How to Become a Senior Director of Engineering?
Steps to Become an Engineer
Your journey to become an engineer will vary depending on your career goals and what field of engineering you wish to practise. Engineering comprises six major branches: chemical, mechanical, management, electrical, geotechnical, and civil engineering. Each of these branches has different subcategories, training, and education needed to obtain a job. These may include environmental engineering, oceanic engineering, aerospace engineering, and nuclear engineering. Below is a generalized breakdown of what you'll need to do to become an engineer.Select your engineering field.
There are various niches within the engineering field, and deciding which area you want to focus on is an important first step to becoming an engineer. Engineering fields you may consider include chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental, computer hardware, biomedical, industrial, aerospace, nuclear, and agricultural engineering. Once you've selected the specific area of engineering you want to pursue, you can determine what educational steps you will need to take.
Use a degree you already have.
Some engineering careers don't require a specific degree in engineering. Electrical engineering jobs don't necessarily have to have a formal degree such as a Bachelor's or Master's Degree, but the job does require some sort of training, such as vocational training or a college diploma. Chemical engineers can cross from chemistry or biology, and mechanical engineers can cross with a Bachelor's Degree in a technical field. While it may be possible to find a job without an engineering degree, you must be licensed to call yourself an engineer in Canada. This brings us to your specialized education in engineering.
Get your Bachelor's Degree in engineering.
Unless you have a degree in advanced math or science, you should consider getting your Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Most university programs offer Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree options with the opportunity to choose a specialty, such as electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering. Engineers Canada is the organization that accredits the engineering programs at universities in Canada. Choosing an accredited program will make it easier to become licensed as a Professional Engineer (PEng) and find a job.
Take the National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE) exam.
After you graduate with your Bachelor's Degree in your specified engineering field, you may apply to begin the licensure process with the engineering regulator for your province or territory. This will provide you with a licence to work as an engineer-in-training (EIT). (This title may be different in some provinces/territories.) To obtain full licensure, you'll need to obtain at least the number of years of real-life job experience required by your provincial/territorial regulator, including at least one year in a Canadian environment. In most provinces/territories, this is four years. Once you have your Bachelor's Degree, have passed the NPPE, and have the years of experience required by your engineering regulator you can become licensed in your line of work.
Continue your education.
If you're leaning toward a specific engineering path, you may benefit from continuing your education. Some specialties in the engineering field require you to have a Master's Degree. Most graduate programs will allow you to continue to work in your chosen field while completing them.
Senior Director of Engineering Career Path
Senior Director of Engineering
Vice President of Engineering
Deputy Chief Engineer
Salary Trajectory
Senior Director of Engineering Career Path
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