I've seen it before, but it was never that clear that it was projects employees were involved in prior to joining the company. So I always felt it was a little deceptive and dishonest when people took this kind of credit, because it implied the company was intimately involved in the projects, when in fact Johnny only designed two beams and that was the only involvement.

I would personally sell it on the basis of perhaps discussing past experiences in some staff bio's, rather than implying those projects were yours. All you are trying to get across is that you are as a company able to do the type of work you do. Update based on actual company work as and when you complete or undertake successful projects.

"Personal project experience"

If you have to refer to work at the former company, you likely are too early starting on your own. Instead develop a list of past clients you know via that old job and go to them for work, as one aspect. It never pays to hide anything like this, because the word does get out.

a bit cheesy I think.

engineers don't really know how to sell their skills so well. Instead I recommend showing a couple bullet points that you can deliver projects quickly, answer the phone, return messages, answer emails, and provide practical advice.

also, make it easy for someone to find your address, phone number, and email without having to dig around your website.

Quote (Agent)

So I always felt it was a little deceptive and dishonest when people took this kind of credit, because it implied the company was intimately involved in the projects, when in fact Johnny only designed two beams and that was the only involvement.

What about when you were heavily involved? If I opened up a firm I'd have many years of precast design experience as the sole engineer and many years of industrial and residential buildings as the primary designer and drafter? Seems like it would be a bad business decision to not list the highlights of those projects.

Ian Riley, PE, SE
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, VT, CT, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/

Tony: One more point. There is that bugga-boo called insurance or the risky "going bare". Confidence is great, but mistakes are more likely with minimal experience. Also, the other side will bring in everyone involved, even if a guy only drew plan for a single beam.

Put any of these on a page that is clearly your professional background and not your new company's list of projects. Indicate clearly that you were with Whatever Structural Engineers at the time.

Given those, I don't see a problem with this. I think you'd be selling yourself short to not mention them.

Here's the real litmus test...….would you have any objection to letting your former employer know your plan?

If the answer is "yes", you are probably hoping they don't see it

If the answer is "no", go ahead and get their ok

Quote (TehMightyEngineer)

What about when you were heavily involved?

I don't personally have an issue with that, after all its someones experience and it counts towards the reputation of the company and the type of work the individuals involved can undertake and/or have experience with.

Provided its clear it was not the current company that undertook any listed historical work, this is where I see people blurring the lines, inferring or at least not outright stating it was work done under a previous employer.

I've seen people list all these projects with glossy photos and you'd think that it was the company that did them, but turns out it wasn't. Its misrepresentation fair and simple in that case.