Posted May 31: Engineering alumni share their career experiences with students
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/engphysforum.JPG” caption=”Engineering Physics Forum panelists”]Six engineering alumni accepted Engineering Physics' invitation to participate in their tenth annual forum, a panel discussion of work experiences shared with other alumni, students and professors.
On the last day of classes, the panel of engineering professionals shared their insight into the career paths they have chosen since graduating with an engineering degree from McMaster.
Graduates of the Engineering Physics program have a wide variety of job experiences, ranging from the telecom industry (Nortel and Bell Canada) to the nuclear and service industries.
The alumni representatives stressed that there is a need to have on-the-job presentation and writing skills to succeed in the job market.
The panel also emphasized the importance of demonstrated leadership and teamwork qualities as well as time management skills. They highlighted problem solving abilities and a broad, general knowledge base as assets in the workplace.
Each panel member discussed their current careers and provided anecdotal comments to help connect the audience to their “real-world” experience.
When asked to cite those courses that were most useful in preparing them for their careers, the responses were varied. Panelist Pete Aspros said his English course proved invaluable to his daily communication at Nortel Networks. Steve Tritchew, a strategist in new product development at Wescam, works half time in marketing, applying budgets and presentations –he finds he is continually learning. Tritchew suggested developing a solid base for understanding fundamentals and principles in math and materials applications.
All agreed that a broad-based engineering education affords flexibility in the workplace. Dave Kingdon, safety & licensing analyst, Atomic Energy Canada, noted that at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), more general engineering applications are used. Kingdon adds that the most interesting aspect of his job was the challenge of problem-solving.
While the focus of the forum was to share career experiences, Dan Turow, senior director of marketing at Genesis Microchip Incorporated, noted there is another, equally important dimension. “Work and dedication is important in the workplace,” Turow explains, “You must learn to put balance in your life, as a personal choice.”
PHOTO: Panel particants Dan Turow, Steve Tritchew, Ian Craig, Pete Aspros, Rash Patnaik and Dave Kingdon
