Why Become A Licensed Professional Engineer?

For a bright young engineer at Lockheed Martin, the answer seemed simple. He saw a certification as the clear path to promotions, better projects, and a bigger salary.

But when he asked a seasoned professional with a lifetime of experience—he received an unexpected answer.

In this interview, we explore the truth behind professional certification in engineering. Cutting through the conventional wisdom with a startling admission: the license itself did “nothing” for his career. It’s not about the certification, he says, but the critical analysis skills and logical thinking you develop along the way.

Watch now as he reveals a counterintuitive perspective on what it truly means to build a successful engineering career.

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The Maestro

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Core Idea: A professional license might not accomplish what you expect for your career. Instead, embrace the process of improving your career and let go of credentials. Command recognition by perfecting your craft, every single day.

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He wanted to talk about his career. He’s a bright kid. Working structural design at Lockheed Martin. Good company.

But Connor is struggling. Feeling… unimportant. Like he isn’t doing “real engineering.” He’s not getting opportunities to prove himself.

He asked me, “Is a professional license really worth it? Will it get me promotions? Better projects? A raise? What did it do for your career?”

And I told him the truth. Nothing! It did nothing for my career.

No client, no employer, ever asked to see it. Nobody ever said, “Here's your salary, plus 20% for being licensed.”

But then again, why do you go to the gym? You don't lift weights expecting to carry a barbell around all day.

You do it to build strength. To look more attractive. You go to the gym to improve your overall fitness.

It's the same with your career. You don't write exams on advanced calculus and physics expecting to use those concepts every day.

You master them to think logically. To develop critical analysis skills. To solve complex problems that have never been solved before.

So yes. Write the exams. Get your license. And do everything else you can to challenge yourself.

Embrace the process of investing in your career. It is not the finish line that matters. It’s the way you approach your career that matters.

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