A few years back just before I became an old guy, I joined two of the major engineering societies of my occupation. I hold membership in the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE). My pappy would be proud.
I also earned some credentials from the AEE which are; Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Business Energy Professional (BEP) and Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP). It’s all alphabet soup to anyone not in the business. It doesn’t matter to me if anyone else understands or not. It just makes me feel good that I could stand up to official measurement and make professional growth marks high on my wall of achievements.
My brother and I when we were little kids, used to make physical growth marks on the wall at one of our grandparents house. I suppose everyone has done something like that growing up. At least I hope so.
I actually feel the same way about my earned amateur radio privileges and the radio call sign W5EHS. I am a member and life member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) since 1969. Although a hobby, amateur radio requires a certification testing process and the issuing of a Federal Communication Commission license. So this too is a recognized growth mark, showing high on my achievement wall.