Not a Licensed Engineer?
In the field of engineering, there seems to be a perennial issue between engineers having licenses and those having none.
It has created some unnecessary barriers at work because of the pride that licensed engineers hold. But that shouldn’t be the case.
What’s the purpose of having an engineering license anyway?
After sleepless nights, reading all those engineering books, pinching your scientific calculators on radians the whole time… you passed the board exam. Congrats, you are now an engineer.
An engineering license allows one engineer to work having the credit of an engineer.
Regulations about licensing in engineering vary from different countries but a license has one humanitarian purpose: it is to encourage safety and well-being of the general public by being accountable as an engineer.
It is the stronghold of the law for engineers to take legal responsibility for any engineering work or projects, through the registered engineers’ signatures, seals and stamps.
In Canada, if you are a licensed engineer, you need to wear that Iron Ring as a symbol of accomplishment. Just like a wedding ring that brags you are already married.
It’s more than just having an “engineer” tagged in a name.
An engineering license is considered the highest standard of competence, which dignifies an engineering graduate who really is capable to practice his or her profession. It is the title that represents an authority and responsibility.
Moreover, registered engineers get immediate respect from peers and an innate sense of achievement.
They are also the ones who are first noticed by employers upon hiring, even when licenses are not necessarily required to be in the workforce.
There is so much power than a powerbank that is paired with an engineering license; however, there’s a huge “but” to all these merits: if one is not a licensed engineer, it doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t have the right to work as an engineer.
He or she also has a valid engineering opinion that may even be better than those who have licenses.
The title is not strictly exclusive to those who passed professional exams, but also to those who uphold the values and ideas of an engineer, which is to design and innovate.
Perhaps a child with passion and ideals in structural engineering can be called a real engineer, as opposed to a board passer electrical engineer who sells second-hand cars with loud speakers.
It may be that the law doesn’t allow non-licensed engineers to be called engineers in everything they do, but it doesn’t mean they are not also allowed to act like engineers.
They can still become engineers of their own right.
We need to stop thinking highly if we are one of those registered license engineers. We need to stop thinking lowly if we are one of those non-registered engineers.
Either way, this is a kind of thinking lying at the back of our heads which breeds the discrimination.
We are all engineers if we do engineering. Period.
What is the importance of being a licensed engineer?
According to the National Society of Professional Engineers, there are 5 reasons to get a professional license.
Five Reasons to Get Licensed
1. Prestige
Licensed Professional Engineers are respected by the public and are seen in the same light as licensed professionals in other fields.
Professional licensed engineers are also held in high esteem by their peers within the engineering community, who see the engineering license as part of an elite group.
2. Career Development
Employers are impressed with engineers who have their engineering licenses. Licensure not only enhances your stature, it shows commitment to the profession and demonstrates heightened leadership and management skills.
Licensure is also a necessity for rising to increased levels of authority and responsibility.
3. Authority
Only licensed engineers can sign and seal engineering drawings; and only licensed engineers can be in responsible charge of a firm in private practice or serve as a fully qualified expert witness.
Also, many government agencies and educational institutions are emphasizing licensure among their engineers as well.
4. Flexibility
Having a professional engineering license opens up your career options. You can become a specialist, or establish your own business.
It also protects you during industry downsizing or outsourcing.
The engineering license allows you to go as far as your initiative and talent will take you.
5. Money
Studies have shown that most licensed engineers earn higher pay throughout their business careers.
Having your engineering license allows expanded opportunities beyond a company structure – as an independent consultant for example.
Conclusion
In conclusion, civil engineers, just like medical health professionals, should get a professional license to protect their careers and ensure they are qualified to do the job. Being a licensed professional also brings with it a sense of pride and accomplishment.
It can also lead to new opportunities, such as being able to work on more complex projects.
So, if you are a civil engineer, I urge you to get your professional license today!
What are your thoughts on this?
Are you still an engineer if you are not a licensed engineer?
