Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Chapter 2:
Preparing for an
Engineering
Career

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Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Learning Objectives
Think about how you can adapt the strategies offered
here to get the optimum benefit from your college years.

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 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Learning Objectives
1. Making the Transition from High School to College: realize that in high
school most of your learning took place in class, whereas in college most of
your education takes place outside the classroom
2. Budgeting Your Time: describe effective ways to manage your time so that
you can have a fulfilling college experience and have adequate time for
studying, social events, and work
3. Study Habits and Strategies: explain study habits and strategies that lead
to good academic performance
4. Getting Involved with an Engineering Organization: describe why it is
important to join an engineering organization
5. Your Graduation Plan: realize the importance of having a graduation plan
 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

College Life
• Engineers Keep in mind that what you
do for college will affect you for the rest
of your life.
• You must take the responsibility for
learning; nobody can make you learn.
• In high school, most of your learning
took place in class. In contrast, in
college, larger portion of your education
takes place outside the class.
 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Budgeting Your Time

 Your education is an expensive investment,
one that requires your responsible
management.
 How much time do you invest your class for
a week?
 Budgeting your time is very important.
 a week = 24 hours X 7 days = 168
 hours2~3 hr for 1 hr class
Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Budgeting Your Time

Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

An Example of Weekly Schedule for a

Freshman Student
 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Daily Studying and Preparation

 You start studying and preparing from the
very first day of class

 It is always a good idea to read before the

class and study the material after the class
on the same day.
 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Daily Studying and Preparation

 Attend Your Classes Regularly: Your
professor may offer additional explanations
and discussion of some material that may
not be well presented in your textbook
 You can ask questions to clarify any
misunderstanding.
 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Daily Studying and Preparation

 Get Help Right Away: When you need some
help, don’t wait till the last minute to ask!
 Use office hours or ask for an appointment
outside office hours
 Take Good Notes, listen carefully and write
down notes regarding the important
concepts that you did not understand when
you read the book.
Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Select a good study place

Find a comfortable place with good lighting.
 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Form Study Groups

 Form Study Groups: A good way to learn something
is to form discussion groups where you explain
ideas and concepts in your own words to others in
the group.

 Be an active learner not a passive learner!

 Prepare for Examinations: The night before the

exam is the time for review only.
 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Your Graduation Plan

What is your goal?

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 Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, SI Moaveni

Summary
 Transition from high school to college.

 Start studying and preparing from the first day of

class, attend classes regularly, get help right away,
take good notes, select a good study place, and
form study groups.

 Joining an engineering organization. Become an

active participant

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