Chartered Engineer 2016

J82 · 10-04-2014 7:12pm

goldy locks wrote: »

Ah, at least your still in the running.

The interview was tough (But fair), and TBH I'll be pleasantly surprised if I gain accreditation base on the interview.

Ah, sorry to hear it didn't go well for you.
Do you mind me asking why, or if you have any advice for us awaiting interview stage.

Have to say I'm dreading that part.

J82 · 10-04-2014 7:22pm

goldy locks wrote: »

Ah, at least your still in the running.

The interview was tough (But fair), and TBH I'll be pleasantly surprised if I gain accreditation base on the interview.

Ah, sorry to hear it didn't go well for you.
Do you mind me asking why, or if you have any advice for us awaiting interview stage.

Have to say I'm dreading that part.

goldy locks · 10-04-2014 9:30pm

My best advice is to know your report, especially any opinions in your essays. you will be brought to task on those!

Dont panic, remember that you could have absolutely anybody interviewing you , and we all have different experiences, interests and different pet hates- so no matter how much preparation you do, you may get someone who has a passion for something you only know a small amount about.

Reason i felt it wasn't great, was i felt i said i didn't know a bit too often! That and i was shot with nerves for my presentation.
( I would highly recommend that if you don't know the answer say so, or explain what you do know)

My career has suffered massively as a result of the recession, so my early experience was the area that they focused on ( and where i attained most of my responsible experience)

THe best advice i was given was to remember that they want to pass you, and they have to back up why you don't pass. I would recommend that, if you have the option open to you to get a chartered professional in your field but unfamiliar with you personally to read your report and question you!

hope you get some positive advice from this and the best of luck!

budhabob · 10-04-2014 9:36pm

goldy locks wrote: »

My best advice is to know your report, especially any opinions in your essays. you will be brought to task on those!

Dont panic, remember that you could have absolutely anybody interviewing you , and we all have different experiences, interests and different pet hates- so no matter how much preparation you do, you may get someone who has a passion for something you only know a small amount about.

Reason i felt it wasn't great, was i felt i said i didn't know a bit too often! That and i was shot with nerves for my presentation.
( I would highly recommend that if you don't know the answer say so, or explain what you do know)

My career has suffered massively as a result of the recession, so my early experience was the area that they focused on ( and where i attained most of my responsible experience)

THe best advice i was given was to remember that they want to pass you, and they have to back up why you don't pass. I would recommend that, if you have the option open to you to get a chartered professional in your field but unfamiliar with you personally to read your report and question you!

hope you get some positive advice from this and the best of luck!

Really helpful advice. Many thanks from those of us still waiting. And best of luck!!!!!

One last question, what sort of notice did you get prior to the interview?

J82 · 10-04-2014 10:12pm

goldy locks wrote: »

My best advice is to know your report, especially any opinions in your essays. you will be brought to task on those!

Dont panic, remember that you could have absolutely anybody interviewing you , and we all have different experiences, interests and different pet hates- so no matter how much preparation you do, you may get someone who has a passion for something you only know a small amount about.

Reason i felt it wasn't great, was i felt i said i didn't know a bit too often! That and i was shot with nerves for my presentation.
( I would highly recommend that if you don't know the answer say so, or explain what you do know)

My career has suffered massively as a result of the recession, so my early experience was the area that they focused on ( and where i attained most of my responsible experience)

THe best advice i was given was to remember that they want to pass you, and they have to back up why you don't pass. I would recommend that, if you have the option open to you to get a chartered professional in your field but unfamiliar with you personally to read your report and question you!

hope you get some positive advice from this and the best of luck!

Thank you so much for the advice. Appreciate it!! :-)

I hope you get good news on it.

I got notice today of interview on the 1st or 2nd of May So about three weeks. Apparently they will be doing interviews up until September.

budhabob · 10-04-2014 10:14pm

J82 wrote: »

Thank you so much for the advice. Appreciate it!! :-)

I hope you get good news on it.

I got notice today of interview on the 1st or 2nd of May So about three weeks. Apparently they will be doing interviews up until September.

September... Jaysus, I had hoped to have been interviewed before the end of May at the latest.

The Megaphone · 11-04-2014 2:13pm

Here's one of the best things i was ever told:

Don't ever speak negatively of another Engineer, Contractor, Consultancy, Local Authority, Contracting Authority or even a private individual - it may be the case that at some stage during your career that someone gave you a hard time over something like closing out comments on a design certificate, opening non-conformances that you considered trivial, riding you on claim determinations, but don't ever slag anyone off in the course of your interview as you simply don't know who will be on the panel and Ireland is a small place.

Also important for anyone who still has to apply and is in the process of writing their report.

camroc76 · 24-04-2014 4:44pm

Finally got approval to progress to the interview stage after a very quick re-submittal exercise.

Roll on the interview !

24-04-2014 5:08pm

camroc76 wrote: »

Finally got approval to progress to the interview stage after a very quick re-submittal exercise.

Roll on the interview !

Congrats! Still waiting to get my approval to progress to interview stage.

budhabob · 24-04-2014 10:17pm

camroc76 wrote: »

Finally got approval to progress to the interview stage after a very quick re-submittal exercise.

Roll on the interview !

Best of luck!

Catxscotch · 21-05-2014 9:32am

Just received word of interviews being held next week, thursday and Friday. I have given notice that I am available, and now have to wait to see if they can fit me in..

davyd07 · 24-05-2014 12:34pm

Got word for either 5th or 6th of June. To be confirmed.......

Anybody any further feedback on the interviews so far?

Ammowee · 25-05-2014 4:51pm

Interviewing this Tuesday... I've heard that its a lot more relaxed than a job interview but I'm nervous as hell!!
I can't decide what to talk about for ten minutes!!

davyd07 · 26-05-2014 9:29am

Yes, the presentation bit is scary. I suppose you summarise your report and fill in any gaps between the time of writing the report and now?

It is the questions that follow that I cannot predict. I don't know what they will ask that will last for a further 50 minutes. I am wary of getting asked general questions that I may have no knowledge of. If I can stick to my experience I won't be too bad, but it is if/when they get into general industry questions I get worried. I am concerned about general questions about forms of contract etc. which would not be my strongest area.

I suppose you just have to keep it in your head that your report is good enough to get you to this stage, now all that is required is that you can show you were truthful in your report and can back it up. Easier said than done though!

godtabh · 26-05-2014 5:38pm

Ammowee wrote: »

Interviewing this Tuesday... I've heard that its a lot more relaxed than a job interview but I'm nervous as hell!!
I can't decide what to talk about for ten minutes!!

Do not under any circumstances go in with that attitude

Ammowee · 27-05-2014 4:35pm

godtabh wrote: »

Do not under any circumstances go in with that attitude

Well I certainly wasn't going in with that attitude after reading about people that didn't succeed at the interview..hence the nervousness!!

I had a few very sticky questions and like goldy locks, I will be pleasantly surprised if I get through. I came out of the interview and had all the great answers in the car on the way back. I would say like the other posters know the contents of your report and be able to describe how you carried out the tasks you talked about in the report. I was asked to describe the most important engineering decision I had made to date in my career.

davyd07 · 27-05-2014 4:42pm

Ammowee wrote: »

Well I certainly wasn't going in with that attitude after reading about people that didn't succeed at the interview..hence the nervousness!!
I had a few very sticky questions and like goldy locks, I will be pleasantly surprised if I get through. I came out of the interview and had all the great answers in the car on the way back. I would say like the other posters know the contents of your report and be able to describe how you carried out the tasks you talked about in the report. I was asked to describe the most important engineering decision I had made to date in my career.

That's a really difficult question! On the spot it is really hard to come up with an answer for that. Do you have any other pointers? Did they stick to the report for the majority of the time or did they break away and ask you general questions?

budhabob · 27-05-2014 7:17pm

davyd07 wrote: »

That's a really difficult question! On the spot it is really hard to come up with an answer for that. Do you have any other pointers? Did they stick to the report for the majority of the time or did they break away and ask you general questions?

They pretty much do stick to the report seeking clarifications or additions to it. On my interview they seemed to target leadership and managerial qualities. Only off question was managing a budget, its not in my report, or something I have done. Stated as much.

Ammowee · 27-05-2014 11:52pm

davyd07 wrote: »

That's a really difficult question! On the spot it is really hard to come up with an answer for that. Do you have any other pointers? Did they stick to the report for the majority of the time or did they break away and ask you general questions?

PM

Catxscotch · 28-05-2014 9:51am

Ah don't do a PM, we all want to know!!

Ammowee · 28-05-2014 2:30pm

The interviewers had made some notes before I came in, so obviously had questions on the report lined up. The other members also made notes as I answered one members questions and then asked me to expand further on some point I had made. I had one very sticky interviewer who really quizzed me on things and put me off my game a bit.
The other two guys were fine.. fairly open questions such as describe your role in this project, talk to me about health & safety and procurement . All from my report. If you say your involved in public procurement , know your directives , thresholds etc. Same for Health & Safety, know your duties etc. Basically go through your report and imagine what questions could be asked based on it.

budhabob · 28-05-2014 2:32pm

Ammowee wrote: »

The interviewers had made some notes before I came in, so obviously had questions on the report lined up. The other members also made notes as I answered one members questions and then asked me to expand further on some point I had made. I had one very sticky interviewer who really quizzed me on things and put me off my game a bit.
The other two guys were fine.. fairly open questions such as describe your role in this project, talk to me about health & safety and procurement . All from my report. If you say your involved in public procurement , know your directives , thresholds etc. Same for Health & Safety, know your duties etc. Basically go through your report and imagine what questions could be asked based on it.

This. I got one my the senior team who hadnt read the report to read my report, listen to my presentation, and then ask me questions. He raised some difficult ones it put me in a really good place for the real thing. I highly recommend this approach.

whelaneng · 29-05-2014 12:26pm

Had my interview Monday afternoon and all went until the first interviewer started into about 4 pages of questions. I would guess 50 or 60 questions. Specifics like what is min storm water pipe size? self cleansing velocity? what is water pressure in a pipe? size of connections? where would you use pressure reducing valves? on which pipe? spacing of gullies on a road? And these were the simpler ones I can remember.

When your on the spot and not expecting so many it seemed unfair to me. Confident I over half of them right I think but will be amazed if I get through.

It seems to vary a lot though depending on who is on the panel. Some ask more general questions but I didn't get one of those panels!

Anyone else get anything like this??

davyd07 · 29-05-2014 12:47pm

That seems extraordinary that they would go with a string of questions like that. I don't understand why they would do that. It must have been really off putting. The difference between the panels seems to be huge.

godtabh · 29-05-2014 10:08pm

whelaneng wrote: »

Had my interview Monday afternoon and all went until the first interviewer started into about 4 pages of questions. I would guess 50 or 60 questions. Specifics like what is min storm water pipe size? self cleansing velocity? what is water pressure in a pipe? size of connections? where would you use pressure reducing valves? on which pipe? spacing of gullies on a road? And these were the simpler ones I can remember.

When your on the spot and not expecting so many it seemed unfair to me. Confident I over half of them right I think but will be amazed if I get through.

It seems to vary a lot though depending on who is on the panel. Some ask more general questions but I didn't get one of those panels!

Anyone else get anything like this??

That isnt the purpose of the interview. If I was you I would take note of these questions and give the membership team a call. Outline your concerns about the interview but hold of in making anything official until your result.

in my interview I was asked technical questions but they were more like how would you approach certain designs, assumptions you would make, etc etc but not actual design inputs

remember its a competency based interview

goldy locks · 08-06-2014 8:33pm

It sounds like Ammowwee and Whelaneng's interviews where quite similar to mine, fast variable and unpredictable.

When I got my letter outlining the points on which I didn't gain accreditation, i was some what disappointed with the reasons. (given the interview I had i could accept not gaining accreditation, however one of the reasons for not accrediting me was not discussed and I had ample experience in various forms). I've since spoken to a few people and the feed back I've received was that accreditation is based on the opinion and recommendation of the panel that interview you on that day.

I'd be careful about, outlining your concerns, i think part of this process is your ability to think on the spot and perform under pressure, accept criticism and successfully communicate your point of view . The panel are also already deemed competent, so there opinion and manner of questioning will trump any applicants opinion.

I hope you get good news

Ammowee · 24-06-2014 3:43pm

Well after all the freaking out, I got my good news this week!!

24-06-2014 9:09pm

Congrats! Still waiting on the interview myself.

mr.hider · 30-06-2014 2:36pm

Dropping my 2 cents on this.

The interview process is a bit of gamble. Some of us get straight question, others get technical and so on. I had my interview conducted by 2 Engineers, and the questions were relatively vague. Not a single question on specific technical knowledge or any formulas or calculations. I did get an impression at the time that the questions were tricky and the interviewers were looking at the way I handle the answers.

They do go through the report and and ask questions based on what is in the report. In my case they have concentrated on my experience some 4 years ago, and I do not remember all of the specifics of the projects I have done then. Still managed to talk nonstop for whole interview.

When I was writing my report, I've got an advice from very experienced Engineer. In you report only include a brief description of the jobs/projects you were involved, leaving open ends, steering your interviewers to ask questions about that project. It helped me.

godtabh · 30-06-2014 4:05pm

mr.hider wrote: »

When I was writing my report, I've got an advice from very experienced Engineer. In you report only include a brief description of the jobs/projects you were involved, leaving open ends, steering your interviewers to ask questions about that project. It helped me.

thats the advice i give for the intro for the interview not the report. the report you need to show everything concisely

limericklad1 · 30-06-2014 9:04pm

Hi Guys,

I've been called for my professional interview on Thursday 10th July. I'm unsure of how to structure my presentation & what content to include.

All ideas would be greatly appreciated, as I'm begining to get concerned!

Thanks.

DoBai · 01-07-2014 2:11pm

Hello All,

I was just about to ask the very same question as limericklad1... I haven't been given an interview date yet but it must be imminent if they are planning to finish all by September.

I've noted down all the feedback and questions from the thread so a huge thanks to everyone for the input!

Slán go fóill

camroc76 · 02-07-2014 6:35am

Yeah same here, got called for the 10th too, late enough in the evening too I must say. I am going to guess their first question will be "so you graduated 13 years ago....what took you so long ?"....

Ammowee · 08-07-2014 11:48am

The general advice I heard was not to go in and just rehash your report, they've read that. If you have progressed a project or your role in your company since submitting the report you can update them on that. If you have a particular project in your report, or item of work in a project that you would like to talk about in more detail go with that. The main thing is to talk about something that shows you have achieved competencies and talk about your specific role rather than your companies role in the project. Try and give the presentation to your mentor or supervisor and get them to quiz you on it before hand. It will help with timing and making sure you have the knowledge to back up what you say. It is only 10 minutes and you may use prompt cards. No power point though.

Dats_rite · 10-07-2014 3:15am

Hi Guys,

Just hoping for your thoughts on this.

I graduated in 2005 with a BEng(Hons) in Civil Engineering. I joined a chartership scheme with ICE(Company based in Belfast) and worked there until 2010. Then moved to Australia where I have been working for last 4 years. I am in the process of returning home next year possibly and I would like to go through chartership with IEI. I was thinking of getting all my info and reports together and trying to submit for the Jan 2015 deadline.

As I am working in Australia I won’t have any sponsor or IEI mentor. I have 9 years post graduation experience( all with a contractor) and 1 year pre grad work experience.

Basically do you think it is a good idea to push it through without a mentor or sponsor here and try and get the report in, then return home round May time and aim to get the interview for June/July time.

Any thoughts would be appreciated,

Cheers

godtabh · 10-07-2014 3:28pm

Dats_rite wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Just hoping for your thoughts on this.

I graduated in 2005 with a BEng(Hons) in Civil Engineering. I joined a chartership scheme with ICE(Company based in Belfast) and worked there until 2010. Then moved to Australia where I have been working for last 4 years. I am in the process of returning home next year possibly and I would like to go through chartership with IEI. I was thinking of getting all my info and reports together and trying to submit for the Jan 2015 deadline.

As I am working in Australia I won’t have any sponsor or IEI mentor. I have 9 years post graduation experience( all with a contractor) and 1 year pre grad work experience.

Basically do you think it is a good idea to push it through without a mentor or sponsor here and try and get the report in, then return home round May time and aim to get the interview for June/July time.

Any thoughts would be appreciated,

Cheers

Contact EI. Shouldnt be an issue

camroc76 · 11-07-2014 2:26pm

Interview completed, very happy with the questions and the format.. Roll on the 22nd for the approval

Exiled2NY · 14-07-2014 12:49pm

Hi,

I have just really started looking at the application process myself. I had been hoping to make an application for the Jan deadline as I thought the deadlines were January & June.
When I looked on the EI website, the next deadline appears to be September 26th 2014,does anyone know if there is still one in January or has that moved?

Cheers

Alkers · 14-07-2014 1:19pm

Exiled2NY wrote: »

Hi,

I have just really started looking at the application process myself. I had been hoping to make an application for the Jan deadline as I thought the deadlines were January & June.
When I looked on the EI website, the next deadline appears to be September 26th 2014,does anyone know if there is still one in January or has that moved?

Cheers

The June deadline has been put back to September due to the large amount of applications they got at the last deadline. I don't think anything has been changed for the Jan window.

Exiled2NY · 14-07-2014 1:31pm

Simona1986 wrote: »

The June deadline has been put back to September due to the large amount of applications they got at the last deadline. I don't think anything has been changed for the Jan window.

Cheers for that! I was panicking a little, I'm not sure I would get it done for Sept!!

Dats_rite · 16-07-2014 11:20pm

Hi All,

Quick CPD question. This year I completed a diploma in Project Management. The course was separated into 9 days over the year with additional homework.

My question is can I put down 9 days CPD for the course and additional time for the assessment side of the course?

Alkers · 17-07-2014 11:19am

You can put down both the time in the classroom and time you spent studying outside of the classroom if that's what you mean?

davyd07 · 24-07-2014 2:11pm

Dats_rite wrote: »

Hi All,

Quick CPD question. This year I completed a diploma in Project Management. The course was separated into 9 days over the year with additional homework.

My question is can I put down 9 days CPD for the course and additional time for the assessment side of the course?

You can include classroom plus study days. Out of interest, where did you do your course?

godtabh · 25-07-2014 12:20pm

Study days are limited to a maximum (cant remember how much but I think its a day)

godtabh · 25-07-2014 12:36pm

davyd07 wrote: »

You can include classroom plus study days. Out of interest, where did you do your course?

I think EI refer to it as structured reading?

Dats_rite · 26-07-2014 5:23am

davyd07 wrote: »

You can include classroom plus study days. Out of interest, where did you do your course?

Currently living in Australia and did it here through work.

Hoping to get chartered through IEI as planning on moving home next year and will be looking for a job then....here's hoping anyway!

davyd07 · 18-08-2014 9:37am

camroc76 wrote: »

Interview completed, very happy with the questions and the format.. Roll on the 22nd for the approval

Good to hear that you feel it went well. Any pointers for somebody due up in the next couple of weeks?

What were the hot topics outside of your own experience. Did they ask generic type questions?

Thanks.

camroc76 · 25-08-2014 10:47am

davyd07 wrote: »

Good to hear that you feel it went well. Any pointers for somebody due up in the next couple of weeks?

What were the hot topics outside of your own experience. Did they ask generic type questions?

Thanks.

Few Pointers !

1. I made my presentation about projects I am working on currently, kept it up to date and fresh, didn't dwell on figures etc
2. Questions were solely on my report and essays...know your own words backwards, especially contract types, code, regs you have quoted in your application etc
3. The first i was asked was "what took you so long to apply?" (have 10 plus years experience)..so it was relaxed from that point forward !

Best of Luck ! ( I got the CEng too !)

godtabh · 25-08-2014 12:51pm

camroc76 wrote: »

Few Pointers !

1. I made my presentation about projects I am working on currently, kept it up to date and fresh, didn't dwell on figures etc
2. Questions were solely on my report and essays...know your own words backwards, especially contract types, code, regs you have quoted in your application etc
3. The first i was asked was "what took you so long to apply?" (have 10 plus years experience)..so it was relaxed from that point forward !

Best of Luck ! ( I got the CEng too !)

Point 1 is good. I encourage people to focus it around the 5 competencies but hold back some of the details. It means you will be priming the panel to ask you questions which you should know the answers

matstu · 16-09-2014 1:49pm

hi all

has anyone completed interview under section C route, if so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

Chartered Engineer 2016

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