Introduction to Engineering and Urban Planning How to be a Successful Engineer

How to be a successful Engineer Engineer needs three basic factors that help him / her to success : High mental ability that can encompass a wide range of science/knowledge. Sound artistic appreciation for beauty aspects. Have the attribute of creativity.

How to be a successful Engineer How Engineers Think : Sound engineering thinking comes in two basic methods : Analytical Method: Break down of problem into its primary elements easier to understand. Creativity method : Composition of the elements into a new different shape.

How to Study Engineering The importance of good studying habits. Cooperation with the instructor. Review the lessons from the original source and from the books and references: 1 st stage : Reading the lesson thoroughly. 2 nd stage : Comparison. 3 rd stage : Comments 4 th stage : Implementation Learning facts. Concentration.

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Poorly prepared students have succeeded Highly qualified students have failed What makes the difference?

Keys to Success in Engineering Study What is Success ? Success is the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Goal Setting How can you ever expect to get somewhere if you don’t know where you want to go? Goals give you something to measure yourself against Goals give your life direction Write down your goals

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Strategies for Strengthening Your Commitment Clarifying your goals No limits for learning Prepare a roadmap Don’t let adversity stop you

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Keys to Success Effort – “Work Hard” Approach – “Work Smart” Attitude – “Think Positively ”

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Models for Viewing Your Education Attributes Model – What knowledge, skills, and attitudes will you have when you graduate? Employment Model – What do employers look for in new engineering graduates? Student Involvement Model – What can you do to ensure that you get a quality education?

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Attributes Model Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology a. An ability to apply knowledge of math, science, and engineering b. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs d. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

Keys to Success in Engineering Study ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 Attributes (continued) g. An ability to communicate effectively h. A broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context i A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning j. A knowledge of modern issues k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Employment Model 1. Personal qualifications including maturity, initiative, enthusiasm, self-confidence, appearance, integrity, flexibility, and the ability to work with people 2. Educational qualification as shown by grades in all subjects or in a major field 3. Specialized courses relating to a particular field of work 4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 5. Kind and amount of employment while in college 6. Experience in campus activities, especially participation and leadership in extracurricular life

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Student Involvement Model Time and energy devoted to studying Time spent on campus Participation in student organizations Interaction with faculty members Interaction with other students

Keys to Success in Engineering Tools for success Life Style Value Judgment Actions Thoughts feelings Personal Development Plans Improved Writing Skills Improved Communication Skills Mental and Physical Wellness

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Structure Your Life Situation Living Arrangements Part-Time Work Influence of Family Influence of Friends Other influences?

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Value Judgments Applied to Our Actions Actions Productive actions – support the achievement of our goals Non-productive actions – Interfere with or work against the achievement of our goals Thoughts Positive thoughts - result in our choosing productive actions Negative thoughts – result in our choosing non-productive actions Feelings Positive feelings – produce positive thoughts, which in turn lead to productive actions Negative feelings – produce negative thoughts, which in turn lead to non-productive actions

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Personal Development Plans Identify areas for improvement Prioritize them in order of importance Choose several items to work on Create a personal development (action) plan

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Developing Your Communication Skills Importance of communications skills in engineering Employers want more Developing a positive attitude Developing a plan to improve your communication skills

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Writing Demands of an Engineer Letters, memoranda, and correspondence Design specifications Requests for proposals (RFPs) Proposals submitted in response to RFPs Contracts and other government documents Written progress reports Technical reports Publications in professional engineering journal

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Oral Communication Demands of an Engineer Oral progress reports Formal presentations Project and committee meetings Team collaborations Short courses and training seminars Guest lectures at engineering schools or professional society conferences Oral evaluations of subordinate

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Develop a Plan to Improve Your Communication Skills Take courses in oral and written communications Look for opportunities to write (keep a journal, write a poem or short story, send s) Read – anything and everything (newspaper, magazines, technical journals, novels) Look for opportunities to speak (student organizations, high school class, regular class)

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Mental and Physical Wellness Tips for good health Eat nutritionally Engage in regular aerobic exercise Get adequate sleep Avoid drugs Balancing work and play Find a proper balance between work and play Managing stress Learn strategies for coping with and managing stress