How to prepare for your Engineering Course?
Through this article we will discuss about the various tips and tricks which if followed can be of help to engineering students.
1. CLASS NOTES ARE IMPORTANT
Take extensive amount of class notes and do not forget to highlight the text from your textbook which is of importance. Before your exams these notes and text highlights will be helpful as your important texts will ready for revision.
2. KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS WELL
It is always advisable to keep a good relation with a few of your professors. Approach them for academic help as well as for an insight into the industry. Ask them about internships and job or program references as well.
3. ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU HAVE DOUBT
Always try to clear your doubts in the class. Do not ask questions which are not relevant to what is taught in the class. Asking question not just solves your doubts but also helps your peers who might not feel comfortable to pose a question. Your class interest creates a good impression on your teacher as well.
4. MAKE AN EFFORT TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS
Remember that your homework is your alone so do not approach someone else to solve it for you. Try to work on your problems all by yourself if you are unable to ultimately solve it only then approach another person for help and discuss your approach to the problem with them.
5. STUDY GROUPS ARE HELPFUL
Group study helps in bringing together different viewpoints to the table. It also helps in creating lasting friendship and a feeling of camaraderie among the participants.
6. TUTOR SOMEONE ELSE
Teaching someone else always helps in creating doubts regarding the subject and can also boost your confidence. To be able to clearly explain to another person complicated concepts helps you to understand where you stand in regards to the knowledge of the subject.
7. DIVERSIFY YOUR ENGINEERING CLASS
Try to incorporate different engineering classes into your class routine to understand how other engineers are solving their problems and their approach towards a problem. A diversified engineering class will benefit you by lending other engineer?s insight into your own field.
8. TAKE CLASSES OUTSIDE ENGINEERING AS WELL
An engineer must be always willing to learn more not just in their field but even outside it. A design class will teach you to represent information visually. A writing class will teach you to communicate ideas through words better. A business class will teach you to organize tasks and take leadership roles.
9. IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATON SKILL
If you want your idea to take shape in the real world it is important to communicate it effectively. Communication now takes place mostly over email so try to write concise emails stating how you want the plan to work without sounding rude or unprofessional. It is advised to read you mails once or twice before pressing the send button.
10. TRY TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
Engineers are in demand all across the global. Nothing should stop you from exploring better opportunities. Therefore, if a project requires working in a country where English is not that wide spread then you must make an effort to learn their language to communicate with ease.
11. BUILD A GOOD PORTFOLIO
Your recruiter will not just look at your class performance but also how you work in a team and your experience in a relevant job. Therefore, try to build your portfolio according to the job you desire to get.
12. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Participating in summer internships are a great way to build your portfolio. They provide you an opportunity to learn from and prepare you for work opportunities which might come in your way in the future.
13. BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Start building your job network before getting a job opportunity. Maintain a good relationship with your peers and professor. Try to attend workshops related to your field, try to meet and know as many people from your field as possible.
14. TRY TO JOIN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Joining professional associations relevant to your field will help you gain more contacts and job resources. Try to identify organizations and associations with similar values and interest as yours.
15. SKIP HONORS CLASS
If you find a particular honors class difficult do not spend all your time trying to figure it out. Instead focus of classes which you find easy, know the material of the thoroughly, and score more marks.
16. KNOW WHEN TO BACK DOWN AND WHEN TO TAKE A LEAD
As an engineer you will work in a team, and as a team member you must be prepared to work according to the instruction of other team members and if required you must also be able to provide leadership. Therefore, you must be comfortable in both the positions.
17. PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE TEAM MEETS
Always try to find a solution to the problem and keep your ideas ready before a team meet. You must know what you are going to talk about and present in a team meet so always prepare before hand for it.
18. BE A PERFECTIONIST
Try to be completely sure of your work. Take your time to make sure that the project will not result in a big loss. Be careful of every decision you make.
19. LOOK UP TO YOUR INSPIRATIONS
There must be a person or companies who values or life story inspired you to take up engineering. In difficult situations always try to think about how they might have approached the problem.
20. HOLD ON AND NEVER GIVE UP
An engineering degree is a tough course which can lead to extreme stress and frustration. Remember to see it through instead of giving up. The course with its difficult exams and at times hard to deal with professors might seem overwhelming. But always remember this course makes you challenge yourself and you must push through all the difficulties to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
