I’ve spent the past two years working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Applied Science (BTAS) in order to prepare myself for my professional life. The classes have shaped my knowledge in a tremendous way. A few of the courses have played an especially big role forming and shaping my way of thinking and my strategies for problem solving.
TAS 301-Introduction to Technical Applied Study. This course helped me decide for sure to make a BTAS degree my goal. I learned that technology is not just another word for computers, but humans have always made use of the technology available to them. In fact technology started with Stone Age tools and progressed until our modern day reliance on high tech technology. As technology developed the impact and influence on our civilization has been unbelievable. Human beings solved difficult challenges, both natural and manmade, using technology. I appreciate the uniqueness of the human species.
TAS321-Research for Technical and Applied Studies. This is the class where I started learning how to initiate and carry out a research project. I had a chance to learn and practice critical thinking skills. Searching for relevant information gave me a chance to learn how to use library databases and online databases. The main focus of the class lessons was to analyze and interpret data. I can say with full confidence this was a worthwhile experience. It changed the way I operate at work and outside of work. Now I look at things from different angles and do not rush into making a decision before I research and analyse the information available.
TAS451-Capstone Seminar. The seminar focused on corporations and their social responsibilities. Until I started this course, I had never paid attention to how the corporation I am working for has been functioning from the point of view of corporate sustainable responsibility (CSR). Now I pay attention to the whole corporate operation and how it functions. I think about what kind of role the company plays in the society. I also pay attention to the short and long term goals they have.
Besides the core TAS classes, I have taken many other classes such as Business Law, Communication with disadvantaged people, Cross-cultural Communication, Human Resources Management, Environmental Geography and others. All these classes have influenced me and given me strategies for problem solving. I have gained a broad understanding on how to work and communicate with people, how to see environmental problems in a critical way, and how to interact with both humans and the environment.
Work Experience
Since my Applied Science in Aviation Technology program ended, I have been working for three years as an aircraft technician. As a technician, I work individually as well as within a group. BTAS has taught me how to communicate with co-workers, how to see things from different perspectives, and how to solve problems using the practical concepts and principles I have learned.
My Strengths and Weakness
One of my best strengths is dedication. I believe in working hard. I am very dedicated to getting a job done effectively. When I have a goal in mind I am able to stay focused and do what is necessary to make sure the job is well done. I also am a good team player. I love working in a diverse environment. I enjoy working on tasks with a group of people who have exactly the same goal. I like to hear ideas from different team members on how to solve technical problems. Discussing the pros and cons to find the best way to overcome a challenge makes work more interesting. I do not insist on always being right and I have found it is a good way to learn some important tactics. I am able to keep a positive attitude no matter how stressful a situation is. Having a cheerful, optimistic person working on the team helps the team members focus on solving problems instead of giving up hope when the work becomes difficult. If I needed to make a list of my strengths I would include the following: hard worker, dedicated and committed to my work, team player, and I take responsible for the work I have done. I am always punctual for meetings and appointments. I learn quickly from my mistakes and from the mistakes of others. Not only am I an optimist, I am also open minded.
I have several weaknesses I have to improve and change them to positive outcome. I also have weaknesses although I am trying to improve. I have a tendency to try to accomplish too much. I am not a good public speaker. I feel shy about asking questions. I am so focused on my work that I have no time to socialize. I easily trust other people and am not necessarily a good judge of people. I need to work on my planning skills such as having to do with travel, paying bills, and school assignments. The planning skills are due to the way I focus on work without paying attention to anything else.
I also have some work related weaknesses but they are not one hundred percent negative. I do not take risks such as operating aircraft unless someone is with me. I do take risks trusting the work of my co-workers so I may sign their work card without checking their work. When it comes to paper work I am unorganized but I can always find what I need.
I would like to conclude by mentioning my ability to work with people; I am able to organize and mobilize people. I can explain to people, the beliefs that are important to me. For example I am able to convince people of the importance of joining the workers’ union.
