Can someone without an Engineering Degree refer to themselves as an Engineer?

To begin, let’s address the fundamental question: Who qualifies as a Software Engineer?

A Software Engineer is a professional who employs engineering principles in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems. In this context, the conventional paths of formal education and obtaining a degree in engineering or a related field are commonly recognised as the avenues through which individuals are acknowledged as software engineers.

Comparatively, other professional sectors maintain distinctions. For instance, a Computer Scientist should not be colloquially referred to as an engineer. According to traditional norms, the title “engineer” is reserved for individuals who have completed a four or five-year degree from an engineering school. This stands in contrast to fields like law or medicine, where one cannot claim the title of a lawyer or doctor without a formal education in the respective discipline.

However, the technology industry sets itself apart by placing a significant emphasis on practical skills and experience. In this dynamic sector, there are instances where individuals lacking formal engineering degrees are recognised as software engineers based on their proficiency, portfolio, and work experience.

The title “Software Engineer” is, therefore, employed more broadly, with qualifications varying according to employers and specific job requirements. It is not uncommon for individuals to enter the field through alternative education routes, such as self-study or coding boot camps, and still hold job titles like Software Engineer.

In answer to the question of whether someone without an Engineering Degree can refer to themselves as an Engineer, the prevailing sentiment in the tech industry is affirmative — yes, they can. As a point of reference, I bring this perspective with a degree in Computer Engineering, contributing to the ongoing discourse on professional titles within the field of software engineering.