Alphabet Soup De-Coded: Making Sense of Credentials

Based on last month’s blog posting about participation in industry specific organizations, we decided to take the discussion a step further and examine professional industry-related credentials. An assumption often made in the A/E/C industry has become that the more letters and acronyms next to your name, the more important and/or qualified that individual appears on paper. The question then becomes “Is it worth it to earn all of those distinctions?”

During a recent address in June of 2012 entitled “Credentials in the 21^st Century Job Market” during the Clinton Global Initiative, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis commented, “It really doesn't matter where you've been or where you want to go, because you're not likely to get far in the current job market without the right training and credentials.”

Many companies, municipalities and federal organizations are now requiring industry designations to qualify individuals and companies.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over a10-year period from 2008 to 2018, 21 of the 30 fastest growing occupations will require a postsecondary certificate or degree. These numbers indicate a greater need for professionals to earn industry certifications, licenses and registrations.

When deciding which distinctions to pursue, this mix of alphabet soup of credentials can be overwhelming. One way to investigate the relevance amongst the number of credentials available is to examine the organizations that sponsor many of these industry-standard registrations and certifications. These organizations and corresponding distinctions include:

 

In addition to these organizational sponsored certifications, many states offer professional licenses in the A/E/C industry. These licenses add even more acronyms to the mix of alphabet soup including:

• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI)
• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
• Professional Geologist (PG)
• Professional Landscape Architect (PLA)
• Registered Interior Designer (RID)

Outside of industry-related requirements, organizations and state licensures, professional distinctions offer other benefits. Industry distinctions help to define A/E/C professionals by: 

• Allowing for standardization across the country for quality of workmanship
• Assessing specific industry knowledge
• Providing an avenue for continuing education

In the end, the pursuit of this mix of alphabet soup of credentials should be a decision made based on the individual and the needs of the company. When decoding this mix of alphabet soup, be sure to consider the following:

• Industry related standards – is a license/certification required to perform necessary job tasks?
• Organizational reputation and the amount of organizational involvement
• Amount of work experience required
• Opportunity for training resources and continuing education
• Impacts on career advancement

For more information on professional distinctions, the Department of Labor has sponsored two websites:

1. MySkillsMyFuture.org
2. MyNextMove.org

 

Why Participation in Industry Specific Organizations Matters

Many of us at Farnsworth Group are members of industry specific associations; however our level of participation may vary from time to time.  An association is an organized group of individuals with a common purpose, interest or activity. As engineers, architects, surveyors and scientists, associations are instrumental in establishing best practices, education, industry leadership and the technical standards that our industries follow.   Membership in associations is great; you get a membership card and something to add to your resume – but the real value is in active participation, and I don’t mean just going to a couple of meetings a year. Association membership and participation is important for those of us who are seeking to be engaged and take a leadership position in what drives our industry. 

What is the Gain?

Education and information sharing is a big part of what industry associations provide.  Associations host conferences, expositions and forums where you can contribute your knowledge and vision, as well as learn what others are doing.  These events are also a great place to gain a little cachet for sharing your expertise.  Many of our professional endorsements require continuing education of our professional knowledge.  So whether you’re there to learn, there to teach or both, you’ll find an opportunity for professional development and advancement.

Committee and board positions within an association is another way to be involved in sharing new ideas and practices that set standards for the industry and workplace.  These teams are a great place to get to know your peers and work together.  And, it’s a great way to give back.
And maybe the most obvious benefit of industry association membership and participation is the opportunity for networking.  Active participation allows you to cultivate relationships, build awareness of your value and thus be referable, which translates into business growth and opportunity with others in and around your field. 

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