Introduction to Engineering Processes - Personal Statement Example

Introduction to Engineering Goal Setting a. Setting Goal To think critically and solve problem based on fundamental knowledge of engineering and applying skills gained in other disciplines including social sciences, mathematics, humanities, science, and philosophy to broaden my profession (Donaldson, 2002).  To develop good leadership that will assist me in my profession as an engineer. To learn and adapt societal and global concerns, sustainability, and ethics that are useful in making rational and correct engineering decisions. To be engaged in civic activities that will help me contribute to the development of society. To develop good communication skills including technical writing that is essential in communicating my ideas to other professionals and the society at large. b. Strengthening and Clarifying my Commitment to the Goals The essence of the engineering studies cannot be overlooked due to other activities in the course of engineering studies. Therefore, I pledge total commitment to the course so that I can develop myself personally and professionally. Since I have set up my goals, hard word and determination will drive me through the studies. The success of the professional engineers will give me the motivation to emulate them and even become and exceptional engineer. Moreover, my previous achievement will serve to remind me of my path as an engineer in the making. I will utilize good skills from people close to me in the institution and the society to meet the goals (Donaldson, 2002). c. Setting up a Road Map Plan to Guide me Over the Next Years to Graduation I want to observe my institution’s environment to know the so that I can adapt to the environment. I need to understand the norms and values of the institution so that I can adhere to the standards of the institution. I also want to know what is expected of me as an engineering student. Thereafter, I will align my goals with those of the institution to avoid the clash of my goals with those of the institution. Thereafter, I will liaise with my tutors and class mates to get the best out of their advices as I carry on with my classwork. d. Understanding the essence of engineering Engineering is meant to use known and available materials economically by exploiting them to solve problems and improve the lives of people in our societies. I want to use engineering and simplify things that seem very hard using the skills learnt in school. I will be satisfied when I practice engineering elegantly. I also want to understand and use measurements correctly as key requirement of engineering. Through continuous practice and curiosity, I am hopeful of becoming a competent engineer. 2. Community Building I will use the skills learnt in my institution to assist my community become better. The most important thing that can help me assist my community is by developing good communication and public relation skills. Interacting with the community gives an individual the confidence to face many incidences in life. Moreover, the individual has the confidence to express themselves and get assistance from relevant persons within their rich. Communication skills are very essential to every individual and personal and professional development enhances it day by day. It is also beneficial if an individual is able to deal with people in their society and community. The way an individual deals with situations and people at their workplaces, residential places and school is highly influenced by their personal development. The process of developing such skills starts in school and practiced in the community. Most importantly, the individual knows what they want in life and means to achieve it. Moreover, dealing with personal problems is dependent on how an individual has developed personally and professionally (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011). The community and organizations require highly skilled individuals who are willing to embrace the organizational philosophies. As a student one has a long way to go in terms of learning organizational goals and requirements in order to align them with personal goals and personal life. Different communities have different cultures that an individual should learn and adopt. This is because I am willing to work in diversified communities in order to develop universal public relations skills. A student realizes these cultures when they work in the same organizations. The community and organizations expect its people to be competent in their responsibilities. As much as one may be learned, experience is required to acquire competency at workplaces (Walesh, 2012). The community has many role models and mentor to assist an individual in the planning process. I will seek their assistance so that I can emulate them and serve the community whole-heartedly. Role models could be successful persons in the same profession or successful people one has come across in life. The resources required in the implementation of development plan include the learning institution and things such as learning materials. The most important element of the development plan implementation is having an implementation strategy. The community expects a lot from an engineer and I am willing to offer my knowledge and skills learnt in school to give back to the community. I would like to streamline major problems in my community. I have the opportunity to streamline them using the knowledge gained at school. I will also observe the best methods that can be utilized by other engineering students and use them to help other engineering students achieve their dreams. 3. Academic Development a. Navigating Through the University System, Resources and Academic Advising I will use the skills of my tutors to develop my engineering skills. I will also take advantage of seminars and conferences provided by my college to develop my personal and professional needs. Most of these conferences and seminars are provided at substantiated fees or freely. I will make myself available for every opportunity to perfect my professional and personal learning. Other opportunities are provided by the society and can be beneficial if utilized optimally (Walesh, 2012). I also want to use my free time to socialize with my friends so that I can build by social skills such as presentation and communication skills. My leadership skills can also be perfected through team works and social activities. I will also spend my holidays as a volunteer in our society to give back to the society to improve my social and professional skills. Learning and personal development is a continuous and do not end. Learning in particular is only terminated by completion of specific levels. As a student one feels that there is a lot that has not been learnt. One needs to utilize more opportunities that emerge every day and evaluate themselves against the planned activities. Since the schedule of the institution poses challenges to my personal learning, I am not always able to adhere to my personal learning schedule. However, other things are learnt due to challenges and opportunities that arise every day. I want to complete my studies and graduate with first class honors with a GPA higher than 75 (Walesh, 2012). b. Understanding Teaching Styles and Learning Styles and How to Make the Teaching or Learning Process Work for Me Engineering lessons use both practical and theoretical teaching methods pass knowledge to students. Mostly, practical methods are emphasized for engineering students. Practical assignments performed in the laboratories require good relationship with laboratory assistants so that one can understand the practical lesson comprehensively. Completing my assignments in time and as per the tutor’s instructions is essential in succeeding as an engineering student. My current needs include excelling in higher learning. These can be attained through hard work and the inclination to acquire more knowledge. It requires an individual to go the extra mile and learn more than what is offered by learning institutions. One should determine his or her weaknesses in their studies so that they can deal with them in time. Other academic development needs include developing a good profession as well as entrepreneurial skills that can make one successful in life. Being successful is the state of a person’s life where they have the opportunity to have control of their life and assist others to realize their dreams (Tomlinson, 2004). Academic development incorporates all things that must be met in order to achieve the planned goals. These include effective and efficient pursuance of academic studies. In the process of pursuing academic studies, one should development themselves in other aspects of life. This is achievable through opportunities such as seminars, conferences, team work and co-curricular activities (Tomlinson, 2004). These activities should leave an impact in an individual’s life such acquisition of skills and attainment of professional certifications. 4. Personal Development a. Enhancing my Self-awareness and Improving my Skills to Practice Academic Success Strategies Personal development requires a plan to achieve specific goals and objectives. A personal development plan of students includes their goals and how to get them. It involves first identify future dreams and then planning how to actualize them. Mostly personal development goals of a student are aimed at creating a successful transition from student life to the professional life. Professional development plan is a future plan that is influenced by the outcomes of the academic life and personal development. It starts by selecting a profession in life and planning on how to achieve it. An individual can improve their learning continuously if they are encouraged by the importance of the knowledge they have previously experienced. The individual may only realize the importance of what he or she has learned if it is applicable in real life situation. Essentially, an individual should find a method of evaluating their personal and professional learning milestones. Some techniques can be used to evaluate how an individual has improved their personal and professional skills (Tomlinson, 2004). SWOT analysis is one such method that can be used in the assessment of an individual’s steps towards bettering their skills. It encourages an individual to identify personal and professional learning has made them better in the society and general life experiences. It also encourages the individual to identify their weaknesses and eliminate these weaknesses through further learning. Opportunities could also encourage an individual to further their personal and professional learning so that they can take advantage of the opportunities. Finally, threats can make an individual work harder in their personal and professional learning since they might face challenges if they fail to do so. b. Outlining Attitudes and Behaviors Needed to Change or Add to be Successful I need to be a hard working person with self-drive and motivation to face challenges in that comes my way. I will work with my class mates to develop my teamwork skills. I have the ability to make rational decision and conduct myself professionally. I am very perceptive about what happens around my surroundings. I also want to improve my leadership skills. Leadership skills are vital in business management. It is my dreams to improve my leadership skills so that I can guide others to make right decisions. I aspire to lead my school mates in different capacities. For example, I need to lead my team mates while perform different group works to practice my leadership skills (Tomlinson, 2004). c. Managing Time and Tasks Effective time management is influenced by an individual’s character. Laziness deters effective time management. Knowing what is required of an individual makes them manage their time very well. For complex activities, one needs to create good schedules to guide them through these activities. Time management is also influenced by laxity and complacency in duty. An individual may not meet deadlines or planned schedules if they exercise laxity and complacency while performing tasks. Planning helps to meet tight deadlines and complete tasks without difficulties. Time is an important for every individual in their life. Therefore, it should be managed skillful. Every organization requires individuals with good time management skills. I intend to manage my time properly by creating schedules which I must adhere to strictly. d. Engaging in Good Health and Wellness Practices Including Management of Stress I intend to use the school’s sports facilities to improve my health through games and spots. It is also healthy when I interact with other students in the games and sports. I will also take advantage of conferences and seminars that teach students about good health and stress management. Conferences and seminars are mostly optional opportunities that can be utilized by individuals in their quest for knowledge. They are mostly organized by professionals in a particular field that could interest an individual. They offer expert knowledge in a highly organized manner. Seminars and conferences increase an individual’s knowledge due to the professional methods used to conduct their procedures. They can be free or for payment (Kruckeberg, 2011). e. Developing a High Sense of Personal and Professional Integrity and Ethical Behavior Personal and professional integrity is mandatory for professional engineers. Ethical conduct is also vital in engineering all disciplines. The two values can be learnt in schools as well as through daily practices in school and outside the school. Understanding the standards expected of an engineer is vital in conducting myself professionally. While at school I will not involve myself in unethical practices such as cheating in examinations. References Donaldson, K. (2002). The engineering student survival guide (2nd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Kruckeberg, K. (2011). Leadership and personal development a toolbox for the 21st century professional. Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Pub.. Richardson, W., & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal learning networks: using the power of connections to transform education. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press. Tomlinson, H. (2004). Educational leadership personal growth for professional development. London: Sage Publications. Walesh, S. (2012). Engineering your future the professional practice of engineering(3rd ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley & Sons. Read More