Expert: Dr. Abdulaziz Jarkas - 10/13/2006

Question
    Hello, my name is Izell Comford. Currently, I attend the University of California San Diego.  I am a freshmen at the univesity and I am attending a Introduction to Engineering class.  Our first required project is to study a field of engineering and to interview an engineer. The engineer doesn't have to specialize in the chosen engineer field that I chose to major in. I am very interested in getting a degree in engineering and specializing in chemical engineering.  I was wondering if you could answer any or all of these questions to help me with my report.

1. What engineering discipline did you graduate in?
2. To what extent do the knowledge and principles of that discipline apply towards your current job?
3. What industry sector do you work in?
4. What percentage of your time is spent in the various engineering job functions (design, test, development, management, etc.)?

>What is your job title?

>Please describe your particular job and duties.

>What is your average day's work schedual?

>Starting with high school, describe your educational background chronologically.

>If you had it to do over, related to you carrer and/or education, would you do anything different?

>What advice would you give to me as someone interested in a carrer in engineering?  

Answer
Dear Izell,

Please find the answers to your questions below:

1. What engineering discipline did you graduate in?
Civil Engineering

2. To what extent do the knowledge and principles of that discipline apply towards your current job?
To a very high extent

3. What industry sector do you work in?
Construction Management

4. What percentage of your time is spent in the various engineering job functions (design, test, development, management, etc.)?
80% Technical Consultations and 20% Training

>What is your job title?
Consultant

>Please describe your particular job and duties.
Technical Consultations & Training of Staff - Construction Engineering & Management

>What is your average day's work schedual?
8 to 9 hours

>Starting with high school, describe your educational background chronologically.
HS Diploma, BSCE, MSE, PhD (Civil Engineering)

>If you had it to do over, related to you carrer and/or education, would you do anything different?
Yes, I'll go to the Medical School - not because this field is better than Civil Engineering, it's simply because I'm very much interested in Medical Sciences.

>What advice would you give to me as someone interested in a carrer in engineering?
As long as you are interested in this field, I'm sure you'll excell, thus good luck and all the best.

Kind regards,

Dr. A. Jarkas