Becoming a Professional Engineer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pursuit of Professional Engineer (PE) certification for electrical engineers (EEs) and its implications for career opportunities, salary expectations, and educational pathways. Participants explore the relevance of the PE in various industries, particularly in high-tech and government sectors, and consider the value of pursuing a master's degree alongside or after obtaining the PE.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Career-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that obtaining a PE may be beneficial for EEs working in engineering companies, particularly for roles requiring official sign-offs on projects.
  • Others argue that the necessity of a PE varies by industry, with some noting that it may be less common in high-tech sectors.
  • A participant mentions that having a PE can lead to higher salaries and more senior positions, especially in government-regulated work.
  • Concerns are raised about the perceived value of the PE, with some describing it as an "old-boys club" that may favor those in traditional engineering firms over those in startups.
  • There is discussion about the financial implications of pursuing a master's degree, with differing opinions on whether to work first or attend graduate school immediately.
  • Some participants question the accuracy of salary expectations, particularly regarding claims of significant financial benefits associated with obtaining a PE or having a company fund graduate education.
  • Questions are raised about the availability of PE mentors in specific fields and locations, with suggestions to inquire directly with companies about their requirements and preferences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the value of the PE certification, with no clear consensus on its necessity or benefits for EEs. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the relevance of the PE in different sectors and the financial implications of pursuing further education.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of the PE's value across different engineering fields and geographical locations, as well as differing experiences regarding employer support for graduate education.

WolfpackPride
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Hey all,

In researching my options upon exiting college (Im an EE major) I have come across the Professional Engineer certification. I have done a little research on the topic and know that I will need to take the FE exam, work for approximately 4 years (under the supervision of a PE), and then take the 8-hour PE exam. However I still have a few questions that I couldn't conclusively find on the NCEES website. As an electrical engineer (I read that for civil engineers it is more useful), would it be a worthwhile pursuit? What exactly could I do as a PE that I couldn't as a regular engineer, and would it open up more career options to me? What is the typical salary an EE PE could expect? In addition, I also hope to earn a masters degree directly after my bachelors (if possible). In your opinion, is all of the time and energy spent on this worth the reward?

Thank You
 
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If you are going to be working in an engineering company then it's probably worth it.
I don't know about EE but there are a whole bunch of things here that you need a Professional/Chatered Eng to sign off on, even anchor points for a safety harness.
In a lot of companies (and more so in government jobs) there is a glass ceiling for people that don't have a PEng/CEng, partly because on many projects you need a sign off - but also there is a feeling that a senior engineer should jump through the hoops.

Wether the whole PEng thing is itself useful is trickier - its a bit of a old-boys club in that it's easy to get if you work in a company with other Pengs but it's almost impossible if you work in a startup type company.
 
when i co-oped at a large engineering firm, there was one guy with a PE stamp for the electrical department, and one for the controls division. they did engineering work on large factory-type plants. having a PE sign off on drawings is a requirement for certain kinds of government and government-regulated work. usually, this involves either public monies and/or human life/health issues. you get to wear a suit and make much more than average and maybe don't do engineering work at all.
 
As you interview companies, ask to speak with some engineers...check to see what they say about the MEE and PE...absent any other input, you have two choices regarding the MEE: go full time and pay for it yourself; go part time while you work,get paid, and have the company pay for your education...the latter is likely more challenging but you'll be WAY ahead financially...perhaps a quarter million dollars...
 
WolfpackPride said:
Hey all,

In researching my options upon exiting college (Im an EE major) I have come across the Professional Engineer certification. I have done a little research on the topic and know that I will need to take the FE exam, work for approximately 4 years (under the supervision of a PE), and then take the 8-hour PE exam. However I still have a few questions that I couldn't conclusively find on the NCEES website. As an electrical engineer (I read that for civil engineers it is more useful), would it be a worthwhile pursuit? What exactly could I do as a PE that I couldn't as a regular engineer, and would it open up more career options to me? What is the typical salary an EE PE could expect? In addition, I also hope to earn a masters degree directly after my bachelors (if possible). In your opinion, is all of the time and energy spent on this worth the reward?

Thank You

Which country are you in, and where to you anticipate working? At least in the high-tech industry that I'm familiar with, I don't think there are many PE EEs. I don't think I know of any, actually. As others have said, there are industries where it is probably more common.
 
berkeman said:
Which country are you in, and where to you anticipate working? At least in the high-tech industry that I'm familiar with, I don't think there are many PE EEs. I don't think I know of any, actually. As others have said, there are industries where it is probably more common.

I'm in the US. Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina. So you think there is no point going after it, or would being one of the few PE be a huge help?

Naty1 said:
As you interview companies, ask to speak with some engineers...check to see what they say about the MEE and PE...absent any other input, you have two choices regarding the MEE: go full time and pay for it yourself; go part time while you work,get paid, and have the company pay for your education...the latter is likely more challenging but you'll be WAY ahead financially...perhaps a quarter million dollars...

Are you sure about a quarter million because that sounds extremely high for an engineering salary? Also, why is the second option so much more profitable? I am pretty sure that I will go for a MEE at some point, so you guys think I should work a few years first, even if I get into the grad school I want straight out of undergrad?
 
WolfpackPride said:
I'm in the US. Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina. So you think there is no point going after it, or would being one of the few PE be a huge help?

I'm not sure. I think the Raleigh area is pretty high tech, so the PE may not help much. But if there are some specialty companies like government contractors, it might help. Best to call up their recruiting offices to ask.



WolfpackPride said:
Are you sure about a quarter million because that sounds extremely high for an engineering salary?

I think he meant that amount would be the difference in earnings over your career, not in a year.
 
what sort of field do you wish to specialize in? will there even be PEs where you work to apprentice under?
 
WolfpackPride said:
I'm in the US. Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina. So you think there is no point going after it, or would being one of the few PE be a huge help?

I think it would be beneficial to have a PE at some point. Some jobs actually require it...others prefer it...and some don't care either way.

WolfpackPride said:
Are you sure about a quarter million because that sounds extremely high for an engineering salary? Also, why is the second option so much more profitable? I am pretty sure that I will go for a MEE at some point, so you guys think I should work a few years first, even if I get into the grad school I want straight out of undergrad?

I think he is implying you'll come out 250K ahead based on the assumption the company will pay for graduate school - not that you'll have a 250K salary. However, I've never personally known a company to pay all of the cost for an engineer to go to grad school. The past few that I have worked for would only pay a maximum of $5,000 per year. I guess it depends on the company though.

CS
 
  • #10
The electrical utility company,here in Kansas, I worked for would give you a better salary with a PE.
 

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