Professional Registration and Beyond
On April 13 and 14, Younger Members across the country sat for the PE and FE exams. Since it's been a few years since I took them, I'm grateful to Brett Pope, E.I.T., A.M.ASCE, Texas Section Younger Member Chair, for his post on the ASCE Younger Members Facebook page detailing his experience from the most recent PE exam. Reading through it brought back many memories: the review classes, meticulously tabbing the pages in my manuals for quick reference, relaxing in the week before the exam, just to have a sleepless night before it. At the site, watching other candidates carrying cratefuls of books made me worry I was still underprepared. Of course, once I sank my teeth into the test, I found my rhythm and the months of studying paid off. Like Brett, my key was being organized and following my own game plan. I ended up passing with no problems, and I'm sure Brett will do the same.
So why do we put ourselves through this ordeal? Fortunately, the value of professional licensure is one thing that few aspiring civil engineers take for granted.
Officially, the purpose of the PE license is to demonstrate that we sufficient skills to protect the public health and safety. It reminds us that civil engineering isn't just a job, it's a profession, and we are responsible for the lives and welfare of every person that uses the products we design. By the same token, it shows that we are to be trusted, as experts on infrastructure, buildings and the environment, and respected as such.
Many engineers tend to lose focus after they gain their license. What next? You may work for a company with many senior engineers, and it may take years for your PE stamp to see the light of day. More states are requiring continuing education, but still PDHs (professional development hours) are more seen as a necessary evil than an opportunity to improve oneself.
More than ever, in an increasingly fluid global marketplace, those who stagnate will perish. We must never stop learning because technology is changing almost as fast as we can keep up. For our profession to succeed, we must also be training and sparking the passion of the generations following us.
That is the responsibility of the more senior Younger Members among us. Take it upon yourself to mentor the interns and graduate engineers, regardless of whether your company has a formal training program or not (ASCE has its own program, eCareerMentor, if you are looking for ideas). And remember to be open-minded - they may be able to teach you a thing or two as well!
Good luck!
Clement Chung, P.E., M.ASCE
Chair, Committee on Younger Members
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