Becoming a Chartered Engineer was my goal from the moment I started in the Rail industry, as it shows I have the right academic qualifications, relevant work experience, and expertise. It’s globally recognised and allows me to move further up the career ladder.

However, let me explain what a Chartered Engineer is. Many people call themselves an engineer, from someone who shows up to fit your new Wi-Fi Router, to someone who designs buildings, to someone – like me – designs rail system solutions. Everyone is correct to call themselves engineers, but their skill level and experience can differ vastly. A Chartered Engineer is someone who has the education and practical experience and has reached a high level of competency and commitment to their professionalism. In the UK, the Engineering Council sets the skills and competences required for Chartered Engineer; globally, other countries can have variations to what is required.

Process, Application, and Interview

The application and interview are not about developing new skills; it simply demonstrates all the experience and knowledge you have learnt over the years.

I’m not going to lie – I found the process does take a lot of hard work, time and commitment: from deciding to go back to university and study for a Master’s degree while working, right through to writing my professional review report and having the interview. I spent many evenings and weekends working on it. However, do not be put off, as most things are in life, it’s not worth having it if it’s easy. I found the support I had from the PWI and members to be fantastic. As long as you were willing to put the work in, PWI members were willing to guide, help and assist you.

I also found that writing the professional review report on my career helped me identify a number of skills I didn’t realise I already possessed and helped me become more aware of my abilities.

Remember – it’s not just engineering skills that are needed, you are also required to have management of technical work, people, business and professional judgement. Some of these skills may not be needed in your early career and may take several years to gain and develop. On average, it can take 8-10 years from starting in the industry to becoming chartered. This may seem like a long time, but planning now will definitely help you later. It can also take less or longer; it all depends on the individual.

Summary

To date, since becoming a Chartered Engineer with the PWI in January 2023, it has accelerated my career increasing my earning power, respect in the industry and much more.