Keys to Engineering Success

by Tietjen, Jill S.; Schloss, Kristy A.; Carter, Carol J.; Bishop, Joyce; Kravits, Sarah Lyman

• ISBN13: 9780130304827
• ISBN10: 0130304824
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-01
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

The variety of paths afforded an engineering student-academically and personally-can be both exciting and overwhelming. Required course work can seem sometimes irrelevant or, at the very least, extraordinarily difficult. Keys to Engineering Success offers an upfront description of what engineering is, skills needed to succeed, and information about what career opportunities are available upon graduation. Profiles of engineering professionals, and personal stories about a variety of people who have gone through an engineering program, offer inspiration and encouragement in pursuing academic and professional excellence.

Author Biography

JILL S. TIETJEN, P.E., is a registered professional engineer whose area of expertise is electric utility power generation and transmission planning. Ms. Tietjen is the principal of Technically Speaking and previously served as the Director of the Women in Engineering Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She provides engineering consulting services building on her work experience with Duke Power Company and Stone & Webster Management Consultants, among others. Ms Tietjen served as the 1991-1992 National President of the Society of Women Engineers, of which she is a Fellow. She is an electrical engineering accreditor for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Ms. Tietjen is a contributing author to the 1995 book She Does Math! She has a B.S. in applied mathematics, minor in electrical engineering, and an M.B.A.

KRISTY A. SCHLOSS is the president of Schloss Engineered Equipment, an environmental equipment design and manufacturing firm. She was the 1999 National, Regional, and Colorado winner of the Exporter of the Year award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Named a Distinguished Engineering Alumna from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Ms. Schloss has also received the Honor Award from the Colorado Engineering Council. A life member of the Society of Women Engineers, Ms Schloss was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee and the District Export Council. Ms. Schloss writes and speaks regularly on the opportunities for and rewards of being an engineer. She has a B.S. in civil engineering.

CAROL CARTER is Vice President and Director of Student Programs and Faculty Developments at Prentice Hall. She has written Majoring in the Rest of Your Life: Career Secrets for College Students and Majoring in High School. She has also co-authored Graduating Into the Nineties, The Career Tool Kit, Keys to Career Success, Keys to Effective Learning, and the first edition of Keys to Success. In 1992 Carol and other business people co-founded a nonprofit organization called LifeSkills, Inc., to help high school students explore their goals, their career options, and the real world through part-time employment and internships. LifeSkills is now part of the Tucson Unified School District and is featured in seventeen high schools in Tucson, Arizona.

JOYCE BISHOP holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has taught for more than twenty years, receiving a number of honors, including Teacher of the Year. For the past four years she has been voted "favorite teacher" by the student body and Honor Society at Golden West College, Huntington Beach, CA, where she has taught since 1986 and is a tenured professor. She is currently working with a federal grant to establish learning communities and workplace learning in her district, and has developed workshops and trained faculty in cooperative learning, active learning, multiple intelligences, workplace relevancy, learning styles, authentic assessment, team building, and the development of learning communities. She also co-authored Keys to Effective Learning.

SARAH LYMAN KRAVITS comes from a family of educators and has long cultivated an interest in educational development. She co-authored The Career Tool Kit, Keys to Effective Learning, and Keys to Success and has served as Program Director for LifeSkills, Inc., a nonprofit organization that aims to further the career and personal development of high school students. In that capacity she helped to formulate both curricular and organizational elements of the program, working closely with instructors as well as members of the business community. Sarah holds a B.A. in English and drama from the University of Virginia, where she was a Jefferson Scholar, and an M. F. A. from Catholic University.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
About the Authors	xv
What Is Engineering?	1	(14)
What is an Engineer?	3	(1)
What do Engineers do?	3	(3)
Where can Engineering take you?	6	(1)
What are the Types of Engineers?	6	(1)
Success in the Real World:	7	(2)
Sheila Widnall
Choosing a Major	8	(1)
Types of Courses for Various Engineering Majors	9	(1)
What is the Future Demand for Technically Educated Professionals?	9	(1)
Engineering Ethics	10	(1)
Endnotes	11	(1)
Applications	12	(3)
Where to Get Help When You Need It	15	(20)
Resources Available at your School	16	(8)
People	16	(4)
Student Services	20	(1)
Organizations	20	(1)
Engineering Organizations	21	(1)
College Catalogs and Student Handbooks	22	(2)
Engineering College Resources	24	(1)
What You Should Know About Financial Aid	24	(1)
Success in the Real World:	25	(4)
Sherita Caesar
Student Loans	26	(1)
Grants and Scholarships	27	(2)
Endnotes	29	(1)
Applications	30	(5)
Individual Realities	35	(24)
Who You Are and How You Learn
Is There One Best Way to Learn?	36	(1)
How can you Discover your Learning Styles?	36	(9)
Learning Styles Inventory	37	(4)
Multiple Intelligences Theory	41	(2)
Personality Spectrum	43	(2)
What are the Benefits of Knowing your Learning Styles?	45	(6)
Study Benefits	45	(5)
General Benefits	50	(1)
How do you Explore who you are?	51	(4)
Self-Perception	51	(1)
Interests	52	(1)
Habits	53	(1)
Abilities	54	(1)
Endnotes	55	(1)
Applications	56	(3)
Goal Setting and Time Management	59	(22)
Mapping Your Course
What Defines your Values?	60	(1)
Choosing and Evaluating Values	60	(1)
How Values Relate to Goals	61	(1)
How do You Set and Achieve Goals?	61	(6)
Identifying Your ``Personal Mission Statement''	62	(1)
Placing Goals in Time	63	(2)
Linking Goals with Values	65	(2)
What are Your Priorities?	67	(1)
How can You Manage Your Time?	68	(4)
Building a Schedule	69	(3)
Success in the Real World:	72	(3)
Heather Doty
Time Management Strategies	73	(2)
Why is Procrastination a Problem?	75	(1)
Strategies to Fight Procrastination	75	(1)
Endnotes	76	(1)
Applications	77	(4)
Critical and Creative Thinking	81	(26)
Tapping the Power of Your Mind
What is Critical Thinking?	82	(4)
Critical Thinking Is a Skill	82	(2)
A Critical-Thinking Response to a Statement	84	(1)
The Value of Critical Thinking	84	(2)
How Does Your Mind Work?	86	(4)
Mind Actions: The Thinktrix	86	(3)
How Mind Actions Build Thinking Processes	89	(1)
How Does Critical Thinking Help You Solve Problems and Make Decisions?	90	(5)
Problem Solving	90	(2)
Decision Making	92	(3)
Why Shift Your Perspective?	95	(1)
Why Plan Strategically?	96	(2)
How can You Develop Your Creativity in Engineering?	98	(3)
Characteristics of Creative People in Engineering	99	(1)
Brainstorming Toward a Creative Answer	100	(1)
Success in the Real World:	101	(1)
William Wulf
Success in the Real World:	102	(1)
Barrett Caldwell
Creativity and Critical Thinking	103	(1)
Endnotes	103	(1)
Applications	104	(3)
Reading and Study Skills	107	(24)
What are Some Challenges of Reading?	108	(2)
Dealing with Reading Overload	108	(1)
Working Through Difficult Engineering Texts	109	(1)
Success in the Real World:	110	(2)
De Ann Redlin
Managing Distractions	110	(2)
Success in the Real World:	112	(2)
Ramon Pizarro
Building Comprehension and Speed	113	(1)
What Kind of Reading Will You do in Engineering?	114	(1)
Why Define Your Purpose for Reading?	114	(3)
Purpose Determines Reading Strategy	115	(1)
Purpose Determines Pace	116	(1)
Reading Strategies for Engineering Courses	117	(2)
Previewing the Chapter	117	(1)
Annotation	117	(2)
How can You Read Critically?	119	(2)
Ask Questions Based on the Mind Actions	119	(1)
Shift Your Perspective	120	(1)
Read for Understanding	120	(1)
Library and Web Resources	121	(2)
General Reference Works	121	(1)
Specialized Reference Works	121	(1)
Library Book Catalog	122	(1)
Periodical Indexes	122	(1)
Electronic Research	122	(1)
Endnotes	123	(1)
Applications	124	(7)
Note-Taking and Writing	131	(30)
Harnessing the Power of Words and Ideas
How Does Taking Notes Help You?	132	(2)
Recording Information in Class	132	(2)
What Note-Taking System Should You Use?	134	(6)
Taking Notes in Outline Form	134	(2)
Using the Adapted Cornell Note-Taking System	136	(1)
Creating a Think Link or Concept Map	136	(4)
How can You Write Faster When Taking Notes?	140	(1)
Why Does Good Writing Matter?	141	(1)
What are the Elements of Effective Writing?	142	(1)
Writing Purpose	142	(1)
Knowing Your Audience	143	(1)
What is the Writing Process?	143	(1)
Success in the Real World:	144	(10)
Alexis C. Swoboda
Planning	144	(4)
Drafting	148	(3)
Revising	151	(1)
Editing	152	(2)
Types of Writing Assignments in Engineering Courses	154	(2)
Laboratory Notebooks	154	(1)
Lab Reports	154	(1)
Short Reports/Progress Reports	155	(1)
Group Design Project Presentations	155	(1)
Technical Paper Format	155	(1)
Endnotes	156	(1)
Applications	157	(4)
Listening, Memory, and Test Taking	161	(26)
Taking In, Retaining, and Demonstrating Knowledge
How can You Become a Better Listener?	162	(2)
Manage Listening Challenges	162	(2)
How Does Memory Work?	164	(1)
How can You Improve Your Memory?	165	(3)
Memory Improvement Strategies	165	(2)
Mnemonic Devices	167	(1)
How can Tape Recorders Help You Listen, Remember, and Study?	168	(2)
How can Preparation Help Improve Test Scores?	170	(3)
Identify the Test Type and Material Covered	170	(1)
Use Specific Study Strategies	171	(1)
Prepare Physically	172	(1)
Conquer Test Anxiety	172	(1)
What Strategies can Help You Succeed on Tests?	173	(10)
Write Down Key Facts	173	(1)
Begin with an Overview of the Exam	173	(1)
Know the Ground Rules	174	(1)
Use Critical Thinking to Avoid Errors	175	(1)
Master Different Types of Test Questions	175	(5)
Types of Engineering Exam Questions	180	(2)
Five-Step Strategy for Solving Math/Science Problems	182	(1)
How can You Learn From Test Mistakes?	183	(1)
Endnotes	183	(1)
Applications	184	(3)
Relating to Others	187	(32)
Appreciating Your Diverse World
How can You Understand and Accept Others?	188	(7)
Diversity in Your World	188	(1)
The Positive Effects of Diversity	189	(1)
Barriers to Understanding	190	(5)
Success in the Real World:	195	(3)
T. Meredith Ross
Accepting and Dealing with Diversity	196	(2)
Success in the Real World:	198	(1)
Katherine Osborne
How can You Express Yourself Effectively?	199	(5)
Adjusting to Communication Styles	199	(3)
Overcoming Communication Problems	202	(2)
Communication Success Strategies	204	(1)
How do Your Personal Relationships Define You?	204	(2)
Relationship Strategies	204	(2)
How can You Handle Conflict and Criticism?	206	(3)
Conflict Strategies	206	(1)
Dealing with Criticism and Feedback	207	(2)
What Role do You Play in Groups?	209	(4)
Being an Effective Participant	211	(1)
Being an Effective Leader	212	(1)
Endnotes	213	(1)
Applications	214	(5)
Managing Career and Money	219	(24)
Reality Resources
How can You Plan Your Career?	220	(3)
Define a Career Path	220	(3)
Success in the Real World:	223	(3)
George Sissel
Map Out Your Strategy	224	(1)
Seek Mentors	224	(1)
Know What Employers Want	225	(1)
How can You Juggle Work and School?	226	(6)
Effects of Working While in School	226	(1)
Sources of Job Information	227	(3)
Making a Strategic Job Search Plan	230	(2)
How can Strategic Planning Help You Manage Money?	232	(1)
Short-Term Sacrifices can Create Long-Term Gain	232	(1)
Develop a Financial Philosophy	232	(1)
How can You Create a Budget That Works?	233	(7)
The Art of Budgeting	234	(1)
A Sample Budget	235	(1)
Savings Strategies	236	(1)
Managing Credit Cards	237	(3)
Applications	240	(3)
Changing With the Future	243	(24)
What is the Future of Engineering?	244	(1)
Privacy Issues on the Internet	244	(1)
How can You Live with Change?	245	(1)
Accept the Reality of Change	245	(1)
Success in the Real World:	246	(3)
Ilene Busch-Vishniac
Maintain Flexibility	247	(2)
Adjust Your Goals	249	(1)
What will Help You Handle Failure and Success?	249	(5)
Dealing with Failure	250	(3)
Dealing with Success	253	(1)
Why Give Back to the Community and the World?	254	(2)
Your Imprint on the World	254	(2)
Success in the Real World:	256	(2)
Ralph Peterson
Valuing Your Environment	257	(1)
Why is College Just the Beginning of Lifelong Learning?	258	(1)
How can You Live Your Mission?	259	(1)
Success in the Real World:	260	(3)
Richard Weingardt
Live with Integrity	261	(1)
Roll with the Changes	262	(1)
Learn from Role Models	262	(1)
Engineers as Leaders	262	(1)
Aim for Your Personal Best	263	(1)
Endnotes	263	(1)
Applications	264	(3)
Appendix A Types of Engineers	267	(8)
Appendix B Web Resources	275	(8)
Index	283

Excerpts

Preface KEYS TO ENGINEERING SUCCESS OWNER'S MANUALWhat can you do with your engineering education and why do you have to take all that calculus, physics, and chemistry? This book provides answers to these types of questions, because the authors believe very strongly that engineering is a rewarding career, that our world would not work without the contributions of engineers that are all around us, and that the workplace needs creative, capable engineers like you!In order to succeed in an engineering education, you will need to: Take responsibility for yourself, your education and your future. Learn how to study strategically. Ask for help when you need it.As your authors, we have talked to students and engineering faculty across the country. We've learned that you are concerned about your future, you want your education to serve a purpose, you are adjusting to constant life changes, and you want honest and direct guidance on how to achieve your goals. We designed the features ofKeys to Engineering Successbased on what you have told us about your needs. THE CONTENTS OF THE PACKAGE: WHAT'S INCLUDEDWe chose the topics in this book based on what you need to make the most of your engineering education experience. You need a strong sense of self and an ability to persevere in order to discover and pursue the best course of study for you. You need good study skills to absorb and retain what you learn both in and out of class. You need to set goals and manage your time, money, and relationships so that you can handle the changes that you will face in the future.Keys to Engineering Successcan guide you in all of these areas and more.The distinguishing characteristics and sections of this book are designed to make your life easier by helping you absorb and understand the material you read.Lifelong learning.The ideas and strategies you learn that will help you succeed in school are the same ones that will bring you success in your career and personal life. Therefore, this book focuses on success strategies as they apply to school, work, and life, not just in the classroom.Thinking skills.Being able to remember facts and formulas won't do you much good at school or beyond unless you can put that information to work through clear and competent thinking. This book has a chapter on creative and critical thinking that will help you understand the problem-solving and thinking skills necessary for you to succeed as an engineering student.Skill-building exercises.Today's engineering graduates need to be effective thinkers, team players, writers, and strategic planners. The exercises at the end of the chapters will encourage you to develop these valuable career skills and to apply problem-solving processes to any topic or situation.Diversity of voice.The workplace and our communities are becoming increasingly diverse in ethnicity, perspective, culture, lifestyle, race, choices, abilities, needs, and more. Every student, professor, course, and school is unique. One point of view can't possibly apply to everyone. Therefore, many voices will speak to you from these pages. What you read will speak to your needs, offer ideas, and treat you with respect.User-friendly features.The following features will make your life easier in small but significant ways. Perforations.Each page of this book is perforated so you can tear out exercises to hand in, take with you somewhere, or keep in your notebook as a reference. Exercises.The exercises are together at the ends of the chapters, so if you want to hand them in you can do so without removing any of the text. Definitions.Selected words are defined in the margins of the text. Long-term usefulness.Yes, most people sell back some of the textbooks they use. If you take a good