An advanced diploma graduate shares his decision to pursue further studies through the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) by enrolling in an Undergrad Certificate.
Cameron Domotor, from Queensland, Australia, completed his EIT Advanced Diploma of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering in 2020. He also recently completed his Undergraduate Certificate in Industrial Automation Engineering in January of 2021. He elaborates on how both courses contributed to his professional growth and identifies the course that provided him with the most advantages.
What inspired you to enroll in an Undergraduate Certificate after completing your Advanced Diploma in 2020?
There were several reasons in the end. I demonstrated my ability to balance work, studies, and family responsibilities while completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Industrial Automation Engineering, and I desired to continue my educational journey in some manner. The Advanced Diploma perfectly matched my personal interest in mechatronics, and its flexible structure allowed me to balance my family, work, and studies simultaneously. Additionally, a major driving force was my aspiration to stay ahead of, or at least keep pace with, the industry’s increasing adoption of automation.
How do you feel your Advanced Diploma prepared you for the Undergraduate Certificate you recently completed?
The Advanced Diploma gave me comprehension and hands-on experience using online learning platforms, a remote lab system, and their corresponding support systems and staff. Additionally, having a dedicated Learning Support Officer (LSO) for each course proved incredibly advantageous. The Advanced Diploma greatly aided my understanding of essential engineering fundamentals, reducing the Undergraduate Certificate’s learning curve.
With a solid foundation from the Advanced Diploma, I could grasp the practical aspects of the Undergraduate Certificate faster. One important lesson I took away from the Advanced Diploma was a clearer understanding of what I perceived as the narrow-deep specialization within the vocational streams. This realization influenced my decision to pursue the Undergraduate Certificate pathway, with the hope of maintaining a more generalized skill set.
What specific skills or knowledge did you gain from the Advanced Diploma that complemented your engineering background?
More than I can cover here but some of the standouts for me personally include understanding and exposure to:
- Familiarity with previously unknown hardware and software.
- Understanding the operational principles of unfamiliar electrical and mechanical components.
- Expanded knowledge of PCB design concepts and the associated software.
- Application of robot kinematics principles and methods.
- Utilization of various industry software packages.
Another significant benefit of completing the Advanced Diploma was its immense assistance not only in expanding my knowledge but also in meeting the requirements of the Electrical Safety Office. This enabled me to obtain a permit for pursuing a Restricted Electrical endorsement, which allows me to work with limited equipment operating on 240- and 415-volt supplies.
In what ways do you see the combination of your Advanced Diploma and Undergraduate Certificate enhancing your career prospects?
Primarily, gaining further knowledge and exposure to the various aspects of engineering and its solutions, starting from the foundational principles like physics and extending to specific applications such as actuators and their properties, will greatly enhance my skills and confidence in the professional setting.
Secondly, this increased expertise will also instil trust and assurance in both clients and colleagues regarding my capabilities on the job. Based on my understanding, proficient generalists are relatively rare so this development will broaden my career prospects.
Can you describe any notable differences in the learning experience between your Advanced Diploma and the Undergraduate Certificate you just finished?
The Undergraduate Certificate seemed to encompass a significantly broader range of subject matter, yet the expectations for assessment responses felt more manageable than the Advanced Diploma. Additionally, the Undergraduate Certificate maintained a brisker pace, covering a greater number of topics.
How do you envision leveraging the skills acquired from both courses in your future professional endeavors?
The knowledge gained from both courses, rather than just the skills, will enable me to understand better system constraints, ranging from components to physical limitations. Furthermore, it will greatly aid in effective communication with stakeholders, which is crucial.
What advice would you give to other engineering students considering supplementing their education with an Undergraduate Certificate?
I highly recommend pursuing the course, especially if you’re new to the industry. The content is both engaging and valuable. Once enrolled, make sure to utilize the LSO for guidance. If you require extensions, don’t hesitate to request them. The expectations for assessment submissions are reasonable and consider work, family obligations, and even health concerns. Moreover, all the lecturers are approachable and readily available to clarify assessments. Some even go to great lengths to assist students in their academic journey.
Did completing the Undergraduate Certificate provide any new insights or perspectives you didn’t encounter during your Advanced Diploma?
A significant revelation was gaining a deeper comprehension of the extensive knowledge requirements within the industry. There are many areas to delve into if one desires and the Undergraduate Certificate provided a well-rounded introduction to various subjects.
How do you think your unique educational journey, spanning an Advanced Diploma and Undergraduate Certificate, will set you apart in the engineering industry?
The combination of an Advanced Diploma and an Undergraduate Certificate are not commonly pursued and is highly sought after. Many individuals tend to concentrate on one or the other, resulting in an imbalance that necessitates the employment of specialists in each field.
Both qualifications allow for bridging that gap personally and being more versatile in various contexts. Communicating effectively with individuals at both fundamental and technical levels is incredibly valuable.
Looking back, do you feel that combining your Advanced Diploma and Undergraduate Certificate was beneficial?
Besides the career-related advantages, combining them has helped me assess different educational pathways and make informed decisions about my next steps. It became clear that pursuing a single path in HE, such as obtaining a Ph.D., is not the right fit for me. Instead, I realized that maintaining a generalist approach while expanding my knowledge would be more suitable, as I crave variety and change.
The Undergraduate Certificate provided an excellent foundation in the fundamental concepts, and I found that the depth achieved in that field was sufficient for my needs. I am pursuing practical and vocational studies to obtain a restricted electrical ticket alongside an industry-specific certification in Hydrography.
Once these certifications are completed, I plan to “go back” and broaden my understanding of the fundamentals by pursuing another Undergraduate Certificate, this time in the field of science.
Which course did you enjoy the most?
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Undergraduate Certificate, primarily because of my inclination towards being a generalist. Considering my current position and anticipated future roles, having a broader exposure will be more advantageous to me than specializing in a specific area. I prefer this approach and find it more beneficial to my career trajectory.
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