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 EngineerHow 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:1st stage : Reading the lesson thoroughly.2nd stage : Comparison.3rd stage : Comments4th 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 StudyWhat is Success?

Success is the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted

Keys to Success in Engineering StudyGoal SettingHow 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 StudyKeys to Success

Effort – “Work Hard”

Approach – “Work Smart”

Attitude – “Think Positively”

Keys to Success in Engineering StudyModels for ViewingYour EducationAttributes 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 StudyAttributes Model

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technologya. 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 datac. An ability to design a system, component, or

process to meet desired needsd. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary

teamse. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve

engineering problemsf. An understanding of professional and ethical

responsibility

Keys to Success in Engineering StudyABET Engineering Criteria 2000Attributes (continued)

g. An ability to communicate effectivelyh. 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 issuesk. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and

modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Employment Model1. 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 college6. 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 studyingTime spent on campusParticipation in student organizationsInteraction with faculty membersInteraction with other students

Keys to Success in Engineering Tools for success

Life StyleValue Judgment

ActionsThoughtsfeelings

Personal Development PlansImproved Writing SkillsImproved Communication SkillsMental and Physical Wellness

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Structure Your Life SituationLiving Arrangements

Part-Time Work

Influence of Family

Influence of Friends

Other influences?

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Value Judgments Applied to Our Actions

ActionsProductive actions – support the achievement of our goals

Non-productive actions – Interfere with or work against the achievement of our goals

ThoughtsPositive thoughts - result in our choosing productive actionsNegative thoughts – result in our choosing non-productive actions

FeelingsPositive feelings – produce positive thoughts, which in turn lead to productive actionsNegative feelings – produce negative thoughts, which in turn lead to non-productive actions

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Personal Development PlansIdentify 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 moreDeveloping a positive attitudeDeveloping a plan to improve your

communication skills

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Writing Demands of an EngineerLetters, memoranda, and e-mail

correspondenceDesign specificationsRequests for proposals (RFPs)Proposals submitted in response to RFPsContracts and other government documentsWritten progress reportsTechnical reportsPublications in professional engineering

journal

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Oral Communication Demands of an EngineerOral progress reportsFormal presentationsProject and committee meetingsTeam collaborationsShort courses and training seminarsGuest lectures at engineering schools or

professional society conferencesOral evaluations of subordinate

Keys to Success in Engineering Study Develop a Plan to Improve Your Communication SkillsTake courses in oral and written

communicationsLook for opportunities to write (keep a

journal, write a poem or short story, send e-mails)

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 WellnessTips for good health

Eat nutritionallyEngage in regular aerobic exerciseGet adequate sleepAvoid drugs

Balancing work and playFind a proper balance between work and play

Managing stressLearn strategies for coping with and managing stress