Student Program FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the Student Program.
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1. What are Student and Industry nights? Should I bring my resume? Will there be HR managers at these events?
We host Student and Industry Nights throughout the year. These events are comprised of two parts: a seminar and a networking session with industry professionals. While it is always good to have a resume on-hand, we suggest business cards instead. Also, bring lots of questions and enthusiasm. Unlike career fairs where companies send HR managers to hire, Student and Industry Nights are attended by industry professionals eager to share their experience and expertise with students. Your network is a powerful tool, but it takes time to build. Use these events as an opportunity to start making connections, get career advice and to learn more about your future profession.
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2. My legal name is appearing in emails and on nametags at events. How do I update to my preferred name?
Log into your Engineers and Geoscientists BC web account and update your personal information. The name in the “Usual First Name” field will appear on your nametag in the future.
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3. What other Engineers and Geoscientists BC events can I go to?
Students may attend all events including branch events, the Annual Conference and AGM, and seminars. Many of the events also offer discounts to students.
- 4. Where can I find information on becoming an engineer-in-training (EIT) or a geoscientist-in-training (GIT)?
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5. How do I update my communications preferences?
Manage your communications preferences and decide which news you receive here.
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6. Are university geoscience programs formally accredited? What are the course equivalencies at my university for P.Geo registration requirements?
Geoscience programs are not formally accredited. If you wish to become a geoscientist-in-training or professional geoscientist, you must ensure you meet the academic qualifications that we have established. BC institution-specific course equivalency lists are available for geology and environmental geoscience. For geophysics students, students studying outside of BC, general syllabi are available. Need assistance? Please contact [email protected].
Geoscience syllabi -
7. Do I need to create a new account when I apply for EIT or GIT status?
No, you do not. Once you are registered in the Student Program, you can continue to use the same User ID throughout your career in BC. Also keep in mind that when you register to become an EIT or GIT, your application fee is waived if you apply within the first 12 months after graduation. And, for every year that you are signed up to the Student Program, you will be credited $12.50 towards your first year’s registration fee (maximum $50 for years as an undergraduate student; maximum $25 for years as a master's student).
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8. How much does it cost to become a trainee?
The current application fee is $472.50; however, this fee is waived for first-time applicants applying within 12 months of graduation from a post-secondary engineering or geoscience programs. Once enrolled as an EIT or GIT, an annual registration fee of $232.05 applies.
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9. How do I get my EIT or GIT credit for years that I have signed up to the Student Program?
When you apply for EIT or GIT status, we will check whether you were signed up to the student program or not. For each year that you have signed up, you will be credited $12.50 towards your first year's registration fee (maximum $50 for years as an undergraduate student; maximum $25 for years as a master's student.) If your registration fee is not credited, please contact [email protected].
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10. What is the Competency Experience Reporting System?
The Competency Experience Reporting System is our online system for recording, assessing and validating engineering work experience. It allows you to identify how you meet the seven competency categories for professional engineering registration.
You are encouraged to review the key competencies required to attain professional licensure to ensure you plan your career accordingly. The competency experience reporting system also enables you to better understand what co-op or pre-graduation work experience may be considered towards your four-year work experience requirement for professional licensure.
Access the Competency Experience Reporting System -
11. Do I need to become an engineer-in-training (EIT) or geoscientist-in-training (GIT) after graduation?
It is not mandatory in BC to register as an EIT or GIT. However, many employers require junior engineers or geoscientists to be eligible for or already possess EIT or GIT status. Registering as an EIT or GIT demonstrates to employers that you are academically qualified to register as a P.Eng. or P.Geo. licence in the future.
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12. Why should I become a P.Eng. or P.Geo.?
In order to practice professional engineering or professional geoscience in BC, you must be licensed by Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Professional engineers (P.Eng.) and professional geoscientists (P.Geo.) are the only persons permitted by law to undertake and assume responsibility for engineering and geoscience work in BC. These designations are highly valued in both industries and will create many opportunities for you in the future.