Final Post

This will be my final post. I hope my entries have helped you get a better understanding of what happens after graduation. I wish you all the best in life, wherever it may lead you!

Engineering electives

If you are in engineering and have the opportunity and the desire, think about taking a foreign language as your LSA elective series. Even though it was not a requirement to take a foreign language when I was in school, I think it would have been beneficial for me to continue my studies in the Spanish language. It is increasingly important to know a second language, and it sets you apart from the rest of the crowd if you do.

Although, it is hard to say which are the best electives to take since they have different benefits. No matter which ones you choose, you will be able to use the other side of your brain and learn some things that are different from math and science. I really enjoyed my LSA elective courses in American culture and I know they helped me obtain a more well-rounded education.

Commuting

I would love to take public transportation to work, but it has not worked out for me in MA. I do try to carpool when possible, and it's nice to have someone else in the car sharing the drive. That is something to consider with any new job. Some companies organize car or van pools, so be sure to look at all your options. If the company does not have this available, maybe you can take the initiative to see who is interested.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Hoping you have a happy and safe holiday season, especially everyone that will be traveling. It is nice to spend Christmas with family and friends, especially since I do not see them much during the year.

Happy New Year!

Exercise your mind

The importance of building your vocabulary and keeping your mind sharp is something I hear a lot about these days. There are books, puzzles, and even video games to improve your memory, vocabulary, and reflexes. I haven't had an English class since high school, so it is important to me to keep up my knowledge of the language. I noticed I am having a harder time spelling words that would have come easily to me a few years ago. I want my writing abilities at work to improve, so that is part of the reason why I volunteered to write for this blog. The games, puzzles, and crosswords I work on will also help to exercise my mind. If you find yourself in the same situation, it might be worth buying a book of mind teasers (and it will be fun, too!).

You are in charge

I am grateful to have been able to share my journey with you, and hope my advice has been helpful.

Each person's experience after college is different, and it's up to you to drive the direction your life takes. Don't expect to find your dream job right out of school, but learn from your experiences so that you can guide the development of your career. It will be you and you alone that is responsible for your career, so take charge and be proactive. Continually assess the pros and cons of your job so that you can make informed decisions when new opportunities arise.

And don't forget the importance of balance in both your life and work -- work will be always be there tomorrow. Sometimes it's better to step back and really think about what is the priority in your life.

Good luck!

When a crisis attacks

Work is not always fun; it usually comes with stress and pressure. Crises come up and that is the nature of engineering. It is our job to solve the problems that arise. I have realized that you should not get upset if you encounter an issue at work, whether large or small, since the world is not a perfect place. Things happen. People are looking to see how you deal with the situation. Do you stay calm and focused, or do you have a nervous breakdown? What is your plan of action to find a solution? Can you find the solution within a reasonable amount of time while presenting the evidence to justify it? All of these things should be considered, and you should try to deal with the problem rationally while respecting those people on your team.

Today I celebrate my two year anniversary at my first engineering job, how exciting!