Should I focus on developing my technical skills, pursue project management (PM), or aim to build expertise in both areas?
As an aside, I often, as a PRA, suggest that applicants should be able to answer the rhetorical 'interview' question of "what will you do with your CEng?".
I do it partly to 'help' applicants who view it as a finish line and wall-certificate as part of some job tick-box need, but mainly to encourage candidates to reflect on the whole 'purpose in life' stuff.
Far too many applicants arrive with an "I am not worthy" worry and think they need the certificate to be the professional engineer that they are (have been and can be...), and have no idea what they'll do after their coronation.
I would also throw in a quick read of "What color is your parachute" by Boles(*), especially the intro anecdotes. It's all about knowing who you are and being happy with it, and what it brings (rather than chasing other peoples expectations for you..). An alternative bit of reflection is "The art of Being" by Fromm (I must read beyond the blurb..)
[I'm not a great believer in 'goals at all costs', most people's life plans never include old age and demise..; Stick with generic compass directions, see Competing Values Framework (Quinn & Rohrbaugh) for quadrant choices]
(*) Parachute Color: I have the 1999 edition. First Ed was 1970. Continues to be updated by Boles!
I think we should remember our place a bit more... We are Peer Engineers there to advise on the process and requirements and not to moralise on the reasons for applying
not to moralise on the reasons for applying
I was reflecting on the professional ethics viewpoints.
It is not our business why they are applying ....
why they are applying
As a PRA, it is a potential part of their context for me providing advice. As you imply, it's not a PRI thing.
This is with a view to improving their chance of registration.
The question is "what are they doing", and implicitly how they feel they know they are ready for registration as professional engineer.
why they are applying
As a PRA, it is a potential part of their context for me providing advice. As you imply, it's not a PRI thing.
This is with a view to improving their chance of registration.
The question is "what are they doing", and implicitly how they feel they know they are ready for registration as professional engineer.
As an interviewer, I can tell you it is irrelevant. Focus on the facts and the facts are how they demonstrate the competence areas, not the reason they applied
Said my view.. not gonna comment more
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