the PE test, because Louisiana does not "grandfather" PE's.

So if California only requires 2 years of work experience, a state that requires more experience, may not accept your license.

Lastly, as a PE you are responsible for verifying other people's work. That is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. You will end up checking and stamping the work of people how have years more experience than you.

 

[dtse86]

Well, that's my reason for worrying about my current position. I believe that is the reason for the requirements of each state board for someone to work under a P.E. for so long to obtain their license. It's so that it keeps the standard of engineering quality. But in my current position I'm worried that I am not gaining the valuable insight of a P.E. that would prepare me for such responsibilities. I apologize if I sound like I'm rushing, I'm just worried that I'll get stuck in a position where getting a P.E. is nearly impossible and to me getting the test out of the way as soon as possible would be the best way to relieve my concerns.

 

[desnov74]

As the Tick recommends, there are duties you can do that qualify work. I am in a similar situation, I felt my position being used primarily for drafting and tangential tasks engineering work. Plus I saw other people getting mentored and trained with less experience and education.I'm taking a more proactive approach, and I started building references/qualifying experience in my area. There are things to do, on your own time that will benefit you and your company. I'm not sure if it will work, but I think it will defintely add value in the long term.

1)Make lists for shop drawing review, QC of specifications, co-ordinate details and specifications. Show this to senior staff with PE's for their opinions and corrections. These people will serve as references and this will add to your qualifying experience.

2) Research! Do a code review in an area your company is weak in, in your area. Say mabey smoke control. Review the NFPA and other codes. Review the literature and develop a best practice per occupancy, hazard, etc. Use these researched to improve #1 & in coordination and in Q.C., interfacing systems, and harmozing different standards. Look at the novel. For example NFPA 72 2010 will allow for integration of gas detection and fire alarm, how will this affect mechanical room design? Again have this reviewed by a PE when finished.

3) Develop design tools. Work on some excel or HVAC software for some general designs. Learn how to program controllers, learn how to simulate on HVAC software with trial and free version, etc. Ask questions and show engineers.

4) Get practical. Even consider taking outside tech courses in a community college in HVAC boilers, PLC's & refrigeration. From this enhance your reports and standards from #1&#2.

5)Network internally and externally. Meet PE's outside in ASHRAE chapters. Aks questions share and discuss all the stuff you'll be working on. Yes a lot of this is outside work but you'll be improving yourself and become more efficient. Plublish these mini projects on a pdf and email it as a review to the company, asking for opinions and offer it as a design aide. If its of some really good value, publish it or present it a peer review or white paper. Offer to do it with a senior member. Your company can use this for marketing.

6)Keep a notebook of all your references and developed material. You'll soon be "off the drafting table" and doing more design, commissioning, and engineering. Remember to be humble and ask questions, don't give the impression you're going to cross company lines. Plus you'll have a list of projects that will add value to your company, make you a better engineer, and give you qualifying experience.

 

[dtse86]

Thanks for the advice desnov. That's exactly what I'm going to try to do. I just joined ASHRAE and plan on attending meetings. I have also been doing a lot of learning outside of work with a couple of HVAC textbooks I bought and have been reading them in my spare time. I didn't know that I could reference PE's that I didn't work for. This may help with getting the references I need to take the test.

 

[desnov74]

Make sure in your experience description, you emphasize that they were reviewers of your research/reports. Also protect your company and the client, don't reference specific projects. In addition they can attest to your character, and position in the company.

Also call your state board and ask how they view such relationships. They may have a limit or may view them in a specific way when evaluating applications

Its a long process, but like you I think its worth it. Its totally humbling though, there is sooooo much to learn! But that's what makes engineering fun, and what adds value to our services down the road I guess.

Good luck!