professional engineering career paths [straw man]
DESCRIPTION
It is difficult these days to understand the career options available for scientifically adept young people. This STRAW-MAN diagram is an attempt to illustrate three key 'outcomes' relative to one another, and the ways in which one may transition between them. My principal observation being that in Scientific disciplines it is not possible to be a 'full professional' without both a theoretical and practical phase to your training; with a combined period of the order 6-8yrs. The order of these is not important, but putting the practical phase up-front offers a valuable 'craft' career alternative or step-stone.TRANSCRIPT
Engineering Career Paths
Practicing Engineer
Practicing Scientist
Practicing Technician
Engineer (CEng)
Scientist (CSci?)
Technician (CTech?)
School
A-Levels 2yr
Theory (Bs/Ms) 3/4yr
Theory+ (PhD) 3yr
Practical Exp 3yr
Practical Exp 3yr (4yr)
Theory (Bs) 3yr
Running Status (Must be maintained
OR becomes something else Eg Marketeer)
Accreditation (Absolute)
Apprenticeship
Accreditation (Absolute)
Apprentice: • Qualifies after 3/4yrs. Can progress to Engineer or Scientist. • Practical to be Technician (then theory to be Engineer) • Into work quickest. Lowest personal cost. Lowest risk. Direct Engineer Path: • Theory then Practical • Graduate Engineer (Bs/Ms) is not an Engineer! (It takes ~3yrs of hands-on work experience) • Chartered Eng (CEng) is a good model. Direct Scientist Path: • Theory then theory. (Bs, followed by Ph.) Career Transitions: • Technicians can become Engineers or Scientists • Scientists can become Engineers • Difficult for Eng or Scientists to become Technicians! • All can lose Practicing status (ie: up-to-date) Ian Phillips (ARM) – 18sep14