Developing_Professional_Knowledge_and_Abilities

Developing professional knowledge and abilities is essential for career success, especially in the engineering field. The Professional Engineer license ensures that the work is done by someone who has mastered the critical elements of engineering. Licensure is the first step that an engineer can take to further developing their professional knowledge. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is a professional organization Professional Engineers and for those with only an engineering degree (National Society of Professional Engineers, 2009). The NSPE offers its members an opportunity for networking with partners, state organizations, and local chapters. In terms of education and further developing professional skills, the NSPE offers events such as conferences, web seminars, independent study, professional engineer licensing exam review and preparation, and other opportunities. In order to retain a Professional Engineer license, the engineer must take a certain number of continuing education courses. The NSPE provides opportunities to engineers to meet those requirements. The web seminars, as well as the P.E. magazine and independent study help P.E.’s stay current on many topics. In addition to the education component, the NSPE has several interest groups that allow members to share ideas and to grow as professionals. This professional development is especially important to engineers who may be just starting out in their careers. It allows younger engineers to learn from their peers who have been in the industry, whether it is construction, government, higher education, or private practice, for a longer period of time. Being a member of this organization can provide a person with an opportunity to meet people who can further their careers and offer new opportunities and challenges. It can also provide a forum for members to develop new ideas. The members of the NSPE all face similar challenges and dilemmas and the other members can offer support to those who need it. Career success does not rely solely on the professional development that is offered by a professional organization or association, but it does provide an environment where people with similar education and experiences may be able to offer new options and opportunities. National Society of Professional Engineers, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from http://www.nspe.org