DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

ESG 217:  Engineering Design I

Instructor Frank Szalajda

 

This class was the closest so far that I have ever been taught about professionalism in the work place.  Professor Frank Szalajda challenged me on another level.  His class was more than just the simple come to class, do your homework, and take your quizzes and tests class.  He taught us to apply our academics to reality and he made me understand that there is a difference between school and the professional world.


His homeworks and quizzes, though at first appeared extremely ridiculous, pushed a significant point across my brain:  do your work to the fullest and do not be negligent of what you're told to do.  It's professionalism.  You need to do what you're told.  Don't work at a minimum, be careless, and be unthoughtful of what you've produced.  Without a hint of luck, an attitude like that will get you nowhere.  Maybe in school it works and pushes you through a class; but, out in the real world, you'll be a nobody.  All you will be is one who can be easily replaced in the workplace.

 

Another thing is that this class made me understand that rules must be followed.  As an engineer, throughout your life you follow specifications in design.  Now, applying what I said above, if you do an apathetic job and do not adhere to all guidelines, serious consequences can result. 

 

We read a significant amount of Case Histories of Engineering Disasters throughout the class, and I learned that flaws in designs can lead to grave problems, from injury to death.  Therefore, as an engineer, one must understand that lives are at stake.  When designing, you must understand that safety is most important and that if you do a perfunctory job and do not follow specifications, you put someones life on the line.  Essentially, one must realize that rules are more than just guidelines.  We must be wary of our actions and understand that each has its own consequence.  If not careful, it can lead to serious problems in the workplace and can possibly risk the life of another.

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.