Career Development Plan - Academic

Career Development Plan - Academic

1. First Year

   • So far the course load is very manageable. I expected there to be more hours of classes in the week. My prior learning in mathematical subjects allows me to excel in these classes and focus more energy on my weaker subjects. I maintain full attendance and keep on top of the workload outside of class times. I could be more organised however and plan to implement a more rigid study routine. As a mature student I am confident in my decision to pursue this career path. This motivates me to work hard to achieve my ambitions.
   • Maths, Physics and Mechanics, Electronics and Thermodynamics
     • I have an advantage in these subjects due to prior learning from my physics course. I decided not to substitute these with RPL in order to revise the material and to boost my GPA.
     • Prior Learning
   • Workshop
     • I rather enjoy the workshop class as I enjoy working with my hands and working to precision. This subject is a priority as I don't have much prior experience with the required methods and skills. So far my work has been good but I need to improve on my speed.
   • Technical Drawing
     • Technical Drawing is my weakest subject. However I have seen an improvement since the beginning of the semester as I have been spending most of my weekends practising to raise the standard of my work. In the second semester we will begin to use CAD as well as drawing by hand. This will work to my advantage as I have experience working with AutoCad from previous employment.
     • Needs Improvement!
   • Intro to Marine Engineering
     • This is the most interesting subject so far. It is challenging and deals with the primary tasks and processes involved in the career. The material and assessment criteria have become obscured due to several lecturer changes so it is hard to predict what grade I can expect to achieve.
   • CIT
     • Creativity, innovation and teamwork is a valuable module. The assignments provoke thoughts about the future of my studies and my career helping to create academic goals and motivation.

2. Second Year

   • The weekly schedule in second year contains around the same amount of hours as first year. The material will become more challenging however so proper engagement is important and a study routine should be established from the start.
   • Modules
     • The modules in second year mainly expand on the subjects studied in first year. This includes maths, mechanics, workshop, technical drawing, thermodynamics, and marine engineering. If I maintain a good performance in first year I should be well capable of progressing to these more challenging modules. In addition to this, there are some courses covering the basic STCW qualifications needed to work at sea. I am have these qualifications but I will do them again as they need to be refreshed every few years regardless.
   • Interviews
     • An important part of second year is the application for a contract for the sea phase. I am beginning to prepare for this now in first year with the aid of this module. I am researching different areas within the industry to inform my preference of companies to apply to. My 1st year grades will also impact my options so I am aiming to achieve a high GPA.
     • Preparation
       • Good grades
       • CV writing
       • Apptitude tests
       • Industry Research

3. Sea Phase

   • 9 of 14 months working at sea
     • Watchkeeping
       • Auxiliary and main propulsion machinery
     • LNG Tankers!
       • In my research so far, LNG transport has stood out as one of the more interesting sectors in the industry. It appears to have a lucrative future as demand rises for low-carbon fuel. Shell and BP are two leading companies in the sector to which I plan to apply for my cadetship.
   • Begin to earn an income
   • Opportunity for post-graduation employment

4. Final Year

   • More contextual learning after experience at sea
     • As I have been told by NMCI's current final year engineers, the learning in final year is more engaging and interesting as the theory can be applied to systems which you have experienced in reality during the sea phase!
   • Graduate with a BEng and an EOOW COC!
   • Modules
     • Along with workshop and mathematics, the final year modules appear more specialised and applied. These include modules concerning naval architecture, electrical systems and marine engineering operations.
   • Short Courses
     • Final year contains certification in additional STCW codes for officers.
   • Project
     • Final year involves an exciting project where students are tasked with providing a solution to a marine engineering problem. The project will be completed as part of a team including research, analyses, design and presentation.
   • Dept. of transport oral exam
     • This involves an oral examination with the examiner of engineers from the department of transport. This must be completed before being issued with the Engineering Officer Of the Watch Certificate Of Competency. The exam concerns processes and systems pertaining to the operation of marine main propulsion and auxiliary machinery.