Career Episode Report Example for Engineering Technologist

Ellie Tondon
7 min readJul 6, 2021

Migrant engineers applying to Engineers Australia must submit three career episode reports as part of their competency demonstration report (CDR) (CERs). Engineers Australia’s Career Episode Report provides extensive information on the technical and other abilities that an engineer utilized for the project mentioned. In your career episodes, you must exhibit your professional abilities. Here is an example of a Career Episode Report for an Engineering Technologist.

INTRODUCTION

Career Episode 1.1

To summarize my first career episode, I choose the laboratory project “Wave Tank- Design and Dimensioning.” This was one of the most important projects I worked on during my four-year Bachelor of Maritime Technology degree from 2011 to 2015. My undergraduate studies were finished at XXX (University name and location). The project lasted from October 1, 2013, to January 27, 2014, and it was directed by Prof. Dr A. After completion, the project report was administered by the Department of Maritime Technology and presented in front of faculty members and classmates. This was a five-person team effort, of which I was one.

BACKGROUND

Career Episode 1.2

Throughout my engineering bachelor’s degree, I was involved in a variety of projects. Those projects not only helped me excel in numerous courses but also provided me with real-world experience. To satisfy my curiosity about maritime energy planning and maritime energy, I enrolled in “Measuring and Plant Engineering” as a course subject in term 3. Because the university requires students to complete projects based on real-world issues, I completed this project during my term five studies on Maritime Energy Systems. The main gist of the research was to build a wave tank for use in the laboratory.

Career Episode 1.3

The project’s primary goal is to broaden one’s understanding of engineering and work as part of a team. The objective of this very project was to build a wave tank for simulation purposes. The following are some of the other primary goals:

  • System construction for wave generators
  • Design of a wave absorber system
  • Sensor-based measurement of different wave characteristics

Career Episode 1.4

The project research was performed as part of my postgraduate course in Maritime Technology at the XX (University name and location). Provide a proper layout of the organizational structure that depicts your role in the project.

Career Episode 1.5

This project was completed in a group of five persons. Thus each member of the group was assigned a distinct aspect of management. My first task was to create a time chart, also known as a Gantt chart, to schedule the start and finish times of the activities carried out in the projects. My primary responsibility in the project was to design the wave absorber within the available working area constraints and test its stability. I also made the tank’s foundation plate to smooth out the plate’s surface. Finally, after finishing the projection, I presented it to faculty members and classmates.

PERSONAL ENGINEERING ACTIVITY

Career Episode 1.6

This was a research lab project completed as part of my Bachelor’s degree in a team of five persons. To ensure the project’s success, I had to carry out my tasks correctly and on time. Initially, I created a time chart, also known as a Gantt chart, to plan for the start and completion of various tasks during the project duration. My understanding of project management enabled me to create the chart quickly. Following this fundamental stage, I had to develop the wave absorber.

To do this, I had to conduct extensive studies in wave theory as well as absorption theory. I received insight on numerous variables to be addressed throughout the design process after researching various publications, course books, and the internet. Until recently, I had only learned about various absorbers from a literature study. After finishing the wave absorber design, I created the base plate to eliminate uneven surfaces.

Career Episode 1.7

A prototype of a wave absorber system. For this reason, I had to identify the absorption principle and select appropriate design materials. Suitable design materials are those that are not too expensive, do not corrode when used in water, and are widely accessible on the market. To choose these materials, I applied everything I’d learned about material science.

Wave absorption is the transmission of energy between photons and electrons in an atom. Wave absorbers are pieces of equipment that prevent the wave from reflecting. To begin, the wave absorber system was separated into two distinct components in the design. The absorber’s front section was made up of 25 plates parallel to each other, and each had a length of 15cm. The back part was made up of a single large triangular. Because of the parallel plates, the wave could not reverse, causing the wave to break repeatedly. Perspex was used to make this prototype.

The first absorber’s results were poor when the testing was completed. As a result, I created the next prototype. I created the second prototype by altering the prior absorber’s back portion. A big triangle was divided into two smaller pieces, one of which had an acute angle. This resulted in a 70% reduction in wave height, allowing us to suit our design area. It was proven to be superior to the previous design.

Following the trials of two distinct absorber designs, the third one was created with further changes. Instead of Perspex, which is less expensive and more frequently accessible, aluminium was used for this design. This absorber comprises 48 parallel plates of 0.15m length, 1mm thickness, and a 5-degree slope angle in the centre part. The following change in this design is the use of a more significant number of parallel plates. Eleven parallel plates, 0.06m long and 2mm thick, positioned at a 45-degree angle to the shoreline. The ultimate absorber is seen in the diagram below.

Engineering Technologist Career Episode Sample

Career Episode 1.8

I calculated the stability of the various types of absorbers after developing them. I used a computer to calculate the second moment of inertia of all the absorbers.

Career Episode 1.9

I created the foundation plate after finishing the final absorber. The foundation plate enabled the design to make the operating ground smooth and easy to assemble all other components. Polyoxymethylene was chosen for the foundation plate because of its low creep, excellent stability, and low water absorption. I added more mounting points to the tank to ensure that there will be no mounting issues in the future.

Career Episode 1.10

Throughout the project, all team members were obliged to produce a weekly report on the work done. As a result, I used to prepare the weekly progress report and send it to the supervisor. At the end of the fifth term, I also presented my piece in front of faculty members and students. Finally, the final report was created and sent to the department by compiling all of the reports of each member.

Career Episode 1.11

Various difficulties arose during the project, and I dealt with them using various methods. The first problem arose as a result of the extended boundary requirement. Because of the usage of prefabricated basins, the working area was limited to 2.5m in length, 0.5m in width, and 0.66m in height. During the simulation, I discovered that the shallow water would cause a wave of greater length to be disturbed, so I had to consider other options.

After having problems with a passive absorber, I considered trying an active one. However, during my study, I discovered that active absorbers are pretty costly. So, utilizing my fluid mechanics expertise, I updated the prior passive absorber. Based on online research and discussions with other team members. By reducing the slope angle of the center portion to 5 degrees, I was able to enhance the absorber.

The second issue was the stability of the absorber’s front plates. Because the first absorber I developed was highly unstable, I had to seek another adjustment. As a result, I adjusted the angle at the middle of the absorber. As a consequence, the absorber with a 5-degree angle in the center part had the best stability. This answer resulted from my considerable research in the subject of wave absorption theory and contact with my supervisor, Prof. Dr. A.

Career Episode 1.12

This project was the culmination of the team’s efforts. We had five persons in the group, and each team member was given a distinct set of tasks. We used to meet after courses regularly to discuss the progress of our project. We also used to prepare weekly progress reports and present them at group meetings. After reviewing progress, I used to analyze it using the Gantt chart, and if the goal were not accomplished as anticipated, we would try the following week again.

Not only that, but we would also discuss the project’s challenges via mobile phones and other modes of contact such as Skype, email, and so on. I also met with our supervisor once a week and frequently interacted with him via email. During the most challenging times, our supervisor used to guide us. As a result of constant contact, we were able to complete our responsibilities on time.

SUMMARY

Career Episode 1.13

This project, “Wave Tank- Design and Dimensioning,” was the first in my life that helped me learn about numerous physics and wave theory concepts. It also assisted me in applying academic information to real-world scenarios. It expands my knowledge of wave characteristics, notably wave absorption. The project’s aim and objectives, which were specified from the start, were met within the time frame given. Because of outstanding team teamwork and communication, the project was finished on time. Everyone in the department, including our supervisor, commended the team members for their efforts.

I created two critical components of the wave tank on my own: the wave absorber and the foundation plate. Even though I experienced several obstacles during the assignment, I overcame them by drawing on my knowledge of various disciplines and using the internet. Finally, once the project was completed, it was presented in front of faculty members and classmates. We were able to fulfil our goals thanks to the equitable efforts of all members. To summarize, I completed my work with great dedication and passion, and my understanding of physics grew.

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