Where can one network with professional engineers?

Discussion in 'Pro/Engineer & Creo Elements/Pro' started by Steve, Dec 15, 2005.

  1. Steve

    Steve Guest

    I am an Atlanta-based software developer who is interested in
    taking the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's registration exam, so
    that I will be qualified to work on certain aspects of the patent
    application process. Unfortunately, a Computer Science degree does
    not meet the requirement to sit for that exam unless you have a very
    specific set of classes on your transcript, which does not match my
    case.

    The alternative method for qualification is to show a passing score
    on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, administered at the
    state-level to college students and recent grads as the first step
    toward a career in engineering. I have reviewed the NCCE-published
    material for that exam, and have little doubt that I could pass it
    on the first attempt (if I could keep my brain going for 8 hours
    straight!).

    The new problem there is with the requirements to take THAT exam in
    my state. I meet all the requirements, except for having three
    signatures from licensed (in any state) professional engineers
    vouching for my character. Unfortunately, I don't even know any
    licensed PE's in passing. I contacted some old faculty from my
    undergraduate years, but none of them are licensed PE's. The best
    they could offer was to write a letter of recommendation, vouching
    for me to any PE I may meet. I'm still at square one as far as
    meeting engineers in the first place.

    Can anyone suggest any professional groups (IEEE, etc) which hold
    regular meetings, where I could meet and network with PE's in
    person? I see that joining IEEE costs about $150, and I would pay
    that if I HAD to... but they don't seem to meet much in Atlanta
    anyway, and it somehow feels a little "creepy" to buy a membership
    and show up for meetings that don't concern me just to solicit a few
    character witnesses. That really brings me to my central question,
    how DO I go about this process without looking like a flake or a
    heel? Does anyone have any suggestions for how I should (or should
    NOT) be approaching engineers once I do find a suitable venue for
    meeting them? Thank you very much!
     
    Steve, Dec 15, 2005
    #1
  2. Steve

    mr_reznat Guest

    An alternative approach would be to review the USPTO registration exam
    requirements, options B or C, and see what classes you are lacking.
    You might be able to take a few classes at a local junior college to
    satisfy the chemistry or physics requirements.
     
    mr_reznat, Dec 16, 2005
    #2
  3. Steve

    Steve Guest

    An alternative approach would be to review the USPTO registration exam
    You know, that may be the smartest suggestion after all. I spent some
    time yesterday afternoon going over my transcript, and all I would need
    to take is ONE physics class from the local 2-year college. That is, if
    I can also get my old college to send me photocopies of the course
    descriptions for my old classes IN THE YEAR THEY WERE TAKEN. If the
    registrar's office doesn't archive course catalogs from 10+ years ago,
    I'll be screwed again.

    Gotta love the government! :)
     
    Steve, Dec 17, 2005
    #3
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