Chapter 3

Born to succeed !Keys to Success in Engineering Study

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Steve Jobs

| Entrepreneur - Co-founder and CEO, Apple Inc.I want to put a ding in the universe. - Steve Jobs

Success did not come easy to evenSteve Jobs. He dropped out of college, and returned Coke bottles to earn money. He even visited a local temple for free meals and later got into drugs. It was his persistence that led to the founding of Apple Inc.

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Ralph Lauren

| Fashion DesignerI don't design clothes, I design dreams. - Ralph LaurenRalph Lauren started earning when he was just a teenager. His belief in his own capabilities was so strong that he took a loan of a whooping $50,000 from a bank to live his dream. He knew he could do it, and he did it.

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Dhirubhai Ambani

| Business tycoon - Founder, Reliance IndustriesDhirubhai Ambani always wanted to be independent. He founded Reliance Commercial Corporation with a capital as small as INR 15000. He received a lot of criticism for his business strategies but he didn't bother. While others were busy judging his ways, he had reached the top already.

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Bill Gates

| Business Magnate - Former Chairman of MicrosoftIt's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure. - Bill GatesBill Gatessold his operating system Microsoft to the world. He was a college dropout. His success story is the biggest example of how you can achieve all you've ever wanted if you do not shy away from working hard and working smart.

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Henry Ford

| Industrialist - Founder of Ford Motor CompanyWhen everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. - Henry FordWhen his first company Detroit suffered from an irrecoverable dip, Henry Ford emerged stronger with Ford Motor Company - producing vehicles that his customers could afford.

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Nick Vujicic was born with no arms or legs - but he doesn't let the details stop him.The brave 26-year-old - who is mainly torso - plays football and golf, swims, and surfs, despite having no limbs.

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The best revenge is massive success. -Frank SinatraI am thankful for all of those who said NO to me. Its because of them Im doing it myself. -Albert EinsteinGo confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -Henry David Thoreau

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OverviewYou can do it!What is success?Goal settingStrengthening your commitmentKeys to success in engineering studyModels for viewing your educationStructure your life situation

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

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Goal SettingGoals give you something to measure yourself againstGoals give your life directionWrite down your goals

How can you ever expect to get somewhere if you dont know where you want to go?

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Strategies for Strengthening Your CommitmentClarifying your goals

Learning as much as you can about engineering

Prepare a roadmap

Dont let adversity stop you

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Keys to Success in Engineering Study Effort Work Hard

Approach Work Smart

Attitude Think Positively

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Models for Viewing Your 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?

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Attributes Model ABET Engineering Criteria 2000An ability to apply knowledge of math, science, and engineering An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret dataAn ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needsAn ability to function on multi-disciplinary teamsAn ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problemsAn understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

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ABET 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 contexti A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learningj. A knowledge of contemporary issuesk. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

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Employment ModelPersonal qualifications including maturity, initiative, enthusiasm, poise, appearance, integrity, flexibility, and the ability to work with peopleScholastic qualification as shown by grades in all subjects or in a major fieldSpecialized courses relating to a particular field of workAbility to communicate effectively, both orally and in writingKind and amount of employment while in collegeExperience in campus activities, especially participation and leadership in extracurricular life

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Astins Student Involvement ModelTime and energy devoted to studyingTime spent on campusParticipation in student organizationsInteraction with faculty membersInteraction with other students

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Structure Your Life Situation

Living ArrangementsPart-Time WorkInfluence of FamilyInfluence of FriendsOther influences?

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Group Discussion Exercise Ability vs. EffortDivide into groups of five or six and discuss the following issue:Do you believe that people succeed because of their ability, That some people have it while others dont?

Or do you believe that people succeed because of their effort?

Which do you think is more important: ability or effort? Why?Select a group leader to keep the discussion on topic and a recorder who will report out for the group

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Alternate Group Discussion Exercise Fixed Mindset versus Growth MindsetPeople generally have one of two mindsetsFixed mindset - You believe your talents and abilities are set in stoneeither you have them or your dontGrowth mindset Talents can be developed and great abilities are built over timeDiscuss the implications of having each of these mindsets for success in engineering studyAppoint a group leader to keep on topic and a reporter to report out on what was discussed

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Before starting a course, be familiar with the prerequisite materialsMost engineering courses start from where the prerequisite course endedIf you are fuzzy on the prerequisite course material, spend some time reviewingIf in doubt, ask the course ProfessorMake the most of lectures and classroom time. Lectures are used by the course Professor to...highlight the most important material...demonstrate important problem solving techniquesTextbooks should be used as a supplement, and not a substitute, for classesWorking Smart: The Rules of the Game

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Write structured, clear solutions to all problemsA clear solution procedure makes it easier for you to identify errorsA clear solution procedure makes it easier for the course Professor to grant creditKeep any problems you have completed available for later study. A compendium of detailed solutions facilitates exam reviewKnow the difference between a solution and an answerAssignments indicate a required standard, and represent the most important portions of the course materialPractice solving problems, and ask if you need help. Forming study groups with other students may be helpful Working Smart: The Rules of the Game

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Develop an effective examination techniqueSimply knowing the material does not necessarily translate into success on examinations. You must specifically train and study towards each examRehearse for each exam Use old practice tests from previous semestersWork in a quiet place, and try to avoid being interruptedTime yourself, so that you will be working under the same constraints as will be present during the real examDuring the exam, write clear, logical and detailed solutions to win as much credit as possibleDevelop an effective solution technique for homework and test problemsWorking Smart: The Rules of the Game (continued)

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Engineering: A process that applies mathematics and physical science to the design and manufacture of a product or service for the benefit of societyIntroduction to Engineering

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The traditional engineering disciplines includeMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringCivil EngineeringComputer Science & EnggElectronics & Commn EnggIndustrial EngineeringAreas of specialization within electrical engineering includeElectric Power EngineeringCommunicationsControl Systems EngineeringDigital Systems EngineeringElectronicsIntroduction to Engineering

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Success in a program of engineering study requires a different set of skills than you used to succeed in high school. The reasons for this include the followingAttending a university is not the same as attending high schoolHigher standardsBetter competitionAdditional pressures (financial, social, etc.)You will need to obtain the skills necessary for success in college on the fly. These includeAppropriate study skills and strategiesAppropriate attitudes towards course work and studyCommunication skillsTeam skills -- the ability to work as part of a teamSkills

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Time management skills -- the ability to prioritizeProfessors often assume that you know more than you really do when you enter their course, and they generally start with new material, without taking time at the beginning to review. This could pose a problemYou may have forgotten some of the prerequisite materialA prerequisite course taken at another institution may not have completely covered all required materialThe upshot is that you may have to catch up on your own. At the very least, see the course Professor for help if you find yourself in this situationSkills

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Strategies for coping with the requirements of university studyExpect the unexpected, and be willing to change your approach to a problem when necessaryAsk questions. Course Professors, advisors, and upper class students are all willing to share advice with you on how to maximize your performanceGet together with other first year studentsShare problems, concerns and informationStudy in groups, if at all possibleSocialize informally with your new university friends

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Get organized and manage your time efficientlyUse a notebook or calendar to write down your appointments, commitments and obligationsEstablish both short term and long term goalsCreate a schedule, and establish blocks of time for both study and other tasks. It is unrealistic to expect that you will devote all of your free time to studying Try to stick to your schedule. Be willing to make adjustments to your schedule if you find that it is unworkableBefore a course begins, know what your Professor assumes you know. Review prerequisite material, if necessaryStrategies for coping with the requirements of university study

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Attributes of a lectureMost common of all instructional methodsLittle interaction between the students and the ProfessorMost often used in large (>50 students) classesWhat to expect from a lectureClear, logical presentation of material taken from a variety of sourcesMaterial selected is geared towards assigned problems and examsGenerally covers relevant examples, required standards and other pertinent information Lectures

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Your role in a lecturePrepare by reading assigned materialDo not expect to be entertained!Sit towards the front of the room, and pay attentionFeel free to ask for a quick clarification (or to point out an error), but save longer questions for office hoursReread, rewrite and review notes taken during lecture. See the Professor to clarify any unclear pointsExpect that most real learning will take place during your study time, and not during the lecture itselfLectures

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It is helpful when your leaning style matches the teaching style of your professor. Most of us fit into more than one categoryTypes of learning styles include...

Teaching and Learning Styles

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Dont blame the professor! Be proactive and take matters into your own handsDetermine what you need to make the course material come alive. Ask the professor for supplemental material (which could include more examples, theory, worked out examples, real-world examples or formulas)Find someone else (teaching assistant, classmate, another professor) to explain the material to you in another wayFind supplemental material on your own. Sources could include other textbooks, internet, journal articles, videos, CD-ROMs, etc. Begin your search in the engineering libraryTeaching and Learning StylesIf your learning style is not compatible with the professors teaching style...

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Benefits of Working with a Team of Student PeersProvides opportunities for collaborative learningIt is unlikely that all will have trouble with the same material. Group members will be able to help each other over hurdlesIt has been shown that students who study in groups...get higher gradesretain what they learn longerenjoy classes moregain more self-confidenceTeaching something is the most effective way to learn it well. Group members gain from teaching each other Keeps you motivated and on trackIts easier to keep going if you know you are not aloneSomeone elses success may depend on your active participation

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Try to work in groups of three or fourGroups of two may not have enough of a variety of ideas, and will not be able to effectively resolve conflictsSome members of large groups (five or more) may be left out, and not act as full participantsThink about and outline problems individually before getting together as a groupMake sure that all group members understand every solutionGood practice for the real world (after graduation)Teamwork is the norm in the real worldMost projects are too large and broad for one personProject teams consist of people with a variety of expertise and backgroundsBest Practice Techniques for Group Learning

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Key Strategies for Maximizing PerformanceRegarding course prerequisitesMake sure that you are aware of what your Professor assumes you knowMake sure that you have mastered what your Professor assumes you know -- make sure your prerequisite skills work!Many students fail because they dont have adequate mastery of course prerequisite material. Take the prerequisite material seriously, and ask if you are not sureEffective note taking techniquesMake sure you write down whatever the Professor writes down. This is a strong indication of what s/he feels are the most important pointsDuring oral presentations, take notes on what the Professor is saying. Dont try to write every word, but do include the most important points. You can always review later

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Purpose of the course textbookTo provide a backup source of course material. The textbook will serve as your primary source for supplementary materialTo provide a source of illustrative examplesTo provide a good supply of practice problemsDont try to do every problem, or to read every chapter. Stick to material that is similar to that presented in class unless the Professor says otherwiseAs soon as possible after the lecture, review and complete your notes. Write them out as if you were going to use them to teach the subjectDate and number each page; leave ample space for further comments and clarificationWhen you miss class, get notes from another conscientious and successful student, or (if possible) the course ProfessorKey Strategies for Maximizing Performance

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Strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of assignmentsTry to do all of the assigned problems. Those that complete their homework assignments tend to, as a group, perform better on examsDont simply study example problems and homework solutions. The only way to learn how to solve problems is to solve problems. (Its similar to riding a bicycle -- you cant learn how to ride a bike without getting on one!)Collaboration and group work is beneficial as long as it is not abused. Working in groups should not reduce the amount of effort that each individual puts forth; instead, fellow group members should use each other to get through the roughest spots in a problem, and to brainstorm alternative solution techniquesKey Strategies for Maximizing Performance

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Getting extra helpMake use of any free tutoring services available through your college. Members of engineering honor societies often provide free tutoring as a service to the university communityIf hiring a tutor, make sure s/he knows the material well, and is an effective communicatorPrepare for your tutoring session by reviewing the material and listing all questions that you have in advance. Do not expect the tutor to do the work, as that is your job!Self-study manuals and problem solvers may be helpful. As there are many available, ask your Professor for a recommendation!Posted solutions to assignments and examsGood examples of what constitutes a proper, correct solutionGood way of reviewing for exams as posted solutions illustrate exactly what is expected by the course ProfessorPosted solutions from previous semesters may be a useful source of review problemsKey Strategies for Maximizing Performance

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How to be Successful on ExamsExams are generally the single largest contributor to your grade in an engineering courseSuccess on your exam depends upon mastery of the course materialeffective study techniques (smart practice)effective examination techniqueDivide your test preparation into long term (ongoing) and short term (1-2 weeks beforehand) phases

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Long termMake sure your class notes are complete and well organizedPay special attention to topics emphasized in class, as these often show up on examsWrite clear, complete and logical homework solutionsCompletely redo any homework problems you may have answered incorrectlyUse assigned problems to gauge what material the professor thinks is most important, and direct your study towards those topicsGet help on any issues and problems you may have as they ariseHow to be Successful on Exams

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Short term: Apply smart practiceFind out what will be covered on the examReview the relevant theory and relevant examples from course notes and the course textbookReview your solved assignmentsWork through relevant practice problems, previously assigned problems, and problems from past examsHow to be Successful on Exams

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Effective Exam Review TechniquesIncorporate exam review periods in your schedule, and specify what material you will review in eachChoose your study environment carefully. Continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite the extra stress which accompanies examsPick a quiet room that is free of distractionsGet comfortableTake frequent breaksEat well and get plenty of restEngage in some physical activity

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During your study periodsMake notes and summarize the important points as you review. These will be useful if your professor allows you to bring in formula sheetsChoose practice problems randomly, and solve them blindly, without any supplemental information or help from othersAs the exam approaches, you may wish to schedule some group review sessionsEffective Exam Review Techniques

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Developing Engineering SkillsSkills prized by employers includeThe ability to work effectively in diverse teamsThe ability to keep up to date and current in your fieldThe ability to effectively manage personnel and resources in engineering projectsEffective written communication skillsEffective interpersonal (one-to-one) skillsThe ability to design and present effective formal presentations (in front of groups)The ability to demonstrate creativity in all aspects of your job

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Developing effective writing skills requires effort and commitmentTake writing classes. Many colleges and universities offer noncredit writing courses in their continuing education programs that can be taken during evening and weekend hoursWrite as much as you canRead as much as possible, becausereading exposes you to good, professional writingreading expands your vocabulary and grammar skillsSeek out good examples of writingGet lots of feedback from othersRead your own work out loud to yourself Developing Engineering Skills

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Effective interpersonal skills includeGood listening skillsThe ability to define what you need, and to ask for itThe power of persuasionSensitivity to the beliefs and perceptions of othersThe ability to understand anothers point of viewDeveloping Engineering Skills

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Attributes of creativity includeOriginality of thoughtAbility to use your imagination to come up with innovative ideasCreativity cannot be learned, but can be improved and nurtured through the following techniquesIncrease your knowledge of engineering. Read about advances in the state-of-the-art, and new and novel solutionsMaintain an interest in things outside of engineering. Engineering innovation can often be spurred by something related to another discipline

Developing Engineering Skills

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Brainstorm, and think creatively about new solutions to old (previously solved) problems. Play with ideas. This can be done alone, or with colleaguesSleep on problems. Allow your subconscious time to workAllow yourself some time to relax and recharge. Your mind gets tired if it is constantly thinking, so it needs some time to restFocus on the ultimate objective. Dont obsess on the detail (which become the focus much later in the design process)Developing Engineering Skills

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Becoming Gainfully EmployedCareer options includeOne of the engineering job descriptions described previouslyA job in a non-engineering field that requires some of the skills acquired as engineering students. These include areas where problem solving, mathematics and creative thought are important, such as insurance, financial and accounting firmsA job involving government or military work (national laboratories, transportation, municipal services, etc.)Working abroad, either for a multi-national corporation, or for a service organization (e.g. Peace Corps)

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Continuing education is now a requirement of most jobs!Read journals and trade publications and attend seminars to stay in touch with advances in technologyMany employers will pay you to attend advanced courses, as long as they are relevant to your work. Some colleges offer courses, and even entire degree programs, via satellite or computer that can be completed without requiring attendance in actual classesJob search tipsBecoming Gainfully Employed

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Take advantage of personal contacts by networkingMaximize your chances by applying for many jobs simultaneouslyPrepare your resume carefully. Get advice from employed friends and your schools writing center. Proof-read carefully!Prepare for your interview by practicing with friends. Treat your interview as a formal presentation of yourself. Be sure to research the company so you can ask intelligent questionsHighlight your ability to learn and think independentlyDont sell yourself short to a prospective employerBecoming Gainfully Employed

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Learning StyleAttributes

Visual Learn more effectively through the use of demonstrations, pictures, graphs and other visual representations

Verbal Respond more to the written or spoken word

Like to hear about things or hear explanations

Sensing Focus on things that can be sensed

Prefer facts, data and relevant ideas

Intuitive Prefer ideas, possibilities, theories and abstractions

Prefer variety and dislike repetition

Miss details, make careless mistakes, and often dont check their work

Active Best at processing information while doing something active

Tend to think out loud, try things out, work in groups, and learn while doing

Reflective Think to themselves, and prefer working alone

Want to fully understand something before attempting to do it