b'Partner News Winter 2020 9MODProfessional Development is a key part of my career as both an engineer and as a Royal Navy Officer. As an IET Partner, the Royal Navy supportThe Royal Navy offers a variety of free their staff in both membership andcourses to aid the development of its Professional Registration to guide theirstaff and help them progress in their Professional Development and career goals.careers. With constant opportunities for We sat down with Lieutenant Commandereducation, Ben believes that this can make Ben Shirley after his successful CEnga difference in career paths. At various application to talk about Professionalstages in my career Ive been able to spend Registration and how it can benefit thosetime conducting periods of education to in the MOD.prepare me for future assignments. Its made me the person I am today. With the streamlined Defence Engineer Registration Scheme route, Ben was ableWhen asked how those in a similar position to receive tailored support throughoutcan kickstart their Professional Registration the entire application: The processjourney, Ben had a wealth of advice for his was supported by the team at MWScolleagues. Start early and think of it as Collingwood; they gave me advice anda continuous journey rather than a get to validated my application. They alsoa certain point yourself and then apply provided the Underpinning Knowledge &task. I started as soon as I could and have Understanding statement for my educationstayed with the IET throughout my career capability. They also gave me help withand as I developed, I then applied for the the Development Action Plan, in termsnext level of registration as and when I got of format and expectation, and providedthere.the UK&U statement for my education capability. I also had a ProfessionalHaving been an IEng for a considerable Registration Advisor (who I kept in touchperiod of time, with that internationally with from a previous application) and bothrecognised professional status, it aligned with their advice, which was good!demonstrates to industry partners your capabilities and professional standing from Having been registered IEng since 2011,the moment they start communicating with Ben was familiar with the registrationyou. process and was able to take advantage of the help the Royal Navy offers. TheNow a registered CEng with the team at Collingwood had a single pointEngineering Council, Ben has learnt that of contact email that allowed me to putbeing professionally registered means more questions in and get advice back fairlythan just post nominals. I realised how quickly. There were a few different peoplemuch the Royal Navy instils a team ethos. advising, which meant that advice wasIts a very foreign concept to think of your readily available. Ive even submittedachievements individually when in the my name to join the team as a SpecialRoyal Navy, because everything we achieve Registration Advisor.is a team effort.'