I have been working outside of engineering and want to get back in, any tips?

I thought maybe I could network into a company by taking a non engineering job if necessary and show them my work as the opportunity arises.

Mr. Wiz is on the right track, but I don't think it needs to be all calculations and such, but do take what you've gained from your current industry and apply it back to the company you're working for.

If you're in sales, let them know how your contact with the buying public gives you insight into product development.

If you worked in insurance, you can sell your risk assessment skills as a great background for an engineering management position.

I have a friend that ran a GNC for several years. He was made manager of a start up sattelite office for a forensic engineering company. He worked forensic cases and grew the office around him and now he's a vice president. He has a PE, which helps, but is by no means necessary for every company.

They won't know how you fit in until you tell them. Putting that stuff into a cover letter helps.

I did the same thing, but from one engineering industry to another. Every time I interviewed, even on the phone, I got a little bit better at selling myself (I wanted to switch to the new industry) and eventually landed a job with better pay, which I didn't think was going to happen!

Good luck!

take the EIT test

or

make a resume that shows things that you have done that relate to engineering- worked with equations and numbers, solved problems, implemented analytical thinking, supervised people, did projects, etc.