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Looking for advice on how to network and approach PE's (Professional Engineers) at the large company I work at.

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Looking for advice on how to network and approach PE's (Professional Engineers) at the large company I work at. I'm an engineer with nearly 10 years of experience, 3 at my current company. I'd like to take the PE exam and need at least 3 references from current PE's. Usually, these are people you work under. I don't work under a PE but there are PE's at my company, just at different sites and I've never met them. I'd like to connect with them, share my work with them, because I genuinely want them to feel comfortable about being a reference for me and my work. I'm not sure how to introduce myself to them without coming off as just asking for a reference. Any recommendations? Thank you.

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  1. Barb Hansen

    First, talk to your manager. Ask if there’s an opportunity for you to shadow a few PEs for a short period of time or if there are projects you could be assigned to that involve working more closely with PEs. Managers are often supportive of this when they know it ties to professional development like preparing for the PE exam.

    Another option is to reach out directly to a few PEs at your company. If they’re at the same location, ask if they’d be open to grabbing lunch or a coffee. You can frame it around wanting their perspective on things like taking the PE exam, what their role as a PE looks like at your company, or how they built their career path.

    You can also be straightforward and say you’re trying to expand your internal network with other PEs and would value their insight. Most experienced professionals are happy to talk with someone earlier in their career who’s pursuing licensure.

  2. Anonymous

    Are you, or they, active in your engineering professional society? If they are and you are not, talking about joining is a way to open the door about your professional development generally.

  3. Anonymous

    I think you might speak to your manager or HR rep and ask them to suggest a few folks who you can speak to about their being a PE. Then arrange a coffee date kind of meeting either casual at work or outside of work to ask them about themselves. Let them know you are aligned on the same path and want to use some of them if they are willing to be a professional reference for your being in the same company. Perhaps since they will not directly know your work they may decline but amongst them find a mentor or ask them how they did the same thing when they were coming up. Good luck!

  4. Brandy P

    I am a professional engineer! Since we’ve all been through what you’re experiencing, I would just reach out via phone or in person. Explain just like you did here. Ask if they’d be interested in mentoring you and acting as a reference when the time comes. Follow up with an email. Make sure they don’t feel obligated but just be genuine. I’m sure they’ll commiserate and be happy to help though! Good luck!

  5. Lisa McCartney

    Check with your states requirements, my ex-husband had to work under a Master PE for a period of time (sorry I dont remember what it was ~ 31 yrs ago). We ended up moving so that could happen. Also check with manager to see who would be willing to do that.

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