Personal and Professional Development for Engineers - Assignment Example

?Running head: PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ENGINEERS Personal and Professional Development for Engineers March 11, 2011 Personal and Professional Development for Engineers 1. Role of Engineers The profession of Engineering is shaping the development of the contemporary world, which has gone through a process of evolution as well as revolution. A few years ago, the work was done manually, due to which the pace of development was comparatively slower. With the invention of machines and industrialization by persevering engineers, the workflow became faster as the quantity of goods manufactured increased significantly. These inventions by engineers not only made the human life easier but also provided more employment opportunities to the people. Research and development in engineering profession has also led to the invention of better technology, machines, and manufacturing processes, which guarantee a consistency in the quality of the finished products. Civil engineers can be credited for construction of bridges, roads, buildings, and dams; electrical engineers can be recognized for their establishment of power plants; chemical engineers can be appreciated for their role in manufacturing of apparel merchandise and pharmaceuticals; agricultural engineers can be credited for the increase in crop yield through better irrigation and farming practices; however, it is the mechanical engineer who lays the foundation for the proper functioning of other disciplines of engineering. If there were no machines, which are actually designed and fabricated by a mechanical engineer, there would be no industries and no technological development. WorldWideLearn (n.d.) stated that a mechanical engineer invents the processes that are used in internal combustion engines, turbines, generators, refrigeration and air-conditioning units, etc. To accomplish the duties of a mechanical engineer successfully, proper certification through accreditation authorities is essential. 2. Professional Registration and Licensing Various countries have different norms and requirements for awarding license and registration to the engineers, including the mechanical engineers. Thornton (2010) mentioned that every state has its own registration and licensing procedure for awarding the professional engineer title in the USA. However, to facilitate the practice of engineering in various states, an individual can apply for professional engineering title in the concerned states with minimum paper work, if a license has already been granted by one American state. The Engineering Council (2011) declares that it is the governing body of the engineering profession in the UK, and it has laid down certain standards for getting an engineer professionally registered at various levels. There are national institutions of engineering recognized by the Engineering Council for granting memberships and licenses to the applicants. For memberships and registration of mechanical engineers, The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2010) takes the responsibility. The various engineering titles, based on academic qualifications and experience, are defined by the chief governing body, the Engineering Council. 3. Engineering Council There are four levels at which the engineers, including the mechanical engineers, can get professionally registered in the United Kingdom. The purpose of having a professional license procedure is to maintain the high standards in the practice of engineering for ensuring the safety and health of the public as well as the environment. The Engineering Council (2011) asserts that by having the membership of the respective engineering institution, which is also recognized by the Engineering Council, the engineers have better chances of getting employment, drawing more salaries, getting easier promotion, and are also well-accepted by the industry, the government, and the public. The four levels of professional engineers recognized by the governing body i.e. Engineering Council are enumerated and discussed below. Chartered Engineer (CEng) Incorporated Engineer (IEng) Engineering Technician (EngTech) Information and Communications Technology Technician (ICTTech) Chartered Engineer (CEng): This professional engineering title is the highest and is internationally accepted as well. Just like a physician adds the title awarded in medicine by prefixing Dr. before the name of the person, a Chartered Engineer adds the title by suffixing CEng after the name. The Engineering Council (2011) demands certain eligibility requirements to attain the title of Chartered Engineer, who must have “an accredited Bachelors degree with honours in engineering or technology,” and “an appropriate Masters degree accredited by a professional engineering institution,” or an “appropriate further learning to Masters level.” Besides, The Engineering Council (2011) also accepts “an accredited integrated MEng degree” while considering applications from engineers, including mechanical engineers, for the award of the prestigious CEng title. A Chartered Engineer is a highly respectable position in the engineering profession. For a mechanical engineer, a CEng title will allow many benefits, such as better chances of employment in contrast to applicants without professional license, easier route to promotion, higher perks, and more recognition in the industry as well as among the peers. A Chartered Engineer contributes towards the development of innovative technological processes by utilizing the educational qualifications and industry experience. Professional Development (n.d.) also encourages registration of all eligible mechanical engineers for seeking the prestigious title of Chartered Engineer through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers that is duly recognized by the Engineering Council. Incorporated Engineer (IEng): This professional engineering title enables an engineer, including a mechanical engineer, to successfully design and manage the engineering applications with the support of the issuing authority and the governing body. The governing body, the Engineering Council, has laid down certain eligibility requirements from candidates applying for the title of Incorporated Engineer. The Engineering Council (2011) requires “an accredited Bachelors or honours degree in engineering or technology,” or “a Higher National Certificate or Diploma or a Foundation,” or “an NVQ4 or SVQ4 which has been approved for the purpose by a licensed engineering institution” from the engineers applying for the prestigious Incorporate Engineer title. An Incorporated Engineer can suffix the title of IEng after the name. Once awarded this title, an Incorporated Engineer can get the same benefits as the Chartered Engineer. The Engineering Council (2011) has summarized these benefits, which include higher potential of getting employment, promotion, and perks along with better recognition in the industry, the peers, and the society. A mechanical engineer can apply for membership and registration as an Incorporated Engineer with the issuing authority known as Institution of Mechanical Engineers, which is an accredited institution. The Engineering and Technology Board (n.d.) highly recommends all aspiring engineers, including the mechanical engineers, to register as Incorporated Engineer, for becoming an integral part of the engineering profession. Engineering Technician (EngTech): It is the third level of engineering title awarded to an eligible applicant. To be considered for the title of Engineering Technician, the Engineering Council (2011) requires that the candidates must have “an Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Engineering or in Construction and the Built Environment,” or “a qualification, approved by their professional engineering institution, in engineering or construction set at level 3 (or above) in the Qualifications and Credit Framework or at level 6 (or above) in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.” An Engineering Technician gets the privilege to suffix the title of EngTech, which provides the qualified engineer better recognition in the industry, among the peers, and in the community. Since the Engineering Technician assumes supervisory role in managing and maintaining the engineering projects, more decision-making powers can be given to the Engineering Technicians in contrast to the non-registered people with similar credentials. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (2011) also recommends registration for Engineering Technician to all those eligible candidates for attaining higher earnings potential and more probability of promotion. Information and Communications Technology Technician (ICTTech): The Engineering Council (2011) has established certain requirements for candidates applying for the title of Information and Communications Technology Technician. The advantages of getting this prestigious title include better social status, recognition in the industry, and higher growth prospects in the professional career. The job description of an Information and Communications Technology Technician requires installation of hardware and software systems, oversee the entire operation, and perform troubleshooting tasks. The Engineering Council (2011) has mandated that the applicants for Information and Communications Technology Technician must have “completed an ICT Advanced Apprenticeship,” or “other ICT practitioner qualifications at Level 3 (SCQF 6) with appropriate working experience.” However, the Engineering Council (2011) also encourages other candidates without formal qualifications, but the governing body requires that the candidates must demonstrate that “they have acquired the necessary competence through substantial working experience.” There is another flexible option for those intending to apply for registration as Information and Communications Technology Technician. The Engineering Council (2011) mandates that the applicants could also show competency by acquiring the SFIA Level 3 and work experience. So what is the most conspicuous part of getting the registration to practice as Information and Communications Technology Technician? The successful individual can suffix the title of ICTTech after the name, which also improves the social status. Professional Careers (n.d.) also encourages the eligible candidates to apply for registration as Information and Communications Technology Technician to enhance their chances of achieving professional growth. In the current business world with various interlinking of disciplines, the mechanical engineers engaged in management and maintenance of hardware and software systems should consider obtaining the license of Information and Communications Technology Technician. Institution of Mechanical Engineers The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2010) mentioned that it invites membership applications from students as well as working engineers with undergraduate and postgraduate degree qualifications. The institution plays a key role of representing the voices of the mechanical engineers employed in the UK. It coordinates between the members, the industries, the colleges, the universities, and the government to bridge the gap in communication. Since technology is advancing at a rapid rate, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers presents the rising demands of the industry to the government and the mechanical engineers. It keeps the stakeholders abreast of the latest developments, job opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and sources of financial assistance for the members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. By becoming a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, an individual becomes a part of a professional organization that awards certification to the practicing engineers. So it is important to become professionally registered with the institution for availing several benefits, such as participation in the international conferences, presentation of papers, interaction with peers and prospective employers from the manufacturing industry, etc. There are various levels of membership depending on educational qualifications and work experience. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2010) has provided free membership facilities to the mechanical engineering students, who can register as Affiliates. Similarly, the apprentices are also encouraged to register as Affiliate members. The graduates are also advised to apply for membership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and these graduates are admitted as Associate members. However, there is one additional benefit that the graduate members get over the undergraduate members. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2010) allows the graduates to suffix the title of AMIMechE after their names. It is also a good way to encourage the students to complete their mechanical engineering studies. The full-fledged professional engineers, who are classified as Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer, Engineering Technician, according to the Engineering Council, are recognized as Members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2010) allows its privileged Members to suffix the title of MIMechE after their names. A step higher than the Member level at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers is the Fellow level. A senior engineer can become the Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers by showing exceptional leadership traits and dedication to the profession, in addition to being an existing member with the title of EngTech, IEng, or CEng. King (2011) reported that there was a phenomenal increase in the registration of Chartered Engineers as the number of such registrants increased by 26% in 2010 in contrast to the preceding year of 2009. All registered fellow members, members, associate members, and affiliate members also get the privilege of attending the national as well as international conferences while exchanging information relevant to their fields of specialization, and hence, the group contributes to personal as well as professional development. One of the most important benefits of being a registered member of Institution of Mechanical Engineers is that the prospects of finding job also increase when a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer, Engineering Technician, or Information and Communications Technology Technician becomes member of this prestigious institution. The progress towards the Chartered Engineer status is hierarchical. Career Structure (2011) highlighted that “the Institution of Mechanical Engineers runs the Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS), leading to chartered status.” By acquiring the relevant skills, educational qualifications, and work experience, a mechanical engineer can ascend in the professional career. All students and practicing mechanical engineers should get involved in the activities of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and the Engineering Council since it helps to develop networking with the established industry leaders. These professional institutions and governing bodies are for the welfare of their members, and hence, the undergraduate students, the graduate students, the apprentices, the professional mechanical engineers, and the senior mechanical engineers should contribute with their heart and soul for the continual progress of these institutions as well as for their own professional development. The industry and the society depend on efficient and ethical performance of a mechanical engineer, who can be regarded as an integral part of the manufacturing industry. References Career Structure. (2011). Mechanical Engineer, [Online], Available: http://www.careerstructure.com/careers-advice/profiles/mechanical-engineer [7 Mar 2011]. Engineering and Technology Board. (n.d.). Applying for Incorporated Engineer, [Online], Available: http://www.scenta.co.uk/careers/professional_registration/incorporated_engineer.cfm [7 Mar 2011]. Engineering Council. (2011). Benefits of Registration, [Online], Available: http://www.engc.org.uk/benefits.aspx [7 Mar 2011]. Institution of Mechanical Engineers. (2010). Membership, [Online], Available: http://www.imeche.org/membership/ [7 Mar 2011]. King, R. (2011). Large Increase in Chartered Engineer Registrations. Psychic Engineer, [Online], Available: http://www.science20.com/psychic_engineer/blog/large_increase_chartered_engineer_registrations-76228 [7 Mar 2011]. Professional Careers. (n.d.). Professional Qualifications, [Online], Available: http://www.totalprofessions.com/university-students/professional-qualifications#Information%20Technology [7 Mar 2011]. Professional Development. (n.d.). Professional Registration, [Online], http://www.pd-how2.org/6_2.htm [7 Mar 2011]. The Institution of Engineering and Technology. (2011). What is professional registration and how is it different to membership, [Online], Available: http://www.theiet.org/membership/cisco/faqs.cfm#16 [7 Mar 2011]. Thornton, M. (2010). Why Should You Become a Licensed Professional Engineer, [Online], Available: http://www.todaysengineer.org/2010/Feb/PE.asp [7 Mar 2011]. WorldWideLearn. (n.d.). Mechanical Engineering Major, [Online], Available: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/engineering/mechanical-engineering-major.htm [7 Mar 2011]. Read More