Research report
For this assignment you will write a recommendation memo report on one of the topics described below. The report may be written with a partner or individually. If you decide to work with a partner, your partner must be in the same program as you. The minimum word count for the assignment (1,500 words) remains the same whether you work with a partner or by yourself. If a group has three partners, the minimum word count increases to 2,000 words.
TOPIC 1
Many programs offer the flexibility of different career options for students after graduation, and it may be a challenge for students to decide on a specific career after graduation. Write a recommendation report suggesting the best career/job option within your field of study for students in your program. Research at least three career choices and analyze the findings by comparing the earnings, security, working conditions, or any other measurable criteria about these career choices. Recommend the best option for students in your program and how they can achieve the recommended career.
Your report will recommend:
1) The best career
2) An action plan for people to follow to get into that particular field (course selection, co-op placement, etc.)
Include information on:
Background – provide information on career opportunities (duties, requirements, etc.)
Findings – present data to compare (conditions, salary, promotions, etc.)
Conclusion – analyze and summarize the data
Recommendation – recommend the best career and list and explain the actions to be taken to achieve the recommended career
Guidelines for Writing Research Report
• Use memo format with appropriate margins and guide words as explained in our textbook (pp. 234-235). A title page is not needed. The memo is from you (the student/students) and addressed to Donna Fairholm (the receiver).
• Double space within paragraphs and between paragraphs. Also, double space between sections. Use Times New Roman, 12 point font throughout the report. The report must be a minimum of 1500 words, 2000 words for a group of three students.
• Use inductive strategy to organize the report. That is, give your recommendations at the end of the report. The report will have the following sections: introduction, background, findings, conclusion, and recommendation. Begin the report with a brief introduction which introduces the focus of the report and explains the research methods used. Then have a background section that gives the information about the careers or volunteer positions. After this section, present the findings, the data which compares the careers or volunteer positions, followed by a conclusion section which analyzes and summarizes the data. End the report with a recommendation section which explains the recommended career or volunteer position as well as lists and explains the actions to be taken to achieve the goal of getting the recommended career or volunteer position.
• Choose appropriate headings and sub-headings for the various sections and ensure that the headings are in parallel structure.
• Use third-person pronouns throughout most of the report though you may use first-person pronouns in the introduction. Present your findings and analyses objectively, not subjectively, thus focussing on the career or volunteer job, not on yourself in the career or job.
• Use present tense verbs throughout most of the report, though there may be times when you can use future tense or perhaps even past tense.
• Have enough detail in each of the sections to give the reader a clear understanding of background information, findings, conclusion, and recommendation. The use of statistics, if available, makes the report more specific, but do not make up numbers. You may add a limitations section if appropriate.
• Include a minimum of five in-text citations (APA style) in the report, making sure that citations are used everywhere they are required, no matter the number. ALL information taken from secondary sources must be properly cited in order for the report to be marked.
• List sources in a reference section (APA style) at the end of the report. You must have a minimum of five different sources, ALL of which must be reliable sources (databases, scholarly journals, government websites etc.). The reference section is not part of the required word count. Sources must be properly listed in the reference page in order for the report to be marked.
• Hand in two copies of the report: a hard copy to the teacher and an electronic copy through Blackboard.
• Ensure that the report is yours and is written in your own words. Borrowed or plagiarized reports will not be marked and will receive a grade of 0%
SAMPLE REPORT
Memorandum
Date: July 16, 2013
To: Donna Fairholm, ESL Instructor, Humber College
From: Diana Longhi, Electronics Engineering Technology Student, Humber College
Subject: RECOMMENDATION REPORT ON THE BEST ELECTRONICS CAREER
INTRODUCTION
As you requested, I am sending this recommendation report that analyses what I have identified as the best career option within the Electronics Engineering Technology sector.
The focus of the report is determining the best job option available to students graduating in my program.
My conclusion is based on the comparison of four main criteria: requirements, earnings, security, working conditions, and benefits. The data presented was obtained through online research, databases and texts.
An action plan was also developed to help anyone interested in starting a career as an Electronics Engineering Technologist.
BACKGROUND
The electronics industry plays a vital role in many different areas. Fiber optics installation, avionics, communication, robotics and home automation are just some examples of the options available to whoever is interested in starting a career in the field.
In addition, the electronics occupational sector is continuously evolving. As new opportunities develop in the field, a larger range of jobs is available to people involved in this area.
The positions available vary significantly according to the level of education. Therefore, understanding how much time and money is possible to spend at school is essential to effectively plan a career in electronics.
CAREERS
ELECTRONICS ENGINEER
DUTIES:
• Analyze the requirements through theoretical knowledge.
• Determine efficiency and reliability of a project.
• Compare materials to achieve a good cost-quality rapport.
• Report detailed conclusions over studies conducted.
• Design and develop electronic devices.
• Test and inspect electronic equipment.
• Recommend solutions and strategies.
• Supervise technicians, technologists and other engineers.
(Rowh,1999, & CareerCruising)
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Human Resouces and Skills Develpment Canada explains that a Bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering or in a related subject, such as electrical engineering or engineering science, is fundamental to obtain the title of Engineer-In-Training (EIT).
After several years of experience in the field and the successful completion of an exam,
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) releases the license required to work as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario. As experience is gained in this career, the title of Senior Engineer is obtained (2013).
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Office and laboratory environments are the most common working places for electronics engineers. However, inspection and supervision of working sites can be required. In some cases, engineers travel around the country or internationally. An electronics engineer needs to be able to adapt to different working conditions. Electronics engineers should expect to work 40-45 hours per week (CareerCruising). As extra evening and weekend work may be requested, a flexible schedule is the prospective for most of those who enter this career.
SALARY
As the demand for electronic components is increasing, the outlook for electronics engineers is good. The Canadian government states that this is the third largest group of professional engineers in Ontario (HRSD, 2013). In addition, the demand for intermediate and senior level engineers is reported to be greater than the one for junior engineers.
The average salary trend for an electronics engineer working in the Ontario region is shown by the graph on the right (Indeed, 2012-2013).
It is important to specify that the national average salary for this career is 14% higher than that of the Ontario one ($73,000).
BENEFITS:
The 2013 survey conducted by HRSD shows that engineers’ benefits include health and dental insurance, paid sick leave and vacation time, and pension plan contributions. Some companies provide additional advantage. Moreover, belonging to an engineer’s association increases the range of possible bonuses.
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST
DUTIES:
• Operate with testing devices.
• Measure and analyze the performance of electronic equipment.
• Report the testing conducted.
• Assist engineers in the design and in the development of projects.
• Test and inspect electronic equipment.
• Install, repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Conduct and supervise installations.
(Rowh,1999, & CareerCruising)
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
HRSD describes that a three-year program at a college or a technical institute is required for electronics engineering technologists. Some institutes also offer 2+1 programs where the first two years lead to a diploma in electronics engineering, while the optional third year is for those who want to achieve the title of technologist.
OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) regulates this career and provides certification after a two-year supervised work experience and successful completion of an exam. Being part of this organization provides privileges such as an international recognition and insurance discounts.
Upgrading skills and education are essential as the sector evolves (2013).
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Since Technologists mainly work in laboratories, dangerous conditions are limited. Nevertheless, protective clothing such as masks and gloves might be needed during the performance of special operations.
As the job includes solving designing problems before given dead-lines, and balancing quality and cost of products, the ability of dealing with stress is essential.
The working hours are in the range of 40 per week and night shifts are often required. (CareerCruising).
SALARY:
Although technological change, employment demand for technologists will be fair in the next two years because of the critical economic situation (HRSD, 2013). However, this position will increase in the long term as a result of the continuous technological innovations.
The graph on the right illustrates the highly varying average salary for job postings as electronics technologists. This is due to the different levels of experience and education required. According to Indeed, the salary range varies from $35,000 to $80,000 a year depending on the type of equipment and systems that technologists use. Junior technologists earn from $25,000 to $45,000 a year, while seniors’ salary can be more than $125,000 a year. Ontario’s technologists should expect to earn 14% less than the Canadian average because of the critical economic situation (2012-2013).
BENEFITS:
Dental coverage, pension plan, and paid vacation and sick days are the basic benefits that a technologist receives. Moreover, OACETT membership allows the access to career development options as well as special insurance coverage: life, extended health, home, automobile, professional liability, eyewear, hotels, and clothing (HRSD, 2013).
ELECTRONICS REPAIRER
DUTIES:
• Analyze malfunctioning devices and determine the problem.
• Use tools to test and fix equipment.
• Read technical manuals and diagrams.
• Repair or replace broken parts.
• Record the work performed.
• Relate to customers.
• Give advice on the proper use of equipment.
(Rowh,1999, & CareerCruising)
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
An electronics repairer career is described by HRSD as a position needing good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination as minute work is required.
Both college training and apprenticeship can lead to this career. Certificate programs of one year are available as well as diploma courses that last 2-3 years. The number of training years is directly proportional to the acquired knowledge of the sector. Apprenticeship has an average duration of four years on-the-job training (2013).
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Repairers can expect to work not only in manufacturing plants but also in repair shops and customers’ homes. The working environment can be described as generally safe.
Employees in this occupation need to be able to deal with different customers and be courteous in the various possible situations. Stress might result from customer service problems. On the other hand, more relaxed working conditions can derive from little supervision.
Although some customers may require special hours and work “on-call” for emergencies , 40 hours per week with occasional extra work is the average. Repairers should also expect to work on shifts (CareerCruising).
SALARY:
According to HRSD, occupational opportunities have lowered as modern technologies are less expensive and the reparation cost results less convenient than a replacement. On the other hand, technologies’ usage is increasing and future sophisticated devices might be convenient to repair. Therefore, repairers’ employment level is expected to increase over the next years (2013).
The actual employment level is mainly related to those industries that possess highly expensive machinery.
The above graph underlines the relationship between the demand and the salary trend for this job. Salaries have significantly dropped in April 2013 because of the few requests of repair.
Yearly income varies from $12,000 to $34,000 according to experience, education level and number of customers. Self-employed repairers can earn up to $50,000 (Indeed, 2012-2013).
BENEFITS:
Canadian Human Resources says that medical, dental, life insurance, and group insurance benefits are usually provided. However, benefits largely depend on the contract stipulated with different employers (2013).
CONCLUSION
Careers Comparison Table:
Career Electronics Engineer Electronics Engineering Technologist Electronics Repairer
Requirements Bachelor’s Degree College Education Apprenticeship or College Education
Average Earnings $73,000 $45,000 $13,000
Security Level High High High
Working Conditions Office and Laboratory Laboratory Costumer service
Benefits PEO Related OACETT Related Employer Related
The electronic engineer position is the best career in the electronic field. The above table highlights that the analyzed occupations are similar in security level, working conditions and benefits. Conversely, the differences in education and income are relevant.
Engineers possess the highest salary and education levels. Consequently, this category have a better understanding of the functioning of electronics, and the income gained consent a comfortable life-style. On the other hand, education requires an investment of time and money for this career.
RECOMENDATION
It is safer to obtain an electronics engineering technologist diploma before a bachelor’s degree in electronics.
This option allows students to gain knowledge of the sector without spending an excessive amount of time and money. Students can not only ensure that they want a career in electronics, but they can also acquire manual skills through these programs. In addition, many colleges offer diploma to degree paths that allow graduates to gain admission and apply for advanced standing in a degree program.
Here a brief list of actions to be taken to become a successful electronic engineer:
1. Complete an electronics engineering technologist diploma to explore the field, obtain manual skills, and improve working conditions.
2. Become a member of OACETT.
3. Obtain a job as a technologist and start acquiring experience and saving money for upgrading education level.
4. Select a university according to prestige, location, and advance standing opportunities.
5. Complete the Electronics Bachelor Degree.
6. Become a member of PEO to work as a Professional Engineer
The data collected and analysed helped me to identify the electronic engineer as the best career option within the Electronics Engineering Technology sector.
References
CareerCruising. Electronics engineer. Retrieved from https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/profile-at-a-glance/639
CareerCruising. Electronics engineeing tech. Retrieved from https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/profile-at-a-glance/160
CareerCruising. Electronics repairer. Retrieved from https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/profile-at-a-glance/161
Human Resouces and Skills Development Canada. (2013, February). 2242-Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment). Retrieved from http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/ProfileQuickSearch.aspx?val=2&val1=2242
Human Resouces and Skills Development Canada. (2013, February). 2241-Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians. Retrieved from http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/ProfileQuickSearch.aspx?val=2&val1=2241
Human Resouces and Skills Development Canada. (2013, February). 2133-Electrical and electronics engineers. Retrieved from http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Profile.aspx?val1=2133
Indeed. (2013, April). [Figure 1- Salary Trend 2011-2013] Electronics repairer Salary in Ontario, CA. Retrieved from http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Electronics+repairer&l1=Ontario%2C+CA
Indeed. (2013, April). [Figure 2- Salary Trend 2011-2013] Electronics engineer Salary in Ontario, CA. Retrieved from http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Electronics+engineer+&l1=Ontario%2C+CA
Indeed. (2013, April). [Figure3- Salary Trend 2011-2013] Electronics technologist Salary in Ontario, CA. Retrieved from http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Electronics++technologist&l1=Ontario%2C+CA
Rowh, M. (1999). Opportunities in electronics careers. VGM Career Horizons.