WHAT I WISH I KNEW IN FIRST YEAR:TIPS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR

ENGINEERING EDUCATION

AGENDA

Introduction Academic Extracurricular Conclusions

INTRODUCTION Nikola Maric 5th year of Engineering Physics & Management Welcome Week Organizer, Engineering Physics

Club, Engineering and Management Club

Mike Kovacs 5th year, Civil Engineering & Society Store management, Welcome Week Organizer,

MES Executive, ESSCO President

MOST IMPORTANT TAKE-AWAY

One size does not fit all Take notes, look back in a month Take chances, try new things

ACADEMICS

The first month is a great opportunity to get organized, get to know your resources for help, read ahead, etc.

You will have a steady work load from October to exams

Going to class helps keep it on your radarProfessors often give tips and hints in class

USE THE FIRST MONTH OF EACH SEMESTER WISELY

ENGAGE YOURSELF IN YOUR LECTURES AND CLASSES

Get more out of your lectures; Easier to stay awake Ask questions and make comments If you don’t feel comfortable asking in class – Go

talk to your professor and TA’s outside of class Each class may have a different “style”

GET TO KNOW THESE PEOPLE...

Your Professors and Teaching AssistantsKnowing these people will help you feel more

comfortable when asking for helpThese people are helpful in the future

Senior StudentsThey have been through it, and have received similar

support

Purchasing USED books from senior studentsFacebookMac Eng Society Bookswap

This is happening NOW!!!

Comments:Cheaper than buying brand newMay not be current Edition, but content is likely similar

Online book rentalsPhysicalPDF’s/Digital

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GET BOOKS

Titles – The McMaster Campus Book StoreLocated in Gilmour Hall B-101, attached to student

centerComments:

Expensive

LibraryMany classes have books reserved in the libraryBorrow when needed

Comments:There is a chance it may not be available when

you need it

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GET BOOKS

DON’T LET YOUR FIRST FEW MARKS UPSET YOU

Expectations are often not met immediatelyUse this as an opportunity to revaluate study habitsTry to find help from professors, study groups, etc It is still possible to do well if you are proactive

“Work Hard, Play Hard”As much pressure as there is to study and work hard,

taking a break helps you relax and exposes you to other areas

EXTRA CURRICULAR

ProfessionalismCommunication and Networking

Technical skills Social skills

THERE’S MORE TO UNIVERSITY THAN GRADES

University Education

Grades Skills Social Capital

…Other Things

DON’T BE AFRAID OF GETTING INVOLVED!

Getting involved exposes you to new opportunities and experiences

Don’t be afraid to lose electionsRunning is enough to make your point

The MES is a resource to start new projects

LEARN FROM BAD EXPERIENCES

You will meet a lot of different people during your university life

Different people means different opinions/behaviours which may result in disagreements

You will not love every experience you have if you are doing University right

Reflect on these experiences to improve your future

ENGINEERS DO MORE THAN ENGINEER

An engineering degree provides you with a wide variety of valuable skills

Engineers are found in a wide variety of industries:PoliticsLawHealth

10 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IMMEDIATELY Attend an MES Meeting Join a committee (social, academic, sports, etc.) Start an intramural team Run for a Council Position Write for an MES publication (Frequency, Plumbline, etc.) Become a Welcome Week leader Apply for a TA Position Organize a competition team Participate in mentorship programs Be yourself! (My generic cheesy last item)

CONCLUSIONS

Make sure you work hard but also get involved Take advantage of your resources – both

academic and extra curricular