Don’t kid yourself – certifications matter.  These are the other letters behind the names of more senior engineers and the principals in your firm, not just P.E. or RA.  They denote a certified level of competency by that individual in a specific interest area, such as facility management (CFM), project management (PMP), or sustainability practices (LEED).  As you build your plan for achieving your professional registration, begin eyeing these other certification programs so you’re aware of the practical experience and job knowledge you need to amass.

Why these certifications matter is simple:  they signify an additional level of understanding on specific interest area to potential clients.  When your resume is included in a company proposal to clients, the certifications indicate you have some level of competency in the area.  The P.E., while very important in conveying professional competency, doesn’t transmit that you have project management or sustainability credibility.  If all elements between two firms are equal on a bid tender between two firms, the certifications of the primary team members on the project may very well be the tiebreaker.

Another benefit is transmitting your skills to colleagues, other professionals and potential employers.  I’m a registered engineer who has spent the past two decades leading and managing people, projects and programs.  When you see “P.E.” behind my name, do you know that my experience and strengths reside in the management of projects, programs, and resources?  Maybe you think it resides in the design and development of projects.  Maybe I’m an educator.  How about when you see PMP (Project Management Professional) next to the P.E?  For certain you don’t know the depth of my project management experience, however, you get a glimpse that I have experience in this area and perhaps management projects and program.

As you map out your self-marketing strategy, be conscious of your professional certifications.  They quickly transmit key information about your background and skills and they can be the element that puts your firm, or you, into the right contract or job.   

Christian Knutson, P.E., PMP is a civil engineer, leader, author, and entrepreneur.  He’s co-founder of BlackGrid Consulting, a full-spectrum professional technical consulting firm specializing in international program and relationship development, as well as author of The Engineer Leader, a blog on leadership and generating success for engineers and professionals.  Visit Christian’s blog to read more.