Name: Graham Parker IEng ACIBSE MIET
Age: 28
Education and qualifications: BTEC National Award Electronic & Electrical Engineering, BTEC National Certificate Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Foundation Degree Building Services Engineering, BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering
Which Institution(s) are you a member of? Associate Member of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (ACIBSE), Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET)
Current job title: Electrical Engineer
Company: Cundall
Length in current job: 2 months
Approximately how many staff are employed by your company?  1000
Where are you based? Newcastle 

Please describe your current role
As an Electrical Engineer my day-to-day role involves leading key projects and producing engineering designs, calculations and specifications using appropriate technical software. I work with clients, contractors, architects and manufacturers and undertake site visits to monitor the progress of works against specification. I keep on top of the performance of projects against agreed project plans and budgets and make sure we are compliant with project management, Operational (QA), Environmental and Health and Safety procedures. 

What spurred you to progress towards registration as an IEng?
I had always aspired to achieve IEng status, firstly as a professional qualification but also to affirm my standing in the industry as an experienced and competent engineer. Another reason was so that I would have an internationally recognised title, if I were to seek employment outside of the UK. 

Describe your experience of how you became an IEng
I found out about IEng through my Institution, CIBSE, when I became registered as an EngTech. I had completed an accredited BEng (Hons) degree in Building Services Engineering so followed the standard route to registration. The whole process of completing my application documents and attending interview took approximately six months. The interview was a little daunting but a great experience and learning curve. Writing the work experience report also helped me to understand and reflect on my career and progression. 

What advice would you give someone considering professional registration as an IEng?
If you’re in doubt, don’t be. The application process may take time and the interview may be a little daunting but the personal and professional rewards and possibilities are worth it. 

How has becoming an IEng benefitted your career?
It has helped my progression enormously. For job opportunities it has made me stand out from other candidates. It is also the natural progression towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.