Where can one network with professional engineers?

I am an Atlanta-based software developer who is interested in
taking the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's registration exam, so
that I will be qualified to work on certain aspects of the patent
application process. Unfortunately, a Computer Science degree does
not meet the requirement to sit for that exam unless you have a very
specific set of classes on your transcript, which does not match my
case.

The alternative method for qualification is to show a passing score
on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, administered at the
state-level to college students and recent grads as the first step
toward a career in engineering. I have reviewed the NCCE-published
material for that exam, and have little doubt that I could pass it
on the first attempt (if I could keep my brain going for 8 hours
straight!).

The new problem there is with the requirements to take THAT exam in
my state. I meet all the requirements, except for having three
signatures from licensed (in any state) professional engineers
vouching for my character. Unfortunately, I don't even know any
licensed PE's in passing. I contacted some old faculty from my
undergraduate years, but none of them are licensed PE's. The best
they could offer was to write a letter of recommendation, vouching
for me to any PE I may meet. I'm still at square one as far as
meeting engineers in the first place.

Can anyone suggest any professional groups (IEEE, etc) which hold
regular meetings, where I could meet and network with PE's in
person? I see that joining IEEE costs about $150, and I would pay
that if I HAD to... but they don't seem to meet much in Atlanta
anyway, and it somehow feels a little "creepy" to buy a membership
and show up for meetings that don't concern me just to solicit a few
character witnesses. That really brings me to my central question,
how DO I go about this process without looking like a flake or a
heel? Does anyone have any suggestions for how I should (or should
NOT) be approaching engineers once I do find a suitable venue for
meeting them? Thank you very much!

 

An alternative approach would be to review the USPTO registration exam
requirements, options B or C, and see what classes you are lacking.
You might be able to take a few classes at a local junior college to
satisfy the chemistry or physics requirements.

 

An alternative approach would be to review the USPTO registration exam

You know, that may be the smartest suggestion after all. I spent some
time yesterday afternoon going over my transcript, and all I would need
to take is ONE physics class from the local 2-year college. That is, if
I can also get my old college to send me photocopies of the course
descriptions for my old classes IN THE YEAR THEY WERE TAKEN. If the
registrar's office doesn't archive course catalogs from 10+ years ago,
I'll be screwed again.

Gotta love the government!