Hi.

I'm getting ready to graduate from college in Civil Engineering and I'm looking to apply for my EIT (Engineer in Training) Certificate. One question that the application asks is "have you ever beeen convicted of a crime that is substancally related to the field of engineering". That's a pretty vague question. Does burglary fall into this category. Also, I had the my conviction dismissed persuant PC 1203.4. Entered a plea of Nolo Contendre and all that. What's the best way no answer the good 'ol, and unfair, question of 'have you even been convicetd of a crime?/Felony'. I know for state licenses/ gov't I gatta put it down, what about private employers? What's the most tactful way to tackle this gorilla.

Joe, CA

Hmm this is interesting. I would think this depends on HOW you committed the burglary. My thinking is, if you used engineering techniques to gain access to the premises, that that would qualify according to the wording of the question. But if it was simple breaking and entering, then it wouldn't.

Please do not use PMs for follow-up questions.

In this case I would say to answer No. If it does come out, you can say that the questions specifically stated "realted to engineering" and this wasn't.