Cheong,

I don't think that I have ever demonstrated the standard required of a Chartered Engineer.

At the time when I was closest about 15 years into my career, I didn't meet the "academic requirement" so wouldn't have been eligible and already held IEng which seemed to be well-respected in my work situation. As that situation evolved it became clear that a more senior management role would be a better target and I was able to migrate in that direction.  To support that I completed a part-time MSc and became Chartered (FCIPD) . The IET predecessor Institution that I was a member of, required Fellows to have a minimum of 5 years management responsibility and invited me to apply in 1995. By coincidence I also started my MBA that year. I also completed a Diploma in Safety Management to help my company at one stage, but only kept the professional institution membership going for a few years when that need dissipeared.

By coincidence I used to play golf and may do so again in future, but never put enough practice in to get my handicap below 20, or felt the need to join a more prestigious club. 

To the extent that it is relevant to this discussion, I would consider myself to have a portfolio of skills, attributes and capabilities which includes engineering. My advice to any young engineer demonstrating CEng  is to register soon, because if you move into management and become "impure" , then it may become more difficult later. The world as seen through the eyes of those who have controlled access to CEng, values deep specialisation more than generalism. How important being CEng registered is to you, may depend on which circles you move in, but if it is a realistic prospect then take it when you can. 

One of the difficulties that we face is that those who stay strongly technical prefer CEng to be seen as a career "pinnacle", whereas for those who build a career on engineering it is a "milestone" or "launchpad".  I think both pathways are equally valuable, but I don't know how we resolve this tension?     

Cheong,

I don't think that I have ever demonstrated the standard required of a Chartered Engineer.

At the time when I was closest about 15 years into my career, I didn't meet the "academic requirement" so wouldn't have been eligible and already held IEng which seemed to be well-respected in my work situation. As that situation evolved it became clear that a more senior management role would be a better target and I was able to migrate in that direction.  To support that I completed a part-time MSc and became Chartered (FCIPD) . The IET predecessor Institution that I was a member of, required Fellows to have a minimum of 5 years management responsibility and invited me to apply in 1995. By coincidence I also started my MBA that year. I also completed a Diploma in Safety Management to help my company at one stage, but only kept the professional institution membership going for a few years when that need dissipeared.

By coincidence I used to play golf and may do so again in future, but never put enough practice in to get my handicap below 20, or felt the need to join a more prestigious club. 

To the extent that it is relevant to this discussion, I would consider myself to have a portfolio of skills, attributes and capabilities which includes engineering. My advice to any young engineer demonstrating CEng  is to register soon, because if you move into management and become "impure" , then it may become more difficult later. The world as seen through the eyes of those who have controlled access to CEng, values deep specialisation more than generalism. How important being CEng registered is to you, may depend on which circles you move in, but if it is a realistic prospect then take it when you can. 

One of the difficulties that we face is that those who stay strongly technical prefer CEng to be seen as a career "pinnacle", whereas for those who build a career on engineering it is a "milestone" or "launchpad".  I think both pathways are equally valuable, but I don't know how we resolve this tension?