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THE COMMUNICATION CONNECTION

The ability to communicate effectively, especially in large group settings, is an important attribute for successful engineers and computer scientists. Although various speaking assignments may result in feelings of discomfort, the application of common sense and the fundamental principles of public speaking can improve results and build speaker confidence.

The most important step in preparing interesting and successful presentations is to analyze the audience and then design the presentation for their benefit. Content and structure are best designed by starting with an outline of major points. Effective use of visuals increases audience interest and understanding and is one of the best methods of building speaker confidence. Blackboards, flip charts, videotapes, overhead projectors, and personal computers can be effective with small, informal groups. Projection of 35 mm slides and multi-media personal computers are more professional and effective with audiences larger than 50. To be successful, speakers need to start early, rehearse many times, and become familiar with their visuals. Adding humor, changing voice speed and volume, using physical movement, and applying innovative ideas creates interest and style.

Many skills enhance success in a life-long career. Continuing education, productive work habits, interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance time among many responsibilities are important. However, the true test of a professional is not only knowledge, but also the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively to others.

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IT’S YOUR BUSINESS

The American Dream has often been defined as the ownership and operation of a personal business. Many individuals think a new or unique idea or product is the main ingredient in establishing their own business. However, the successful operation of a business over many years with sustaining profit levels requires the knowledge and application of business principles.

Successful ventures are usually based more on the business of business than technology or unique products and services. Some engineering curricula include a limited amount of skill development in communication, teamwork, interpersonal relationships, customer appreciation, diversity and other non-technical areas. However, it is unusual for graduates in technical professions to understand or to be skillful in business practices without some experience by working in an established corporation.

Does this mean that engineers and other technical professionals can not start a business and be successful in its operation? No, but it does indicate the importance of learning key business principles before considering the start-up of a new venture.

Securing a position with an existing company requires an inventory of personal skills and experiences. Interviews with prospective employers often include a discussion of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. In a successful interview, the candidate also identifies opportunities and challenges in the organization under considered.

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SHADES OF GRAY

Engineers and other technical professionals provide their greatest contribution to society by solving problems and making decisions in the application of technology. The design and application of technology include the responsibility to provide quality products and services. Our profession should create a positive impact on society and the quality of life.
In making ethical decisions, engineers need to be sensitive to how their decisions will impact others. Unlike many principles of engineering, ethics is not easy to structure or to teach. Webster defines ethic as “pertaining to morals” and ethical as “in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of a profession.”

However, solutions to ethical situations often are not black or white issues. Typically, there are shades of gray with no single right or wrong answer. In such dilemmas, engineers must search for their best personal solutions. In some cases, we need to ask should it be done in addition to can it be done.

Although ethical behavior is based on personal values, there are guidelines to help professional engineers make ethical decisions. This presentation addresses ethics from a practical viewpoint and includes audience group exercises. It is designed to build an awareness of ethical dilemmas and to provide an engineering process for their solution.

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THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT

Managing personal careers is a very important project for all technical professionals. It involves working with others, but the responsibility of career management must be taken as our most important personal project management assignment.
Career management starts as soon as we enter the educational process. Career choices are experienced early, and we need to continually review our goals and career desires to find the areas of interest and highest potential success. Choices should be made to enhance and achieve our goals. Goals may change, and we need to reflect this in future decisions.

There are many proven approaches that can lead to success. These include, but certainly are not limited to:

• Identifying and refining short and long term goals

• Developing and using an effective time-managing process

• Building a foundation of technical expertise

• Developing a balance between technical and non-technical skills

• Having a life-time learning plan

• Learning to work successfully with other people, both technical and non-technical

• Developing effective oral and written communication skills

• Taking reasonable risks and learning to build success from failure

• Developing personal networks with a wide range of peers

• Starting early and continuing to be actively involved in professional societies

Although the definition of success is based on personal values, most would agree that we should strive to achieve the highest level of growth and professional contribution possible. Career management is the key to achieving success and it can only be accomplished when we personally take control of the process.

It has been said that if you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there. Unfortunately, those who do not take control of their career often find the results are much less than what they would like or could achieve. Therefore, the time to start managing your career is now.

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IN SEARCH OF DIAMONDS

Success is in the mind of the beholder. Some search for diamonds and wealth. Others desire opportunities to make significant advancements in their profession. Most people have a goal to succeed and to achieve life-long dreams. As engineering and computer science students, we work hard to prepare for our profession. Although our professions are based on technology, to be successful we must also develop and effectively use many non-technical skills.

Diamonds of opportunity can be found by developing personal and professional networks. Networks provide sources of new information and improve our technical skills. Networks also offer excellent opportunities to develop non-technical skills. Networking should start in classrooms, study groups, laboratories, and senior project teams. These provide opportunities to practice interpersonal skills in low-risk situations.

Networking can also be developed by active participation in student and national professional organizations such as the IEEE. Building networks with alumni who are employed is one of the most important activities for students.

So how can you find your "field of diamonds"? Is it by keeping current with technology? Yes. Is it by developing many non-technical skills? Absolutely. The secret of success is joining these two areas into a balanced career. Building successful networks is one of the best methods of obtaining life-long goals and success.

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YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE

Your investment of time, energy, and money to achieve a formal technical education is one of the best investments you will make during your lifetime. By now, you should be familiar with the value of working hard to achieve the most from this experience.
Information obtained during class lectures and in solving homework problems is designed to prepare you for future career challenges. This technical foundation is further strengthened when you apply engineering principles in various laboratories. This hands-on experience provides additional information and builds technical expertise and confidence. Laboratories also provide opportunities to enhance non-technical skills such as working on a team, writing reports, and giving oral presentations.

Experienced engineers and computer scientists are well aware that high levels of career success depend on effective technical and non-technical skills. While some non-technical skills can be obtained in the formal classroom and laboratory, students need to find additional methods of enhancing interpersonal, teamwork, leadership, project management, and other people related skills.

As a student, you have one additional outstanding opportunity to practice and improve several non-technical skills. This is your IEEE Student Branch, which is actually another laboratory. Because it is often overlooked, it is a hidden treasure.

Your Student Branch offers, for a very small financial investment, a laboratory in which you can practice many people-related skills in a friendly, low-risk environment. This includes being active in group projects, becoming a leader as an officer or project manager, learning how to effectively communicate and work with a diverse group, and accepting responsibility to plan and complete projects and activities.

In addition to activities typically available in any student organization, IEEE offers many ideas, programs, and resources for consideration by Student Branches. These are called professional ventures and conferences. Even if you are not an officer, you are encouraged to volunteer and get involved in these activities.

The engineering and computer science professions are challenging but they can be very rewarding. In addition to your formal education, there are many other important activities needed to help you reach your highest level of achievement. These include, but are certainly not limited to, implementing a life-long learning plan, keeping technical skills up-to-date, developing non-technical skills, building a large personal network of professional contacts, and volunteering and being actively involved in IEEE and your profession. “You need to develop an action plan now because even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” (Quote by Will Rogers)