1. ROLE OF A TECHNOLOGY
GRADUATE IN THE INDUSTRY
Dr. Eranga Jayasekara
1
2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Technology graduate is not a scientist and not a technician either
• Graduate profile
• Differences between Engineer and engineering technologist
• Program outcomes
• Decide the domain you want to work in
• Skills required
• Things companies want
2
3. TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE IS NOT A SCIENTIST
• The words science and technology can and often are used interchangeably.
• But the goal of science is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake while the goal of technology is to
create products that solve problems and improve human life. Simply put, technology is the practical
application of science.
Scientist Technologist
The goal of science is the advancement of
knowledge
The goal of technology is the creation of
products
Gaining Knowledge Using Knowledge
Scientists are all about finding things out and
understanding the way things work fully
Technologists are all about manipulating
nature
Scientists dedicate their work to understanding Technologists look for solutions
3
4. Scientist Technologist
Advance knowledge through processes considered ethically neutral.
They are autonomous, meaning they have the freedom to choose
research.
Technologists work within the
framework of science
Using intellectual integrity and methodology, scientists use symbolic
thinking, math, analogy and other processes to yield results that
technologists use to produce real-world applications.
Science is considered ethically neutral because, as many scientists
believe, the advancement of knowledge is neither good or bad, and
because of this, it can’t be held accountable for ethically-questionable
applications.
They find out everything, and have a natural desire to learn and know
everything
They find solutions to things
effortlessly, and as a result, end up
making a ton of breakthroughs
They look less for solutions, and don’t consider manipulating nature
or going against what we currently know as often!
They don’t focus on understanding as
much. This means they might miss key
steps when doing things
scientists look to understand everything Technologists get around by
sidestepping ignorance
4
5. TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE IS NOT A
TECHNICIAN
• Technician and technologist are two different terms.
• However, these two terms are interrelated. Most people think that these terms mean
the same
• A technician and a technologist differ in their educational levels and responsibilities.
5
6. Technologist Technician
Technologist is a person who is completely aware of
various technologies.
A technician is just a person with a practical
understanding of technology
A technologist’s position is above that of the technician A technician works under a technologist
Technologist will have an engineering degree Technician will have a lower degree, or some
kind of diploma certificate
Technologist will have to undergo a course that lasts for
three to four years
Generally, a technician course will last for one
to two years
Has a wider range of duties when compared to a
technician
Has specific duties compared with
technologist
Technologist is the team leader, and his duties include
research, analyzing, designing, conducting studies,
resolving problems, interpreting situations, evaluating
situations, developing prototypes and guiding the
technicians
Technician is the person who is involved with
duties like maintenance, repairs and
troubleshooting
Technologist is solely responsible for innovative ideas Technician is responsible for the application of
those ideas
Technologists handle most of the more complex work Duties conduct as per the instructions
provided by technologists
6
8. FURTHER DISCUSSION ON GRADUATE PROFILE
• Technology has been part and parcel of the development of civilization from
prehistoric times, today the world is at the pinnacle of technological advancement.
• The Faculty of Technology was established in order to create a new generation of
Technologists that will aid the nation to advance in technology and be a part of the
evolving global village of technology.
• The University of Sri Jayewardenepura has strong roots that delves into the history
of Higher education in Sri Lanka thereby the university is committed to create
students who are able to seek opportunities while having a sound moral judgment.
• A graduate of the Faculty of Technology while being innovative would solution
oriented will have a keen sense of duty and commitment to the society and the
nation, thereby will attempt to gear the nation towards innovation and economic
development.
8
9. FURTHER DISCUSSION ON GRADUATE PROFILE
• The differences between engineering and engineering technology are not always obvious.
There is a great deal of overlap between the two fields of study.
• Graduates of engineering technology and engineering programs complement each other in
skills and interests. Technologists work with technicians, engineers and scientists to form
technological teams that produce an ever-increasing rate of technological advancement.
• However, the National Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a category called
"technologist" and consequently industrial job titles show little distinction between
technologists and engineers
• A professional engineering technologist's job responsibilities require technical and practical
knowledge. They can apply their abilities in using technical equipment, selling technical
products, serving as manufacturers' technical representatives, or supervising varied
construction projects and manufacturing processes.
• While industrial duties range, the technologist's responsibilities are close to that of an
engineer, and often they work alongside engineers on the various aspects of project
development, production planning, and the final testing of industrial, military or consumer
products.
9
11. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENGINEER AND
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST
Engineering programs Engineering technology programs
• Engineering programs focus more on theories
and advanced concepts. An engineer’s job is
more theoretical and requires scientific and
mathematical knowledge.
• It will usually involve the design of new products.
• Engineers may work in research and
development, may create new products and
processes or work in projects related to process
management.
• Those who graduate from engineering programs
may consider pursuing graduate school to
further improve their interests.
• Engineering technology programs focus on the
application and implementation of ideas and
emphasize hands-on learning.
• Engineering technology programs teach people
how to apply engineering techniques to solve
real-world problems
• Engineering technology graduates may pursue
such roles as engineering technicians if they’ve
earned an associate degree or engineering
technologists if they earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Engineering technologists must have extensive
knowledge of the equipment and materials
needed to design, create, operate and maintain
technical products.
• Generally, they may estimate project costs and
suggest ways to improve productivity.
11
14. PROGRAM OUTCOMES AS STATED IN THE IESL
ACCREDITATION MANUAL FOR ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME (SYDNEY ACCORD)
PO1: Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
PO2: Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large;
PO3: In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline (as set out in Appendix B);
PO4: Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
PO5: Ability to utilize a systems approach to design and operational performance;
PO6: Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with
the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member;
PO7: Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional
engineer, and the need for sustainable development;
PO8: Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development;
PO9: Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them; and
PO10: Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and capacity to do so.
14
16. * HAVE A PLAN
•Study the career path relevant to your degree
•Identify job roles appropriate to your degree
•Review job roles over the internet and local
newspapers
•Identify companies in the field of your interest
16
20. WHAT DO COMPANIES WANT?
• Commercial awareness
• Organizing
• Persistence and Motivation
• Confidence
• Work ethics
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Discipline
• Fair and respect
• Responsible and accountable
20
21. BE REALISTIC……
• No one starts from the top
• You need to gain experience in your field ……
polish your self
• Do research on salaries in your field …. At your
level
• Remember …… finding a job is a hard work
• It takes time and efforts
• Your goal should be to identify each possible
lead
• Stay focus and persistence …..
21
22. USE INTERNET SMARTLY
• Social media profile
• LinkedIn profile
• Build up your personal brand
• Keep your CV ready
• Talk to your network – networking and virtual links
• Go to websites of targeted companies and search for vacancies
22