Credentials take time, effort, and usually a financial commitment to pursue, which is why you must ensure that each credential you pursue is in alignment with your career plan and goals.

Credentials take time, effort, and usually a financial commitment to pursue, which is why you must ensure that each credential you pursue is in alignment with your career plan and goals.
One credential that I highly recommend all engineers practicing in the United States pursue is the Professional Engineers license (P.E.). If you are outside of the US, then consider seeking the credential that parallels the US P.E. license. I can’t stand it when engineers tell me that they don’t have to purse the P.E. because it’s not important in their specific industry or they want to be a professor and therefore it is not necessary. I don’t care what engineering discipline you practice in, obtaining a P.E. license will tremendously increase your credibility. Also what makes you think that 10 or 20 years from now, you will be working in the same discipline that you are now? What if you decide to change professions or start your own consulting company? Obtaining a PE license is not easy, but it is easier when you are younger in your career because all of the calculations and equations on the exam are fresh in your head.
I would recommend that you ask yourself the following questions when pondering which credentials to pursue:
• Will obtaining this degree or certification put me in a better position to achieve my career goals?
• With respect to my career development, what are the benefits and drawbacks (if any) of obtaining this degree or certification? List ALL of the benefits and drawbacks including financial, professional, personal, enjoyment level, etc.
• Is this degree or certification specific to only my current industry or will the benefits be applicable in other disciplines of engineering?
• Do I know another professional that has obtained this degree or certification? If yes, ask them how it has affected their career.
I hope this post helps you to decide which credentials will be most helpful in developing your engineering career!
This is a guest post by Anthony Fasano, PE, author of Engineer Your Own Success. Anthony found success as an engineer at a very early age and now writes and podcasts to help other engineers do the same. Visit Anthony’s website at EngineeringCareerCoach.com and subscribe to the top 3 resources Anthony has used to become a partner in a firm at the age of 27.