MANILA, Philippines – Mark Anthony Santiago describes himself as an average student while he was still in college, the type who just wants to pass the course but not really aiming to graduate with flying colors. But he didn’t expect to become an achiever as a professional. Not only did he become a registered engineer in the Philippines, he also achieved the feat in two more countries!
Becoming a registered engineer in the Philippines
According to Santiago who hails from Bulacan, all he wanted in college was to graduate, then find a decent job to earn money for his family, and to live life. But becoming an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) changed his perspective in life.
After graduating from Bulacan State University (BulSU) in 2009 with a degree in BS Civil Engineering, Santiago became a registered civil engineer in the Philippines shortly afterwards. It was in 2011 that he left the country to work in Saudi Arabia.
He would later find a job in Qatar after spending two and a half years in Saudi. The challenging life of an OFW pushed him to try harder now that he is in Qatar. He admitted that his career development in Saudi was slow, but it was there that he faced the challenge to push himself to improve more in his career.
Becoming a registered engineer in Qatar
So, in 2017, Santiago became a registered engineer in Qatar.
“Whereas, getting a license from another country gave me more confidence in fulfilling my responsibilities. This is an indication that OFWs can compete with other nationalities and make their career to the next level. Living in a highly developed country like Qatar means the standard of professionalism is vital, getting recognized by them is essential,” Santiago told The Summit Express.
But he did not stop with that achievement. From an average college student, this OFW became an achiever in his professional career and pushed himself to improve his knowledge and learn something new.
Becoming a registered engineer in the UK
He recently gained recognition and professional registration from the Engineering Council (UK), attaining his license and obtaining the title of Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
“This professional recognition as an Incorporated Engineer from the Engineering Council (UK) shows the competency level that I obtained for the last eight years of my career as a Civil Engineer. It has been a long process from validating certifications to mentorship, from CPD to professional review interview, from being registered Civil Engineer in the Philippines and in Qatar, and now, internationally recognized as Professional Engineer in the UK,” Santiago explained.
“With the same process in the PRC (the Philippines) and MME (State of Qatar), my name will then be registered on the list of Professional Engineers in Engineering Council (EC-UK) having protection by civil law under Royal Charter.”
This inspiring Pinoy has become a registered engineer in three different countries. But his quest for learning doesn’t stop there. He is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Professional from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and is currently an MBA Student at the University of the People (UoPeople).
(Image credits: Mark Anthony Santiago)
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
Becoming a registered engineer in the Philippines
According to Santiago who hails from Bulacan, all he wanted in college was to graduate, then find a decent job to earn money for his family, and to live life. But becoming an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) changed his perspective in life.
After graduating from Bulacan State University (BulSU) in 2009 with a degree in BS Civil Engineering, Santiago became a registered civil engineer in the Philippines shortly afterwards. It was in 2011 that he left the country to work in Saudi Arabia.
He would later find a job in Qatar after spending two and a half years in Saudi. The challenging life of an OFW pushed him to try harder now that he is in Qatar. He admitted that his career development in Saudi was slow, but it was there that he faced the challenge to push himself to improve more in his career.
Becoming a registered engineer in Qatar
So, in 2017, Santiago became a registered engineer in Qatar.
“Whereas, getting a license from another country gave me more confidence in fulfilling my responsibilities. This is an indication that OFWs can compete with other nationalities and make their career to the next level. Living in a highly developed country like Qatar means the standard of professionalism is vital, getting recognized by them is essential,” Santiago told The Summit Express.
But he did not stop with that achievement. From an average college student, this OFW became an achiever in his professional career and pushed himself to improve his knowledge and learn something new.
Becoming a registered engineer in the UK
He recently gained recognition and professional registration from the Engineering Council (UK), attaining his license and obtaining the title of Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
“This professional recognition as an Incorporated Engineer from the Engineering Council (UK) shows the competency level that I obtained for the last eight years of my career as a Civil Engineer. It has been a long process from validating certifications to mentorship, from CPD to professional review interview, from being registered Civil Engineer in the Philippines and in Qatar, and now, internationally recognized as Professional Engineer in the UK,” Santiago explained.
“With the same process in the PRC (the Philippines) and MME (State of Qatar), my name will then be registered on the list of Professional Engineers in Engineering Council (EC-UK) having protection by civil law under Royal Charter.”
This inspiring Pinoy has become a registered engineer in three different countries. But his quest for learning doesn’t stop there. He is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Professional from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and is currently an MBA Student at the University of the People (UoPeople).
(Image credits: Mark Anthony Santiago)
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
