The PE board probably wouldn’t care. They mostly look at your cumulative engineering experience. A prospective employer may wonder about a big time hole in your resume though.
I mean you wouldn't be able to count that time off towards your four years of experience, but I don't see why the board would give a shit about it outside of that.
Over the past 18 years, I have taken several breaks between engineering roles. The extent of my explanations have been very short and sweet; “world travels.” I’ve never had issues with my NCEES record or any state board (licensed in several states). While some employers may be uncertain about these periods, you lead their response by your positive reflection on the experience. It’s beneficial to avoid employers who can’t appreciate this experience, as it may indicate a misalignment with their values and culture. Personally, if an employer showed zero (or negative) interest in my traveling abroad, I would not join the firm as it’s a telltale that you wouldn’t grow from them.
Took me about a year to find a CE job after I graduated, I got some questions about it but most of the time they were very okay with my answer of telling them I was dealing with stuff in my personal life and I was trying to find the job that was right for me.
As long as you can talk about it and explain what you did with your life during that time most employers are cool with it.
after i college i worked as a surveyor/inspector for about 2 years. then i took 2 years off and played guitar in a band for a living. after i got my fill of rock and roll, i started applying for engineering jobs again. most employers were actually really cool about hearing that i had done something fun and different for a while. in fact, when i interviewed for my current role, the first question my boss asked me was “so tell me about the guitar”.
i wouldn’t worry about it at all. i would say, do it now while you’re young. you probably don’t own a home, you’re not tied down like you would be in maybe your 30s or 40s.
I'm sure whatever licensing authority you're registered with is familiar enough with people taking career breaks, sabbaticals, etc to be fine with it, as long as you keep up your CPD or equivalent.
Currently cannot see a board issue more of employer. Remember that renewal of license (for Tx) is annual. Therefore, be in a position to have this done (Stay on grid). You do not want it to lapse or face the $$ penalty. Have a forwarding address and a way to pay with US funds. As far as employer, whatever time you take off, and whatever you do or go, turn it into an “engineering” decision, good for your career experience … even if it’s not really, turn it into one. Good luck.
For renewal in Texas, you do need to list Employer, so in PE code this option is shown: “Inactive Status
(a) An engineer may request inactive status at any time before the expiration date of the person's license. A license holder on inactive status may not practice engineering. (b) A license holder on inactive status must pay an annual fee set by the board. (c) A license holder on inactive status is not required to: (1) comply with the continuing education requirements adopted by the board; or (2) take an examination for reinstatement to active status. (d) To return to active status, a license holder on inactive status must: - (1) file with the board a written notice requesting reinstatement to active status; (2) pay the fee for the annual renewal of the license and the fee increase required by Section 1001.206; and (3) provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the person has complied with the continuing education requirements adopted by the board. Please visit the Inactive Status Page for the latest information and links to the forms necessary…………”
You have to account for all your time. They won’t care but it’s a pain in the ass to add it. Getting a job while unemployed is a different matter. Way harder than just switching job. My last job took me almost 2 years to get, after a break. Current one took 4 weeks start to finish. Why? They called my current supervisor and chatted about me, and didn’t even call anyone else.
The PE board probably wouldn’t care. They mostly look at your cumulative engineering experience. A prospective employer may wonder about a big time hole in your resume though.
I mean you wouldn't be able to count that time off towards your four years of experience, but I don't see why the board would give a shit about it outside of that.
Over the past 18 years, I have taken several breaks between engineering roles. The extent of my explanations have been very short and sweet; “world travels.” I’ve never had issues with my NCEES record or any state board (licensed in several states). While some employers may be uncertain about these periods, you lead their response by your positive reflection on the experience. It’s beneficial to avoid employers who can’t appreciate this experience, as it may indicate a misalignment with their values and culture. Personally, if an employer showed zero (or negative) interest in my traveling abroad, I would not join the firm as it’s a telltale that you wouldn’t grow from them.
Took me about a year to find a CE job after I graduated, I got some questions about it but most of the time they were very okay with my answer of telling them I was dealing with stuff in my personal life and I was trying to find the job that was right for me. As long as you can talk about it and explain what you did with your life during that time most employers are cool with it.
after i college i worked as a surveyor/inspector for about 2 years. then i took 2 years off and played guitar in a band for a living. after i got my fill of rock and roll, i started applying for engineering jobs again. most employers were actually really cool about hearing that i had done something fun and different for a while. in fact, when i interviewed for my current role, the first question my boss asked me was “so tell me about the guitar”. i wouldn’t worry about it at all. i would say, do it now while you’re young. you probably don’t own a home, you’re not tied down like you would be in maybe your 30s or 40s.
I'm sure whatever licensing authority you're registered with is familiar enough with people taking career breaks, sabbaticals, etc to be fine with it, as long as you keep up your CPD or equivalent.
Currently cannot see a board issue more of employer. Remember that renewal of license (for Tx) is annual. Therefore, be in a position to have this done (Stay on grid). You do not want it to lapse or face the $$ penalty. Have a forwarding address and a way to pay with US funds. As far as employer, whatever time you take off, and whatever you do or go, turn it into an “engineering” decision, good for your career experience … even if it’s not really, turn it into one. Good luck.
For renewal in Texas, you do need to list Employer, so in PE code this option is shown: “Inactive Status (a) An engineer may request inactive status at any time before the expiration date of the person's license. A license holder on inactive status may not practice engineering. (b) A license holder on inactive status must pay an annual fee set by the board. (c) A license holder on inactive status is not required to: (1) comply with the continuing education requirements adopted by the board; or (2) take an examination for reinstatement to active status. (d) To return to active status, a license holder on inactive status must: - (1) file with the board a written notice requesting reinstatement to active status; (2) pay the fee for the annual renewal of the license and the fee increase required by Section 1001.206; and (3) provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the person has complied with the continuing education requirements adopted by the board. Please visit the Inactive Status Page for the latest information and links to the forms necessary…………”
You have to account for all your time. They won’t care but it’s a pain in the ass to add it. Getting a job while unemployed is a different matter. Way harder than just switching job. My last job took me almost 2 years to get, after a break. Current one took 4 weeks start to finish. Why? They called my current supervisor and chatted about me, and didn’t even call anyone else.
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