The Spectrum Engineering Pathway - Essay Example

The Ofcom website tells of a minimum requirement of a 2:1 achievement in a degree in which the relevant subject must form all, or a significant part, of the degree. I satisfy this requirement easily. In addition, my outstanding academic results have allowed me to obtain the TARC Engineering Scholarship for my Diploma.

I strongly participate in extra-curricular activities, which was recognized by my achieving the UNSW Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Award 2008.  Through my involvement in extracurricular activities at school, I have developed a sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of dealing with people, which are the key skills Ofcom requires of its graduates.

Broadcasting and Telecommunications is my specialization.  I have undergone advanced training at the United Kingdom Telecommunications Academy (UKTA). In UKTA, I completed the program in Radio, Mobile, and Cellular Communications conducted at Blandford Forum, Dorset as provided by SCN Ltd.

I spent my placement year with Global Communication Technologies Ltd. Here I analyzed network designs of systems with my team. I enjoyed the network analysis and teamwork experience. I also demonstrated my initiative and my innovative thinking by designing a more practical version of the network which effectively improved communication among substations. The work I have done at Global Communication Technologies Ltd seems to mesh well with the qualifications Ofcom desires in a communications engineer.

I feel that these qualities and credentials, along with my sincere interest in communications engineering as a career, will make me an asset to the Office of Communications.

 SWOT Analysis

Strengths

1. I am a Communications Engineering graduate that has achieved a 2:1 degree in which the relevant subjects form all of my degrees.
2. I have prepared for a career in information technology by completing relevant training programs (e.g. Radio, Mobile, and Cellular Communications Program by UTKA).
3. I can function well in any job placement. I am easily taught. Recognitions of my academic excellence (e.g. recipient of TARC Engineering Scholarship) are proof that I can think both analytically and creatively about complex problems, and explain them confidently and succinctly to a variety of audiences.
4. I have verbal and written communication skills that can influence and persuade effectively. My efficacy as a student leader earned me the UNSW Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Award of 2008.

5. Weaknesses

   1. I am a fresh graduate. Though I do have work experience through the placement program (e.g., working with Global Communication Technologies Ltd for a year) in our university, I still lack enough work time to be considered a communications expert.
   2. The field of communications engineering involves a lot of nationalities. I have not yet taken courses in foreign languages. This might inhibit me from properly communicating with my teammates.

   Opportunities

   1. This generation depends largely on technology. Faster and more advanced communications is a need and thus there is a larger market for communications engineers.
   2. Ofcom’s Spectrum Policy Group is responsible for regulating the radio spectrum in the UK, making sure that all kinds of wireless communications, whether cellular mobile, radio and TV, broadcasting, taxi, and portable radios, satellite communications, and WIFI laptops operate efficiently and without interference (Reference http://www.ofcomgrads.org.uk/areas_spg.htm). The ever-increasing number of substations that use wireless communications in the UK will require a larger group of communications engineers and thus more available slots in the Spectrum Policy Group. 

   Threats

   1. Smaller and faster semiconductor circuitry is the trend of information technology over the past four decades. But fundamental limits imposed by the laws of physics threaten to halt its continued circuitry miniaturization, clouding the future of silicon-based semiconductors. As of 2001, Silicon offers only 20 more years of semiconductor progress. Engineers must master nanometre-scale technologies before this deadline to ensure continued semiconductor advancement (Reference http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/newsrelease/FUTURECHIP.html).
   2. Electronic gadgets depend on semiconductors (Reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiconductor). Lack of semiconductor advancement in the engineering industry may result in the laying off of employees resulting in the increased competition of advertised jobs.

   CPD Plan

   Weakness identified: Lack of specialist skills

    

   On successful completion of the Ofcom graduate scheme, I will have to make the transition into one of the business areas of Ofcom. Thus, I will have to research the area I am interested in and look through its specific tasks. I will do this by:

   • visiting the Ofcom website (http://www.ofcomgrads.org.uk) and scanning through the business areas offered under the Spectrum Engineering Pathway.
   • contacting an Ofcom representative.

   Upon identification of a business area of choice:

   • I will check if my current specialization (e.g., broadcasting and telecommunications) applies to the tasks of the said business area. If not, I will have to secure additional post-graduate modules to further my skills.
   • I will call a contact in Ofcom of the same business area as I am interested in and ask him what training he applied to that was beneficial to his work. I will then join these training as well.