Making the most of final year'

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Making the most of final year.

• Ian Longville Germaine Salim
• Presentation to UWA
• Young Engineers
• 13 March 2007

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A guide to researching your final year thesis -
Ian Longville

• Graduate civil engineer at SKM since 2005
• Working on urban infrastructure and redevelopment
  projects for two years
• Career highlight to date
• The most exciting thing that has happened in my
  graduate career are the constant opportunities.
  Being involved in a growing company lets me take
  control of projects and learn something new every
  day.

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Choosing a topic

• Choose a topic you have a passion for
• Research previous thesis and try to choose
  something original or something you can
  contribute a different perspective to
• Find out what topics are big in the industry at
  the moment- will yours contribute to a body of
  knowledge, will it have practical implications?
• If all else fails, dont be afraid to change your
  topic

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Getting started
Gantt chart
Linked to milestones
Rough headings
Timeline
Structure
Ask Questions
Scope
Brainstorm issues
Get Advice
Industry
Uni
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Doing the Research

• Record all references clearly as you go
  referencing software is useful (e.g. EndNote)
• Time management
• How much background research is appropriate-
  concepts and principles?
• Order research materials (tabs, clear notes)
• Consider information that you may need to request
  or that may have a time delay and address these
  early on
• Use a variety of sources- literature, industry,
  anecdotal
• Will you need surveys (permission requests) or
  external assistance eg. mapping
• Beware scope creep
• Keep returning to your research questions- these
  will guide the extent of your research

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Review and edit

• Get the first structure/ outline reviewed
• Establish regular discussion with your
  supervisor- use pre-agreed meeting times if
  necessary
• Approve any major changes to structure/ outline
• Have sections reviewed as you go if possible
  (your supervisor will thank you)

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Compiling your findings

• Write sections of your report as you research
• Use the structure and content outline agreed at
  the start- though keep it flexible
• Present data in an accessible and appropriate
  format
• Photos, maps, graphs

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Tips

• Minimise distraction
• Organise your work station try to keep your
  work in one room
• Keep your timeline somewhere visable
• Set working hours and keep to them
• Give yourself breaks- exercise is invaluable
• If you dont have a good grasp on the basic
  computer programs youll be using, buy a
  practical IT book or take a short course
• Make networks- industry contacts are a great
  source of information and research should be
  applicable (also good for job prospects)

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Research text for beginner/ intermediate
researchers

• Creswell, J. W. 2003. Research Design
  qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods
  approaches. Sage Publications.
• Punch, K. 2004. Introduction to Social Research
  qualitative and quantitative approaches. Sage
  Publications
• Bryman, A. 2004. Social Research Methods. Oxford
  Press.

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How to secure a graduate position in the
marketplace Germaine Salim

• Graduate civil engineer at SKM since Jan 2007
• Working on roads and highways projects
• Career highlight to date
• the most exciting thing that has happened in
  my graduate career is coming here to talk to you

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To Eng, or not to Eng?

• Why engineering?
• Do you want to work in engineering?
• Structures? Resources? Infrastructure?
  Environmental? Project management? Sales?
• BIG company, or small?
• Where do you want to be...Upon graduation? In 5,
  10 years?
• What do you have to GIVE?
• How can you contribute to life? LIFE !!!

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The Establishment

• Research
• Recent projects
• Mission statement
• Grad support
• What do they want?
• Who works there?

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Walking the walk, Talking the talk

• Network expos, grad dinner, EA events
• COVER LETTER be specific
• Resume
• Work smart, be selective
• Prepare for your interview
• Get enthusiastic !
• www.careerservices.ius.edu/tips/interviews/traditi
  onalstylequestions.html
• www.indiana.edu

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Yes, YOU !

• Someone for everyone
• Be yourself
• Find your passion
• Good luck !! ?

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SKM online applications for 2008 now open

• Apply online on our careers webpage
• http//www.skmconsulting.com/careers/graduates.htm
  
• Contact
• Jody Stephens - Recruitment Support Officer
• Tel [phone]
• Email jstephens_at_skm.com.au