Engineering Titles - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2011, 08:31:45 pm
content: HiI live in the UK, and I have a HNC in electronics engineering. I'm at university studying for a BEng in the same subject. What I wanted to know is what I can call myself at this point?I realise I'm not exactly an engineer yet, but then there are plenty of "engineers" out there who don't even do any engineering...maybe I could call myself a technician or something?So, I am writing my CV, and I can't think what I should be using to describe myself. Anyone have some idea of what I could use?Thanks

author: monpjc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2011, 08:47:49 pm
content: The guy at ATS who changes my tires calls himself an engineer.....I see no reason why you can't call yourself and Engineer. You have done all the electronics design training and finished a project so ok you are new, but in my view an engineer.You could class your self a Jr Engineer which on CV here in UK will make it clear you still a little green but they will see your education path from your CV so know your experience.Titles like Technician, Deign engineer, Senior or Principle Engineer normally come from the jobs you do. When working at Tyco I was classed as a Lab Engineer, but it was no different a role from a Electronics Design Engineer.If you can get yourself signed up with IET as a TIET (Technician) as these help show your willingness and you can later push for MIET and iEng or cEng - your Uni should help guide you.All best with rest of your education! And if you need a good UK job agent let me know!For anyone out side UK wondering what a HNC is you can see more here -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_National_Certificate

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2011, 09:17:00 pm
content: I have an HND in electrical and electronic engineering and have been working in the field for five years, ten counting my apprenticeship. I don't see why I can't call myself an engineer. I'd say I'm more of an engineer than someone fresh out of university with a degree. I have no intention of taking a degree either.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 07:58:32 am
content: In some countries the title "engineer" (typically the local language variant of the word :-)) is protected by law or other regulations.In other countries only special combinations of the word "engineer" are protected.In other countries there are established customs and practice who traditionally calls himself an engineer. E.g. calling yourself one in business can bring you in trouble with trading and competition regulations if you aren't adhering to custom and practice.Yet in other countries the title isn't protected at all.So, first thing you have to figure out is what the law says, if it says anything at all. The Internet, with a random bunch of smelly dudes hanging around in a forum is absolutelythe wrong placeto ask for legal advice. Check with your university, check with engineering organizations, and if you can't help it, check with a lawyer.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 08:06:31 am
content: Yea, I call myself a quality inspector but some twit put me down as a quality engineer for a new customer (looks good) so now i have split prsonalityIn italy (as here really) lots of people who would be technicians are calling themselves engineers. I care little for names. It's what a person can and can't do that counts

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 09:07:37 am
content: Quote from: Simon on April 03, 2011, 08:06:31 amYes I agree although I wouldn't want someone who calls them-self a doctor but is not a doctor operating on me.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 09:11:26 am
content: well quite, I prefer to know someones abilities and achievements than their title. Titles can be bought anyhow at least in some countries (I have a cousin in Italy that bought a degree so that he can be called doctor - looks good in the phne directory)

author: bilko
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 06:52:40 pm
content: fromhttp://www.thefreedictionary.com/engineerNoun 1. engineer - a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 06:57:22 pm
content: according to who ?

author: bilko
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 07:13:51 pm
content: Dictionary definition as above, did you find something wrong with that ?

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 07:17:09 pm
content: in america its illegal to say you are a professional engineer or put it on your business card if you haven't passed the PE exam and gotten your PE license. You have to work in the industry for x years under another PE before you can take the exam as well.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 07:22:38 pm
content: Quote from: yachtronics on April 03, 2011, 07:13:51 pmwho compiles that dictionary ? and what country is it pertinent to ?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 08:17:31 pm
content: Quote from: yachtronics on April 03, 2011, 06:52:40 pmwell accepted. and remember. the base word is... engine.would like to add... the wiki...EngineerDiplôme d'Ingénieur

author: scrat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 08:23:19 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on April 03, 2011, 08:06:31 amQuote from: Simon on April 03, 2011, 09:11:26 amEach country has its own regulations/language versions for the word "engineer".Although there are many people cheating on their titles, here in Italy one can be registered as a professional engineer (and sign as an engineer) after a degree and passing an exam (wiki says that our type A and B "ingegnere" correspond respectively to "Chartered" and "Incorporated" engineer in the UK...). In the common language, an "ingegnere" is one having a master degree (3+2 years).Experience counts a lot, and it's clear that a title doesn't say if you are a good engineer or not. At university they gave me mainly theoretical instruments, which can be useless without passion and common sense. However, it's clear that there's still a difference between someone having a certain formal training together with experience and who has the same experience but has studied less.I don't care very much about what the others do about this, but improperly using a title is not so fair towards who has studied hard for achieving it, IMH,and biased,O.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 08:30:24 pm
content: so in Italy can a plumber call himself an engineer ? bearing in mind I was in the south.....

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 09:41:32 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on April 03, 2011, 08:30:24 pmif he use scientifical knowledge to solve practical problem...

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 06:01:23 am
content: I'm refering to the law not what people think and say

author: scrat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 09:52:20 am
content: Quote from: Simon on April 03, 2011, 08:30:24 pmNo, that's not legal nor fair, and I doubt it makes any sense. However, I mut say there are some differences between South and North (I think you know it), in the way people looks at technicians and their titles. Even where I live, "ingegnere" (usually referred to civil engineer) was a kind of title of respect, before other meanings.We're going a bit off topic, but it's interesting to hear how technicians are considered in other countries.

author: bilko
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 10:18:35 am
content: Quote from: Simon on April 03, 2011, 08:30:24 pmPlease define a 'plumber'Is he somebody who fits your bathroom or could he be somebody who engineers and does the calculations for pipework on oil rigs ?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 11:39:21 am
content: I mean a plumber who just fits gas and water pipework. When I lived in Italy no end of people were throwing unearned titles around.

author: bilko
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 11:46:26 am
content: Its even worse in Spain, self declared 'experts' with no training, skill or expertise.

author: scrat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 01:56:20 pm
content: Quote from: yachtronics on April 04, 2011, 11:46:26 amOur sweet mediterranean way of thinking

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 04:54:26 pm
content: Quote from: scrat on April 04, 2011, 01:56:20 pmIn northern Europe we put these 'experts' on TV. Whenever there is something happening there will be at least one self appointed 'expert' interviewed on TV, who happens to be the world's most renown expert exactly, but really exactly, for the particular incidence. An accident involving three red, one blue and five silver cars? No problem, there is an expert for accidents involving exactly three red, one blue and five silver cars coming forward.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 04:57:25 pm
content: Quote from: scrat on April 04, 2011, 01:56:20 pmIt's not what you know but who you know

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 04:59:08 pm
content: nothing wrong with 'expert' as along as the person knows what they are talking about.but rarely do these expert meet muster there often journalist who have no clue about any scientific principlesame as most pundits.

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 05:54:43 pm
content: Confusing topic to be sure.To be completely clear, I have no formal university engineering degrees.I started working for a major electronics manufacturer as a technician right out of tech school. After 10 year they gave me a promotion and a business card that said "Manufacturing Engineer". In that position it did indeed design circuitry, machines, and systems. So the job did match the title. I was also a member of IEEE and SME (Society of manufacturing Engineers) for that time.I always figured the distinction was between ...Joe Smith, Electronics EngineerandJoe Smith, BSEE (or MSEE), Electronics Engineer

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 06:06:45 pm
content: Maybe I should but the letters HND after my name on my CV?There again, I think it might come across as pretentious.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 06:11:16 pm
content: hacker covers it all

author: Frangible
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2011, 03:46:23 am
content: What you call yourself is unimportant. What really matters is how highly others think of you - they'll provide you with a title soon enough.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2011, 06:18:08 am
content: Quote from: Frangible on April 05, 2011, 03:46:23 amUntil a judge tells you you can't, and fines you.

author: McPete
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2011, 07:12:50 am
content: Check with your national engineering body for the local terminology, but what you have sounds like an Australian diploma or advanced diploma. That, in Australian terms could title you as a technologist(what I'll be called when I'm finished my apprenticeship), engineering officer, or associate engineer, depending on who's handing out the titles. For myself, "electronics bloke" suits me!

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2011, 04:48:06 am
content: The U.S. have various titles for engineer. A company can give you that title, if you proved to them that you are capable of what they need. An university can give you that title if you taken their classes and graduated with that engineering degree, often taking 4 to 10 years, depending upon ability or situation. There are two exams for the license. No all engineers require license. If you are designing a computer or bicycle, then you do not need a license, a consumer item. If you are designing as dam, power station, or a public place, then you will need a license, PE, principal engineer. The first exam is given by the California consumer affairs - engineering society as the EIT. You will have to work for a principal engineer for a few years to be ready to take the PE, exam. Most houses are designed by anyone, no civil engineer required, just a city permit to build it. Commercial buildings are required to have a PE, principal engineer. All engineering and business carry some liability that is something for one to think about, but not dwell at it, just do a good job that is safe and checked by various people like my recumbent bicycle or in line ski roller skate.Lawsen

author: Sal Ammoniac
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2011, 10:49:34 pm
content: Quote from: Lawsen on April 14, 2011, 04:48:06 amActually, PE is Professional Engineer.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 15, 2011, 05:25:20 am
content: Quote from: Sal Ammoniac on April 14, 2011, 10:49:34 pmI thought it was "physical exercise" we could call it "paperwork exercise" just to stay up to date

author: Sal Ammoniac
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2011, 12:48:35 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on April 15, 2011, 05:25:20 amNo. We call that kind of thing here in the U.S. Physical Education.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2011, 05:44:39 pm
content: I thought PE was Physical Education which can also be studied at degree level.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2011, 06:22:27 pm
content: Did you meant a PE, physical education, coach? In the U.S., PE instructor or teacher is a physical education coach. You would be expected to run, job, walk briskly, toss balls, swim, dive, float on your back, dance, and other strenuous activities. The specialized study for P.E. (physical education) is kinesiology.Lawsen

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2011, 07:37:04 pm
content: Quote from: Lawsen on April 15, 2011, 06:22:27 pmWow, that almost makes it sound intellectual.

author: TheWelly888
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 09:23:50 am
content: Quote from: BoredAtWork on April 03, 2011, 07:58:32 amHey! Who are you calling "smelly"?! - I had a bath last Christmas!Crudely put, the difference between an engineer and a technician - the engineer designed it, the technician gets it bloody working!