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Started By
Message
Worth getting a professional engineering license?
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:18 pm
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:18 pm
Is it worth it? Especially in SWLA, most people who I see that have it that do not work at a firm use it for nothing more than bragging rights. I see a lot of engineers going get their MBAs at this point instead of the PE.
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Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:20 pm to tigerclaw10
Depends which sector you are in. I'm a CE so a lot of our work is public work in which case having a PE license is necessary
This post was edited on 1/26/24 at 1:23 pm
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:22 pm to tigerclaw10
Working in consulting you need it.
ETA: to answer your question...yes, it's worth it.
ETA: to answer your question...yes, it's worth it.
This post was edited on 1/26/24 at 1:31 pm
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:22 pm to tigerclaw10
I'm civil so it's basically mandatory. I know a lot of other disciplines don't need it and can opt for an MBA instead
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:27 pm to tigerclaw10
Depends. You want to be a nerd or a boss?
Joking, but it depends on if your industry/niche has PE sign off requirements. Mine only requires in certain instances and we would hire a consultant as small as we are.
Joking, but it depends on if your industry/niche has PE sign off requirements. Mine only requires in certain instances and we would hire a consultant as small as we are.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:30 pm to tigerclaw10
if you want job security, get it.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:31 pm to tigerclaw10
It certainly opens mores doors than not having it.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:32 pm to tigerclaw10
I suggest the unprofessional engineering license?
Waste of a good mind
Engineering Degree > MBA
MBA has produced more useless pricks than saltpeter.
quote:
I see a lot of engineers going get their MBAs at this point instead of the PE.
Waste of a good mind
Engineering Degree > MBA
MBA has produced more useless pricks than saltpeter.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:39 pm to Cheese Grits
quote:
MBA has produced more useless pricks than saltpeter.
I agree. If you have an engineering degree, the MBA helps to formally teach you about accounting, finance, and contracts. It’s not so you don’t have to be an engineer. I have an MBA and it’s not a huge accomplishment, it’s just a compliment to what I already have.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:53 pm to tigerclaw10
It was a professional goal of mine to have my P.E. license. I decided about 10 years after undergrad to finally take the exam and apply for licensure. I'm glad I did, but it wasn't necessary for my job. I maintain the license now, and maybe I'll do some consulting later in my career. 
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:54 pm to Cheese Grits
quote:
Engineering Degree > MBA
It's not even close either. General business degrees are a waste no matter if it's undergrad or grad. I would think a secondary or professional engineering credential would be a good thing to have and elevate yourself with.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:56 pm to Larry_Hotdogs
quote:
it’s just a compliment to what I already have.
I see you're definitely still an engineer.
That is intended as a compliment, for the record.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 1:57 pm to tigerclaw10
Depends on your field. If you’re young or recent graduate, I would get it regardless. A lot of industries won’t promote into management, etc without it even if it’s not really needed.
Plus guys that do have PEs, will always look down on you.
Plus guys that do have PEs, will always look down on you.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 2:04 pm to tigerclaw10
quote:
Especially in SWLA, most people who I see that have it that do not work at a firm use it for nothing more than bragging rights. I see a lot of engineers going get their MBAs at this point instead of the PE.
It's worth it for a variety of reasons, and really there's no downside.
Upsides are job security, leg up on other candidates, and some jobs flat out require it even if they stamp nothing. The longer you're in the industry the more valuable it becomes.
Also having an MBA and a PE, and experience make a potent combo for getting in upper management outside of engineering.
Eta: If you are actually stamping things, especially life safety or structural items, be absolutely demanding in what you want to see before you stamp it. In the event something goes down your arse will be first on the firing line.
This post was edited on 1/26/24 at 2:12 pm
Posted on 1/26/24 at 2:06 pm to tigerclaw10
If you can get it, get it. I hated discipline work so I left the field 6 years ago. I was just shy of a year short of my hours. All the guys with PEs I work with now are nerds/narcs and won’t pencil whip my hours.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 2:10 pm to tigerclaw10
quote:
Is it worth it? Especially in SWLA, most people who I see that have it that do not work at a firm use it for nothing more than bragging rights. I see a lot of engineers going get their MBAs at this point instead of the PE.
Tell me your discipline and I can answer it better.
If you are a civil engineer, not having it will limit what you can do so will also limit what you can make. For the rest of the disciplines, it is much more subjective, depending on what you specifically do, quite a few engineering jobs do not require you to ever stamp anything. But here is a caveat, if you will be looking for a job, particularly outside of the circle of folks who know your work, having a PE is a selling feature to a potential employer. So I would recommend getting one when you can. Additionally, if you work for a consulting company, they will often bump your pay if you have a license, though the bump is typically quite small, 1-2 K a year.
Getting an MBA indicates you want to pursue management, if that is your desired career path, then that is a better call. If you are planning to manage in the consulting world, then both are a good idea.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 2:13 pm to lnomm34
quote:
It was a professional goal of mine to have my P.E. license. I decided about 10 years after undergrad to finally take the exam and apply for licensure. I'm glad I did, but it wasn't necessary for my job. I maintain the license now, and maybe I'll do some consulting later in my career.
Same for me and I ended up letting mine lapse later and have never renewed it. I'm in control systems and never needed it. Retirement is probably calling my name in the next 5 or so years so I doubt I will ever activate mine again.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 2:14 pm to tigerclaw10
If you’re a ChE…
It is a good idea if you work for a design firm. If you work anywhere else, not much value.
It is a good idea if you work for a design firm. If you work anywhere else, not much value.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 2:27 pm to fjlee90
It was worth it to me. I've kept it up for almost 50 yrs. Looks nice framed on the wall. Since retirement I've used it to part time consult.
Posted on 1/26/24 at 2:45 pm to NYNolaguy1
quote:
really there's no downside.
Very true
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