My Journey in Obtaining My Professional Engineer Designation

The following article was written by RAM’s Project Engineer, Marc Tabet P.Eng., on his experience with Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s (EGBC) Professional Engineers application.

I have been happily working at RAM for the past 2 and a half years and I have recently obtained my Professional Engineering (P.Eng.) License with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC).

This is definitely a considerable milestone in my career, that not only made me really happy, but also gave me an opportunity to look back at the process that got me to this stage, my career and how I have personally and professionally developed since then.

I thought I would write an article about my experience to share some of my takeaways, provide valuable insight on the application process and encourage other companies to also join EGBC’s Accredited Employer Member-in-Training Program (MIT), which I found invaluable.

The Application Process

If you are still an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or planning to be, 4 years of experience required before you can obtain your P.Eng. might seem long and you might feel like you have time.

1.      My biggest advice is: start as early as you can!

Here is why:

  • There are advantages to being an EIT; if you want to know more click here.
  • The training you will go through in completing the application will:
  1. Encourage you to be involved in the EGBC community.
  2. Provide a better understanding of EGBC, its departments and how the engineering profession in British Columbia is regulated.
  3. Open the door to resources to leverage throughout your work experience that you may not be aware of.
  4. Prepare you to think like a Professional Engineer, and guide you in your daily work: what to look for, what to pay attention to, what are important professional considerations.
  • The different competences required by the application that you need to meet throughout your work experience can guide you in your career decisions. The earlier you start being aware of these competences, the quicker you can seek the work experience you require to become a Professional Engineer. See Advice Number 3.
  • Makes the process of reporting and validating your experience way easier.

2.      Leverage your EGBC training towards your career planning and your daily engineering work. Make use of EGBC’s mentorship resources, professional training and other tools to maximize your work experience during these 4 years.

3.      Ensure at all time your education and job experience align; seek your job experiences accordingly. For example:

  •  Engineering Education: E.g, mechanical
  • Experience relating to your education: E.g, mechanical experience
  • and acquired through an area of specialization (licensure path): E.g, Project Management

With my Mechanical Engineering Degree, I focused my work experience on mechanical engineering in project and construction management. I could have gathered similarly pertinent experience within other areas of nonspecialist. The indicators you will use to prove a given competency within your application are likely to be different for each area although the competency itself might be common to the different areas.

As an example, understanding design constraints is a competency that is needed from any Professional Engineer. A Mechanical EIT working in a Mechanical Engineering Design firm is likely to gain skills related to this competency a bit differently than one working in a Construction Management Firm.

MIT and How It Helped

The MIT Program creates a partnership between a Company, in my case, RAM, and EGBC in a way that provided many advantages to the EIT applicant employed by the company. Due to the detailed application process, some applicants might find the need for clarifications or understand the validity of their particular work experience as it relates to the application requirements.

I, personally, found the MIT program invaluable throughout my application.

First of all, EGBC visited our offices to explain the application process, the requirements and the advantages of the MIT program. This is what drove me to kick off my application process.

EGBC has ensured we have dedicated members within our team to help applicants like me. I found all the mentorship I needed within our support team.

EGBC’s Program Administrator assigned to RAM provided support throughout the way by clarifying the application requirements and guiding me in my effort to submit a complete and strong application. I witnessed an excellent level of reachability and responsiveness from behalf of EGBC, which I am extremely grateful for.

Finally, upon submitting my application, my application was assessed and accepted by the evaluation panel assigned by EGBC in a record time.

I hope this article offers you some valuable perspective, encourages you to initiate your application as soon as possible, and encourages your company to also become an MIT partner.

Special Thank You

I want to extend my gratitude to all people, colleagues and friends who have assisted me in my journey and specially to RAM and Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

RAM has an accredited Member-In-Training Program for Engineers-In-Training (EIT) to fast-track their professional designation review and receive enhanced guidance in gaining necessary competencies for registration. Our supervisors are trained by Engineers and Geoscientists BC and understand the requirements you need to become a successful applicant. Our mentors can personally help you when you have questions about your application process.

RAM hires talented candidates from entry level stages through to executives looking to make an impactful change in their career. We offer a competitive compensation package, promote work/life balance, and provide a collaborative and dynamic work environment. To learn more, submit your resume or view available positions.