January 2006 ISSUE
STUDENT COLUMNS
wec tests CRUCIAL SKILLS
BY MARK SKOVMOSE
University of Calgary
Student Contributor (Engineering)
Calgary is host to the 2006 Western Engineering Competition, Jan. 18-22, when hundreds of students from eight Western Canadian universities will vie for top honours in six areas.
The areas are
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Simply Excellent
A senior design team tests removes surface residue at the 2005 Western Engineering Competition. The team won the competition with its simple wedge design.Junior and Senior Design. Competitors are presented with a physical feat of engineering to solve with ingenuity and given materials.
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Innovative and Consulting Design. A theoretical approach to solving a real-world problem chosen or prescribed by a “client.” Students present the design, implementation and practicality of a solution.
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Communications. The challenge is to express a technical topic in terms that any person can understand.
• Debate. Students carefully construct unprepared arguments to given topics and back their cases.
All these qualities are crucial as a professional and the conference allows these qualities to be tested and improved. At previous competitions I've attended, many left without a medal around their necks but all left teeming with ideas.
A good idea is important, but presentation of the concept is paramount. The judges, much like clients, are careful in their decision which sways toward the best choice in their perspective. Obviously the solution must work, but when there are many working solutions, the one that suits needs best will be the choice.
The ability to convey information is a vital aspect of any engineer and this is emphasized in every area at WEC with an oral presentation.
Team projects falter if the group is not cooperating and first-hand experience of that frustration usually is not present in the academic setting. Working through these barriers develops the social connection among team members and gives insight into the professional role they are bound for. Team members, in fact, form a bond which lasts long beyond the four days of WEC.
Innovative companies realize the importance of these conferences and support them wherever they can. The impact these conferences create makes them a solid investment.
A well-rounded resumé includes involvement on teams, clubs, and university activities beyond academia. Keen employers notice. These conferences are much more than social bonding and every student should strive to attend at least one.
You can't get involved in everything, but you shouldn’t get involved in nothing.
Dean Steps Down
Shortly into the third term, Dr. Chan Wirasinghe, P.Eng., has announced his intention
to step down as Dean of the Schulich School of Engin-eering. Dr. Wirasinghe’s
intention for the school to
become unsurpassed in Canada was achieved with the naming of the school, after
Seymour Schulich for his record donation of $50 million.
“In relay you pass the baton at full stride, not after you've slowed to a stop,” said the dean. His successor will certainly appreciate his attitude.
I would like to thank Chan for his dedication to students and foresight to improve what our education represents.