The Final Stretch

We all attend an engineering university, yet much of what we learn feels disconnected from industry sectors outside of research. The number one complaint that I heard from most of my peers that graduated is that what they learn is never what they use in their jobs. The engineering design process we are taught typically begins with defining problems, understanding why they matter, identifying solutions, creating plans, developing prototypes, testing, improving, and then repeating the final steps to refine the outcome. In many other courses, such as ECEN 325, the problem was already defined for us, and our role was mainly to carry out the iterative portion of the process.

In this course, however, our focus was primarily on the early stages of the engineering process, specifically defining, asking, and planning, with limited emphasis on iteration. For me, this felt refreshing, especially since most of the grading prioritized identifying the problem and developing a strong plan. We began by establishing a framework to ensure effective teamwork, as the work that followed depended heavily on exchanging and discussing ideas to enhance what everyone could contribute.

After establishing our approach to collaboration, Dr. Reza and Ms. Lana introduced us to the principles of effective teamwork and proper problem definition in preparation for Project 2. The objective of Project 2 was to build our confidence in applying the engineering design process and in presenting our work to individuals with extensive industry experience. Although this was the most significant project in the course, we also completed two additional projects focused on personal development. These included the e-portfolio that you are currently viewing, the blogs included within it, and the job application materials.

Ultimately, the purpose of the course was to engage us directly in technical and professional writing by actively participating in it. My key takeaway from all three projects is that communication is what truly matters. In this portfolio, my writing needs to be clear and engaging to deliver my message effectively. For the job application materials, which I tailored toward an entry level job at GHD, I still needed to convince the reviewers that I am a strong candidate who can meet and even exceed expectations.

The communication we used during Project 2 was also distinct. As mentioned earlier, communicating with industry professionals depended greatly on clear communication within the team, reflecting real-world scenarios. This type of communication is applicable to daily life as well, whether interacting with colleagues, family, or friends. Our group naturally used a combination of formal and informal communication, as we are friends working together on a professional project that was ultimately presented to experts.

In conclusion, my most significant takeaway from this course is that improving my communication skills will benefit many aspects of my life beyond the workplace. It is a goal that I intend to continue developing moving forward.