Career Advice
Career Advice
(OP)
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.





RE: Career Advice
While it doesn't have much in the way of answers thread731-250769: From FE to PE is vaguely relevant. Try looking in forum732: Overcoming Obstacles Getting My Work Done & perhaps even forum730: Where is Engineering Going In The Next 5 Years too.
KENAT,
Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Career Advice
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.
RE: Career Advice
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.
RE: Career Advice
Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that them like it
RE: Career Advice
RE: Career Advice
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.
RE: Career Advice
RE: Career Advice
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.
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.
RE: Career Advice
RE: Career Advice
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!