I don't know how to find evidence for some of the competences as I don't supervise anyone.  I read recently that I can use examples from outside of work but - while I do participate in activities outside of work - I'm not a "leader".  

I don't know how to find evidence for some of the competences as I don't supervise anyone.  I read recently that I can use examples from outside of work but - while I do participate in activities outside of work - I'm not a "leader".  

Yes, I agree.

Also, I've been a contractor for the last few years, so have done lots of short-term things for organisations who don't want to deal me with ever again.

Furthermore, I'm very modest, and not positive about my skills, even though I'm experienced enough.

I would like to go through the process, but I think someone would have to hold my hand every step of the way.  It's rather daunting.

You do not have to supervise people. You can technically lead people as an alternative. In this way you are responsible for delivery etc but not responsible for day to day HR issues etc. 

I know what you mean.  I am much more of a collaborator and don't like to take the credit for anything - even if it was my idea initially.  It feels like bragging and I'm not comfortable with that.  

Thanks Gerard - that's quite helpful actually.  

I ended up applying for IEng, rather than CEng, because I didn't see how I met the leadership requirements for CEng.  That said, UKSPEC gets revised every few years, so it may be different now.

IEng was easier, because you only had to assist the leader, e.g. doing planning, estimation and project status updates.

Strangely, at the time, ECUK was promoting IEng as being for engineering managers and CEng for practising engineers.  They obviously hadn't read their own requirements.

Simon Barker said:

ECUK was promoting IEng as being for engineering managers and CEng for practising engineers.

Yes, quite right too! And yes it is (thankfully) clearer in UKSpec 4th Edition.

CEng is about technical leadership - or, more accurately, about technical responsibility and accountability. If you're project manager of a £100million project, and managing the time and budgeting for 100 engineers but not signing any of the drawings off as technical authority you may well be eligible for IEng (and quite possibly FIET!), while the senior engineer working for you who is signing the drawings off but has no budgetary responsibility and no line management responsibility is very likely to be eligible for CEng.

Sadly I come across many line managers, who may well be CEngs, telling their staff that they need to get management responsibility before they apply. Very frustrating.

P.S. Not say that you need that line / budget responsibility to be IEng either, but it's just the point that if you're more project manager than you are engineer then IEng might be a better fit.

Thanks,

Andy

Hi Karen. This is a common worry and there are some helpful responses on here. 

Competence C (management & Leadership) isn't just about 'people' you may be leading projects, responsible for resources, budgets/finance etc..

Many people still struggle to find this in their  day to day roles however as you said, activities outside of work can be used. For example, STEM activities, Scout Leader, managing local sports groups, IET volunteer (Local Network Organiser), community committees, work committees. These type of activities all demonstrate accountability, managing, leading - venues, health & safety, budgets, papers etc. Many of these activities will also feed into other competences too in the C, D & E in particular. 

I hope this helps.

Most Engineers I work with say the same. Most find it hard to talk about 'I' rather than 'we'. Few people are really comfortable with it as most of us work in teams.

You will have played your part in that team and your individual actions would have produced great results & outcomes. 

Replace the word bragging with evidencing. You're application is all about what you have personally achieved to reach such a high level of competence. Providing evidence of your achievements is what is required - not something you are choosing to 'brag' about. Be proud of your achievements Karen and remember there is lots of support at the IET should you need it.

Hi Robin. Our Professional Registrations Engagement Manager, Lucy Byrne, is there to do exactly that. Lucy will support, guide and encourage you through the process. She actually describes it as 'holding your hand through the process' herself. 

Feel free to drop her an email & she will get back to you to give you the 1-1 support you need. 

profregengagement@theiet.org 

All the best

Louise Chapman said:

Many people still struggle to find this in their  day to day roles however as you said, activities outside of work can be used. For example, STEM activities, Scout Leader, managing local sports groups, IET volunteer (Local Network Organiser), community committees, work committees. These type of activities all demonstrate accountability, managing, leading - venues, health & safety, budgets, papers etc. Many of these activities will also feed into other competences too in the C, D & E in particular.

Hi Louise, this is interesting as my understanding is that when you apply for registration you need to submit a career history to demonstrate how you have met all of the competences in the UK-SPEC. The examples you have given, by definition, fall outside of someone’s career history, so how do you suggest that they provide evidence of these non work based activities in their application?