Online graduate Yegan Schiefer shared his experience of studying towards his 52886WA Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering through the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) and what inspired him to pursue a career in engineering.
The Online World of EIT
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, and which specific field of engineering are you most passionate about?
Several factors motivated me to choose engineering. However, most importantly, I have always been curious about how things work and how they can be improved.
It was when I began exploring more deeply into engineering that I found myself particularly passionate about mechanical and automation engineering. The complexity of the design and optimization of mechanical systems and processes with the potential to automate tasks and improve efficiency fascinated me.
As a service engineer in this field, I can work on cutting-edge technologies and provide crucial support and maintenance to ensure these systems run smoothly benefiting various industries and ultimately, society.
In the world of engineering, what recent technological advancements or innovations have captured your attention the most?
I am intrigued by the the rapid development of sustainable energy solutions, including the utilization of cleaner fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia in the use of internal combustion engines.
Automation plays a pivotal role in the storage, production, and injection of these fuels into energy conversion systems, ensuring efficient and safe utilization. This level of automation not only maximizes energy efficiency but also contributes to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
How do you balance your work, life, and study?
Balancing work and study in my demanding fieldwork can be challenging at time, especially when I am assigned to work offshore on oil and gas platforms where I work 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
To manage this, I’ve developed a disciplined approach. I allocated specific one to two-hour study slots each day, carefully chosen not to interfere with my work commitments, often during breaks or after my work shift.
Prioritization is key. I employed efficient study techniques like active learning and spaced repetition, ensuring I retain information effectively. Moreover, I made extensive use of available resources such as study materials and digital tools, which allowed me to study remotely, even in offshore locations.
Seeking support from mentors, colleagues, or fellow students when needed is invaluable in my remote working environment.
I also maintained a work-life balance, setting aside personal time for relaxation and leisure to prevent burnout and maintain focus during study sessions. Flexibility is crucial, I adapted my study routine to accommodate unexpected work-related demands or changes in my work schedule, ensuring consistency in my studies.
In essence, balancing work and study in this challenging setting demands dedication, meticulous planning, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning, allowing me to continuously advance my knowledge and skills in mechanical and automation engineering.
What are some of the emerging trends and technologies in your chosen field of engineering that you believe will have a significant impact soon?
As a graduate immersed in the field of industrial automation engineering, I bear witness to the phenomenal strides being made with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These transformative technologies are at the helm, steering Industrial Automation Engineering into unprecedented efficiency and intelligence.
They facilitate the creation of systems capable of not only executing predefined tasks but also learning, adapting, and improving over time without explicit programming.
This adaptive intelligence is poised to significantly impact various industries, fostering an environment where automation is synonymous with proactive problem-solving. Soon, AI and ML in automation will markedly enhance predictive maintenance.
Systems endowed with learning algorithms will accurately foresee potential equipment failures before they transpire, scheduling timely interventions and substantially reducing downtime. This prescient capability translates to increased operational efficiency and longevity of machinery, which are crucial for the sustained productivity and profitability of industries.
For students, professionals, and industries at large, engaging with and investing in these technologies is not merely optional, it is imperative for steering towards a future brimming with opportunity and potential.
What did you enjoy the most about learning through EIT?
EIT’s empathetic approach to education.
Recognizing the diverse and busy lives of its students, many of whom are engaged in full-time employment, the institute has meticulously crafted a learning environment that is flexible and accommodating.
This thoughtful consideration enables students like me to seamlessly integrate academic pursuits with professional responsibilities and personal commitments, thereby alleviating the stress typically associated with juggling multiple roles.
The institution’s provision for flexibility does not, however, compromise the depth and rigor of its curriculum