Beyond the nerves: navigating the IMarEST Professional Review Interview

The Professional Review Interview may seem daunting, but candidates who reach this stage have already demonstrated their experience. Here’s what to expect – and how to prepare

A Professional Review Interview (PRI) is the final stage of the process when applying for professional registration at IMarEST - a globally recognised credential. To succeed in the interview, candidates must show how they meet the competencies and standards required.  Most candidates who apply for Fellow-grade membership, or professional registration, are required to attend an interview.

The candidate’s experience

Dr Esme Flegg (CMarTech, FIMarEST), the Innovative Technologies Lead at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, has achieved Chartered Marine Technologist status and provides reassurance to candidates about what to expect during the interview.

“My assessors, Syed Azeem Uddin Ahmed and Jamie Walker, were both very friendly and genuinely interested in discussing my experiences,” says Dr Flegg of her PRI. “It was clear that they had both invested time before the interview to become familiar with my application, which I appreciated. We ended up having a very natural and flowing conversation.”

“When you go to a Professional Review Interview, the topic of conversation is about your experience and skills,” she says. “There is no one else who can better answer questions than you on that topic!”

The assessor’s perspective

On the other side of the table, the PRI is normally conducted by two assessors (occasionally three), who will be professionally registered and trained to conduct the interview. As volunteers, they will also have relevant industry experience to meet the criteria. That may sound intimidating, but the assessors are there to give support.

Becky Stanley (CEng, FIMarEST) is an assessor, as well as a Principal Marine Engineer at BMT and an elected IMarEST Council Trustee.

“Professional registration brings a lot of benefits,” says Stanley. “It demonstrates competence and a commitment to your profession, can open up new career opportunities, and gives employers, clients and other stakeholders confidence in your abilities. It's a recognised benchmark of professionalism and one that's highly valued across industry.”

Even those who do not achieve registration can gain something from the PRI. “Candidates who are unsuccessful receive constructive feedback to help them understand any gaps and prepare for a future application,” she says.

Assessors want to see candidates succeed, and are motivated to contribute to the maritime community. For Stanley, it is about giving something back to the profession.

“I've benefited enormously from the support and guidance of others throughout my career, so volunteering as an assessor is a chance to help the next generation of professionals achieve their goals,” she says.

Tips for candidates

For candidates with an upcoming interview, Becky Stanley’s main advice is not to panic. “If you've reached the PRI stage, your application has already been reviewed and you've demonstrated that you have the experience required to meet the competencies,” she says. “The interview is simply an opportunity to expand on that and bring your application to life.”

Candidates are also advised to get familiar with the competency requirements and think of relevant experiences in their career. Preparing a presentation can add structure to the interview itself, helping both interviewer and interviewee.

In Stanley’s role as Chair of the Membership Committee, she would like to explore more ways of giving feedback to all candidates in the process. The committee is keen to welcome students, early and mid-career professionals and members from all disciplines to apply.

To find out more or to apply for professional registration, visit the IMarEST website. Those interested in volunteering as a Professional Review Interviewer can submit a short online form here.

Tell us what you think about this article by joining the discussion on IMarEST Connect.

Main Image: Top view of engineer and his blueprints. Credit: Shutterstock

Inline image: Dr Esme Flegg. Credit: Dr Flegg