Analytical Research Piece
Selvynna Tang - 997309167
1. Career path
1.1 Short term goal:
After graduation, I plan to work as an engineer in the Energy Industry. This is because I am interested in renewable and alternate energy sources, and I think I would enjoy working in this field. After a few years in industry, if I am doing well in my job and I enjoy it a lot, I will continue, and perhaps get some promotions or pay rises. Otherwise, if I feel that my qualifications are lacking a little or I’m not enjoying my job too much, I will return to school for a Master’s Degree. I haven’t decided which degree I want to do yet, but it will either be a technical engineering degree, or a MBA.
1.2 Long term goal:
The reason that I may decide to do an MBA is because ultimately, I want to be doing some kind of management job, and a MBA will definitely help me achieve this. I want to be doing a management type job because I feel that technical engineering is not as stable as a management job, because technology changes so fast. Management is a good and steady job, and it is something I would like to do for the majority of my career.
2. Research
2.1 Engineer in Energy Industry
• Theoretical and mathematical skills
Having a strong background in mathematics and science is fundamental to an engineer, as the everyday work will include analyzing or using theoretical skills. My studies in university will provide most of the knowledge required. In addition to that, hands-on experience in the field will also be an asset, as some skills cannot be obtained from school.
• Teamwork
Most of the projects or work in an engineering field will require teamwork, as many engineers will collaborate their work together to complete a project. Therefore, it is important to have good communication skills, as well as good people skills. Getting ideas across to other people and understanding what other people are trying to say is important. Also, it is essential to work well together, with no conflicts, because that will decrease the productivity of the team.
• Learning
Even after graduating from university, there are many things from the industry that I will not know when first starting out. Therefore, I will have to learn many things on the job, and may even make mistakes along the way. This will depend on the nature of the work, but generally learning new skills will be part of the job.
2.2 MBA/Masters Degree
• Good academic results
The actual requirement varies from school to school, but in general a high GPA is required. This will depend on my undergraduate studies, so I will really need to work hard now and get a higher cGPA.
• Experience in working
Some masters degree, for example the MBA, requires a few years in industry of work experience. Ideally, I will already have had this after working for a few years.
• Money for tuition
After working for a few years, I don’t expect my parents to support me with finances anymore. If I decide to apply for a masters degree, I will need to have saved up enough money for tuition and living expenses while not working a full-time job.
• Timing
This is really the most important factor, as it will depend whether I have the time to do a 2 or 3 year masters degree. If I find that my career is already progressing well, and I like the job that I’m doing and don’t really want to leave, then I might not want to do a masters degree. If, on the other hand, I’m in a less appealing job, or unemployed, then I will definitely consider a masters degree.
2.3 Manager
• Communication
This is an important skill for managers, as I will have to communicate with co-workers, employees and other managers higher ranked. In order to get my employees to complete tasks according to what I had in mind, communication is an essential skill. Communication is a skill that is used everyday, but effective communication is harder to achieve. This will definitely require practice.
• Leadership
Good leaders make good managers because employees will always trust the decision of the manager, not just because he is higher ranked. Being a good leader should also mean knowing the team well, and the capabilities and limitations of it, so that the team can be utilized effectively. There are also different types of leadership styles, but I think that as long as the relationship works with the employees, any style is fine.
• Decision making
Managers need to make decisions on a daily basis, and must have confidence in making the decisions. Uncertainties and indecisiveness will not make good managers. Making a good decision also requires knowledge in the matter, and the manager will need to consult members of the team most proficient in the area so that a well informed decision can be made. Making a decision is easy, but making the correct decision is hard. This will require confidence and also knowing when to ask for help.
• Passion/interest
Given that this will be the job I will be sticking with for the rest of my career, I think that it is important that I enjoy it and find it interesting. I do think that management is a good job, and I will enjoy doing it. I don’t have any experience in management, so my opinion may change.
3. Conclusion
Most of the soft skills, for example communication and teamwork, can be developed in team projects during school. This semester we have two courses that has team assignments, so through these projects I will learn more about leadership and teamwork. I think that the projects have similarities to actual projects at work, but it is different because fundamentally a professor is grading it and we are working with fellow students. I think that these skills will be mainly developed during PEY, because it is an actual job that will be similar to the jobs after graduation. Being in a working environment is very different from being in school, and I think that PEY will give me great experiences that will be valuable for future jobs. I hope to learn a little more about the engineering industry during my PEY.
There are many factors that will influence my future career, and my plans are not definite at all. I do have an idea of what I would like to be doing, but it will all come down to opportunities and what I decide to do in the future. I would also like to travel around a little, and experience different places. I do not intend to stay in Toronto for the rest of my life, so I would like to find job opportunities in other countries as well.