What is the process of becoming a genetic engineer?

Have the Chemistry Degree, would like to become/practice as a Chemical Engineer? Any advice?

• So I have a B.Sc. in Chemistry and would like to practice as a chemical engineer. My understanding of the process of becoming an engineer of any discipline is that you graduate, get work experience for four years, and then you can write your examinations to obtain your P.Eng. designation. So what would be the shortest route for me? First of all I need to be eligible to write the FE exam to become an EIT and to get a job working in the engineering industry, therefore whatever I do, I have to be eligible. The way I see this working is, either (a) I go back to school for maybe 3 years and get my undergraduate degree in Chem. Eng. and then I will be just as qualified (or more with my chemistry degree) than other Chem. Eng.'s out there, or (b) I take a masters of science in Chemical Engineering (not masters of Eng. in Chemical Eng. as this is only open to Chem. Eng. undergrads) then get into the field - the problem with this one is that I would lack the fundamental courses that employers would see as beneficial and therefore it would probably not be advantageous to hire me say over Joe Blow with an undergrad. The other route of course is writing my exams (if I am eligible with my Chemistry degree) and take no formal training in Chemical Engineering at the university level but this I see as problematic for the reasons of why would an employer hire me to work as a chem. eng. when he can hire another guy/girl with a chem. eng. degree. Any advice here is definitely appreciated, I just started on here the other day and i really appreciate everyones input on this. Thanks again

• Answer:

  The first thing to do is to contact the Board of Professional Engineers in your state (NCEES only takes care of the FE/PE testing) to see if your chemistry degree is eligible to take the EIT/FE exams and then the PE exams. Even though the average experience time required is 4 years, that number can vary on each state and can also depend on the judgment of the Board of PEs. I would apply for a masters degree though since it has more weight in your resume than a B.S. and not having a bachelors in engineering might be compensated by your work experience in the same field. By the way, most of the times, getting PE certification is only important if you are applying for government jobs since most companies will look more at your work experience and your skills.