Every summer, millions of students have a tough time selecting the right engineering college that will open doors to an exciting career. Let us assume that you made it to the engineering college of your dream. If you think that was difficult then you really don’t know what you are up against.
The upcoming semesters are going to be hectic where you will be bombarded with assignments, projects, tests and everything your professor feels that you need to do to be ready for your role as an engineer. Professors won’t spoon-feed you and you are expected to hone your own skills. But if you want to be the best, then you can only be the best through your own efforts.
Over the years you may have unconsciously bought into a message that goes like this: “My teachers know everything I need to know to be an engineer. Their job is to give lectures, and my job is to soak it up and then repeat it on exams.” That approach works in Intermediate but not in engineering. Problems don’t come neatly packaged with all the information needed to solve them. In fact, often the hardest part of a real problem is figuring out exactly what the problem is. Lakhs of engineers were in your shoes a few years back. Now they are successful and so can be you, if these following tips are taken seriously.
Ask questions
If you have difficulty in classes or can’t figure out the equations and sketches on the whiteboard then ask him or her to explain it again. “Could you give an example of how you would use that formula?” “Could you sketch what that (device, solution, plot) might look like?” “Where did that equation you just wrote come from?”
Even if you’re afraid a question may sound stupid, ask it anyway. I guarantee that others in the class are equally confused and will be grateful to you for having the courage to speak up.
Never ask your instructor for help on a problem until you have made a serious effort to solve it by yourself. Bring in your flow charts and free body diagrams and calculations, including the ones that didn’t work.
Most teachers are also happy to help their students after class and guide them.
Read books
Some textbooks clarify difficult questions with practical illustrations and explanations. A good strategy is to look at a second reference on the same subject - a different text, a handbook, or a website. Even if you can’t find the crystal-clear explanations and examples you’d like, just reading about the same topic in two different places can make a big difference in understanding.
Read everything in your library and everything else that you can get your hands on related to your course work.
Reading will make your concepts and theories clearer and you will grasp the knowledge forever.
Team work
When you work alone and get stuck on something, you may be tempted to give up, where in a group someone can usually find a way past the difficulty.
Working with others may also show you better ways to solve problems than the way you have been using. Get group members, especially the weaker ones to explain all completed problem solutions before ending a problem-solving session. If everyone can do that, the session worked. Make your portfolio of projects. You might have a busy schedule but try to participate in every experiential learning project you can get your hands on. This will help you apply the knowledge that you gain in college and in addition you will have a portfolio of projects to show your prospective employer.
Build a good network. Engineering is not an isolated field but requires leadership and team work. You need to build your network in college so that you are not lost when you start your career. The best way to network is to have good relationships with your classmates, immediate seniors, alumni and teachers. In addition, attend seminars, lectures and conferences on-campus and introduce yourself to the speakers. Also check out your college’s alumni association. These are graduates from your college who want to connect with new undergraduates. Also use social media to stay in touch.
Consult experts
Sometimes you’ll run into a problem that completely stumps you. When practicing engineers run into such problems they consult experts. Your course instructor is an obvious candidate and other potential consultants include other professors who teach the same course, students who have previously taken the course, smart classmates, and tutors. Contact them early and not just two days before the final exam.
Internship
The best way to retain your knowledge is through practical experience so take up internship during the summer. Prospective employers love new undergraduates with practical experiences. Also try to build your portfolio of projects along the way. Interning will also help you prepare for the new semester. Hone your other skills as well. As an engineer you need to be an all-rounder to be the best in your field. Gone are the days when engineers were only required to be technically proficient, they need to be business savvy as well. Have faith in yourself. If this advice is hard for you to take now, you’re probably suffering from what psychologists refer to as the Impostor Phenomenon, which is like a tape that plays inside people’s heads. “These people are good and I am not.” Remove those apprehensions. Success starts from belief that I can do it.
Professor in Civil Engineering
Registrar JNTU Hyderabad
