• Ephera@lemmy.ml
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    4 days ago

    A few years ago, a colleague had the title “software craftsman”, because he thought it was utter bullcrap to call our profession “software engineer”.
    And yeah, now that I’m part of a project for a few years, I’m definitely feeling “software mechanic”. I might install half a spoiler every so often, but aside from that, it’s mostly just repairs…

    • Bluegrass_Addict@lemmy.ca
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      4 days ago

      in Canada it’s illegal to call yourself an engineer unless you have an actual engineering certifications which don’t exist for software development.

      it would be akin to calling yourself a software lawyer without having passed the bar to get your law certificates.

      • SuperNovaStar@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        4 days ago

        In the US you can call yourself nearly anything. Our protected titles are usually very specific:

        Medical Doctor, Professional Engineer, Certified Professional Accountant, and so on.

        • I_am_10_squirrels@beehaw.org
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          3 days ago

          Depends on the state. In some states, using the title of Engineer is considered practicing engineering, so if you use it without having a PE you can be fined.

      • saigot@lemmy.ca
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        3 days ago

        The work around is to refer to yourself as software engineering. “senior software engineering 2” or whatever

      • Ephera@lemmy.ml
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        4 days ago

        Same here in Germany, but only for the German word “Ingenieur”. You can call yourself “engineer”, no problem. 🥴

        • Tar_Alcaran@sh.itjust.works
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          3 days ago

          In the Netherlands, you can call yourself an engineer just fine, but if you want to use the title, you need an actual degree.

      • ChilledPeppers@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        3 days ago

        In Brazil you also need a certification, but you can get one as a software engineer. Universities have special courses that include other subjects just for that test. I.e., chemistry.