What Engineering Students Need to Know For Future Success

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]After eleven (11) years of working as an engineer at Sony Corporation in Japan, Danardono Antono, Ph.D. had a lot of experiences. Today (9/ 24), the top engineer who is now working as a consultant of PT. MU Research and Consulting Indonesia was sharing his valuable experience as an engineer working abroad and many other things that future engineers need to know but are not necessarily taught in formal classrooms at Engineering Study Program.

In his general lecture titled “Business World: Thing You Don’t Learn in Engineering Schools”, Mr. Antono generously revealed a great deal of information that is very useful for engineering students.

Our speaker stated that many phases must be passed to develop a product and bring it to the market. He gave a chip development process as a typical example. The steps from development to delivery include requirement, feasibility study, design, implementation, to quality assurance and delivery of products to end-users. Different groups/ divisions/ companies may be in charge in different phases. And the challenge is then how to orchestrate all these workers harmoniously to achieve goals.

Antono who back then received a prestigious scholarship from Japan also exposed some strategy tools he is familiar with in the industry such as the “5W and 2 H” Method. He mentioned, “In business, errors in the transmission of certain information may generate great financial losses. The 5W and 2H Method was invented to ensure that losses do not occur or at least can be minimized. The method clarifies all possible questions that may arise about any business processes in a company.”

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He also explained another strategy tool, i.e. 3C’s Model which offers a strategic look at the factors needed for success. In the construction of a business strategy, three main elements must be taken into account: customers, competitors, and company.

Interestingly, he even advised that engineers need to learn as well other disciplines such as accounting and finance, laws, and business strategy.

His advice was then challenged by a student, “Why do engineers like us need to master other skill sets such as business strategy?”

“Because you don’t always work in an ideal condition. In reality, you are sometimes asked by your employers or demanded by situations to work on other things that are not related to your area of expertise. So be open to those challenges,” he answered.

“Here’s my two cents for you future fresh graduates: Please change your mindset from one of typical university students to one of professionals. You can work as employees or build your own businesses as entrepreneurs or even further your education as graduate students. But finally, don’t forget to mind your behaviors and attitudes, stay curious and open to learning opportunities, and don’t get easily frustrated by difficulties you face,” Antono spoke at the end of his lecture. (*/)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]