Quality Control & Six Sigma - ESD

WORKING WORLD 101: ACHIEVING SUCCESS AS A NOVICE ENGINEERChapter 9:Continuing Education, the Endof College Is Just the BeginningA Continuing Series of Columns Designedto Help Young Engineers Find Their WayMichael F. Cooper, PEPrincipal and SeniorMechanical EngineerHarley Ellis Devereauxmfcooper@hedev.com248–233–0146Learning Never StopsFor some, graduation from engineering school is one of life’shappiest days: no more tests, no more homework and theexcitement of a new job. For others, graduation is bittersweet:friends separate and “real” responsibility awaits. However youview your post-collegiate days, it is important to remember onething: While one phase of your formal education is over, a newphase is just beginning. The best way to achieve success inyour career is to define your professional goals and positionyourself to be ready for career opportunities by continuallyseeking knowledge.You may think that as a recently graduated engineer, youare already busy enough with your new job responsibilities,and have no time for anything else. Nevertheless, it isimportant to look at the big picture: Engineers who takeadvantage of learning opportunities are more likely to achieveprofessional success. Here are a few ideas to consider:Professional Societies: Professional engineering societiesoffer a wide variety of seminars and workshops. These eventsare usually available for both members and nonmembers,and address technical and nontechnical topics. In the lastyear alone, ESD has hosted programs on the subjects ofnanotechnology research, working in the future, and economicforecasting for our region. In addition, many societies planannual or semiannual national conferences where industryexperts lecture or participate in panel discussions on importantindustry issues.Technical Journals: The engineering community hasdozens of technical journals at its disposal. These publicationsoffer information on leading companies, emergingtechnologies, educational opportunities, regulatory issues,effective management and almost anything else you mightwant to know. Regular reading of these journals will keepyou abreast of industry trends and changes, and give you awealth of current ideas for discussion with your colleaguesand supervisor.Industry Organizations: Many leading engineeringorganizations host targeted technical programs at their officesat no charge. Sometimes, these organizations will come to youroffice for a lunchtime seminar if a sufficient number of staff isinterested in the subject matter. As examples, experiencedpractitioners from dynamometer and vehicle emissionssystems manufacturers are often willing to take the time topresent practical applications of the latest advancements inautomotive testing and development.World Wide Web: One can find just about anything onthe Internet, including continuing education. Many industrysponsoredWeb sites offer information on technologies,regulations and new research endeavors. In Web-basedseminars, a subject expert and interested parties can belocated anywhere in the world, and interact to discuss issues.College/University: It may be the last thing you expected,but yes, you might find yourself back on campus. Technicalcolleges and universities offer industry-specific courseworkdesigned for working engineers on their Web sites. Thesecourses are taught evenings and/or on weekends by workingprofessionals with relevant experience.Your Company: Most of us look right past our mostobvious and convenient source of knowledge—our owncompany. Consider the experience and knowledge of yourco-workers and the value of this knowledge to you. Takeadvantage of any opportunity to talk to your colleagues abouttheir experiences and how they might approach your projects.Many organizations have in-house training sessions whereexperienced employees discuss issues and challenges with staff.While this venue is often the most informal of the knowledgesources discussed here, it can be the most effective as it targetsyour specific products.Don’t Forget to Give BackIt is likely that your career will be long and prosperous and includecontinuous learning. As you can see, there are many places to findknowledge. While you are obtaining all of this great information,don’t forget that there is a generation coming up right on yourheels. Once you have achieved a level of expertise, look foropportunities to share your knowledge. Speak at conferences,write technical articles or teach a professional development course.Time spent in sharing your professional insight will help solidifyyour status as an industry expert, and, at the same time, help thenext generation of engineers find their way.44 | Technology Century | OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2006