Enrich CV to get universities to notice me - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 01:09:15 pm
content: Yo !I'm gonna summarize the situation I'm in. I'm studying electrical engineering in a university which doesn't want me to succeed. It might be hard to believe, but trust me, it's the truth. I need to "escape" from it without losing the years I spent there. Problem : the university in itself isn't really a world renowned university, plus my grades are... well... pathetic. I need to show my skills in another way, but how ? How can we get university to acknowledge our experience in another way than grades ?

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 01:24:59 pm
content: Well, what do you know? There are some ways of gaining recognition - publication, work on open source projects, enter competitions...It should be noted though that universities, just as any organizations have to adhere to some set of rules - it might not matter if you are brilliant, you still might need to jump through the standard hoops.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 01:25:24 pm
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 02, 2015, 01:09:15 pmWho cares what they want? You alone have the ability to pass or fail exams.QuoteSo improve them, that's entirely up to you. It is not the universities job to hand hold you.QuoteWhy should they care about your experience?

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 01:30:18 pm
content: QuoteDave, to be fair, there is precedent for transferring some classes (for example, if you studied and passed the class Math 101 at one place there's a good chance that you can skip the otherwise mandatory class Math 101 at a different place). Also, there are grants, stipendiums and similar benefits that might be offered to exceptional students, regardless of their grades - depending on the flexibility of the system ofcourse.

author: MatthewEveritt
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 01:32:05 pm
content: A university degree is a measure of your ability to pass university exams / assignments. No more, no less, unless you get a very good faculty that actively wants you to do well (as opposed to the faculty being seen as doing well - two very different things)

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 01:51:17 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 02, 2015, 01:25:24 pmCorruption, that's the problem. If things were straightforward, I wouldn't ask something as desperate as this.

author: matseng
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 01:59:55 pm
content: You could study in Thailand...From what I seen here you're virtually guaranteed to pass any courses taken here. You simply cannot fail even if you try, for instance getting 7 out of 100 in your English classes here gives you a good grade.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 02:04:11 pm
content: Quote from: matseng on June 02, 2015, 01:59:55 pmSeriously ? And they are willing to recognize previous education from another university ?

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 03:43:07 pm
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 02, 2015, 01:09:15 pmWhy your grades are pathetic? Do you expect them to be better in another university?Loosing one academic year is not the end of the world. The question is, will you do better in another university?There are colleges that offer credit for 'life experience' but most of them are scams.http://www.geteducated.com/life-experience-college-degree/162-is-a-life-experience-online-degree-a-scam

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 03:57:09 pm
content: Enrich, yes, tell lies, no. Just be aware that bullshit artists can be spotted quite easily.Rewrite your CV to enhance the things that you're good at and don't mention your poorer attributes. If your Professor is willing to give you a reference then mention this, you may also be able to approach other senior teaching staff in this regard.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2015, 08:46:54 pm
content: If you are at the undergrad level, then most universities that you try to transfer to will likely require you to pass difference exams or even send you straight back to the freshman year - especially if your current marks are poor. I don't know a reputable university that admits students based on CVs and where an "enriched" CV would help you (unless we are talking postgraduate level, but I think that is not your case).I don't know your situation, but the proper procedure is to find a university you are interested in attending and then contact their rectorate - most universities have a specialized office for exchange/transfer students and they will tell you right away what criteria you would need to fulfill to have your existing exams recognized and whether it is even possible. They will also tell you things like visa requirements, tuition fees, etc.On the other hand - if your marks are bad, are you sure you want to actually transfer them to another uni? No university will transcribe a poor mark to a better mark, even less if you are transferring from some unknown place where they cannot verify the standards easily.Getting marks/exams transferred is difficult enough even within Europe despite the Bologna accords and often hard to impossible with overseas universities. Poor marks will likely disqualify you from various subsidies, bursaries and stipends. They may even impact your final graduation - e.g. for me one screwed up freshman course was the difference between graduating normally and cum laude ... Instead of carrying that baggage over a better option may be to simply bite the bullet, write the years off and start over, if you can afford it.

author: John_ITIC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 03:11:06 am
content: Universities are academic institutions so any real-life experience is irrelevant. Theoretical knowledge is measured via tests; the practical stuff cannot be easily graded in an academic environment.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 03:31:51 am
content: Quote from: daqq on June 02, 2015, 01:30:18 pmOf course, that's basic advanced standing/exemption stuff.But I've yet to hear of a Uni that would give you exemptions on theory classes (which is what Uni mostly all is) because you have industry experience or some other practical experience.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 03:35:25 am
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 02, 2015, 02:04:11 pmYes, not uncommon at all.It's easier and sometime "automatic" when two universities are affiliated, or there is some sort of framework system in place.For example, in Australia there is a framework in place that gets you credit in university engineering for having studied engineering at TAFE (equivalent to "community college" or 3 year dilpoma courses in other countries perhaps).And some universities also have transfer programs with other universities.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 03:39:49 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 02, 2015, 08:50:58 pmNot in my experience. I've met many students who hated engineering and/or had zero personal interest in it, but they aced the exams. Because it's not that hard pass any test if you are good at studying and doing previous exams etc. Many don't understand much about what they are learning, but they are good at passing tests.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 08:00:19 pm
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 02, 2015, 01:51:17 pmWhat country are you in? Can you give me/us some details? Is it really pure financial corruption, or us-know-us arrangements?If it's the last case, look carefully if your new university is really better at that.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2015, 08:02:52 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 03, 2015, 03:39:49 amMost of that kind of guys I know became succesful in sales, marketing or management.Knowing where the points are gained, not held back by any real technical knowledge or interest.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 01:47:38 pm
content: Quote from: Galenbo on June 03, 2015, 08:00:19 pmAlgeria. It's financial, us-know-us and "get under the desk, young lady" kind of corruption.Quote from: zapta on June 02, 2015, 03:43:07 pmGrades are pathetic because of the "segregation" there is between students. And yes, I'm sure changing university will help me improve them.By the way, when I say "bad grades", I mean really average marks, the kind of marks that just allow me to get to the superior year.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 04:50:01 pm
content: Sorry, it's terrible, but I smiled because of the "get under the desk, young lady"-corruption.On a more constructive note: Expose the people, they have more to loose, than you do. Film them or tape, when the suggest the desk crawling or money giving. Do it together with other students. I realize Algeria is very different place from central Europe, but there must be a sensible way to do it, if you are not alone.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 05:08:10 pm
content: Quote from: con-f-use on June 04, 2015, 04:50:01 pmThat's very easy to say if you've never been exposed to people in power in these sort of countries and the way they operate. There is a very real possibility of severe personal harm from attempting such a thing.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2015, 09:55:35 pm
content: Quote from: con-f-use on June 04, 2015, 04:50:01 pmIt would be useful to expose that kind of behavior. The problem is that it has already been exposed. Everydoby coped at least 20 times in their lifetime with corruption, whether in a benefic or harmful way. Everybody is corrupted, from the president to the bakery down the street. It's so mainstream, man. My only way is to get away.

author: signal
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2015, 02:16:43 am
content: Not sure if it was mentioned, but what University are we talking about?In the US we have ABET accreditation, and that is the minimum standard you want for serious engineering education in the US. I am not sure what they have in your country but likely something similar. "Bad University" is a harsh concept, although I don't doubt they exist. What is usually more common is Bad Professors, which everyone is bound to be subjected to at some point in their education. Also do not rely on classes and teachers to teach you everything. Engineering can be very boring and dry, UNLESS you have a real passion for it, then its fascinating, but there are always boring parts, and you must put as much effort into those as you do the stuff you really enjoy. The first few years of EE may not be very geared toward electronics at all, but rather Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, etc, but its important that you are able to succeed at those.You're not going to be able to pump your resume to get any real University to notice. They aren't impressed with things that are relatively easy to obtain. Just be genuine.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2015, 11:37:08 pm
content: Quote from: signal on June 05, 2015, 02:16:43 amThere's nothing in my country to determine minimum standards. For the rest, I know that I can't rely on university to get real knowledge, but I need this knowledge to be recognized. I need that my personal project help me prove that I worth it, that the grades I obtain are just numbers tampered by despot teachers.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 12:39:47 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 06, 2015, 12:59:41 pmBy voting with my feet, you mean getting away ?If that's the case, that's what I'm trying to do, I just need a way to show universities that I'm worth it. What's the best way for this ? Personal projects or something like this ?

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 03:30:58 am
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 04, 2015, 01:47:38 pmI suggest to you go to France. Can you speak French? Tertiary education is free there. On the positive side, there is not much corruption in France and the education quality is very good. On the negative side, France is polluted with excessive government bureaucracy and an inefficient public service. So it might take time to get things sorted out. But being Algerian makes immigration there easier.Don't waste your time with dodgy countries where anyone can pass a course. I have found some engineering "graduates" from some countries are as useless as an udder on a bull. At the end of the day, you have to have your marks and your degree, but destructive writers (those who lose the knowledge when the ink dries on the exam paper) only do harm to themselves and I for one weed them out at interviews. You will find the things you learn (especially control theory), should not be forgotten but will be useful throughout your engineering life.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 11:56:59 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 07, 2015, 02:25:56 amBut what should I put on my resume ? And how can I prove that what I wrote is true ?Quote from: VK3DRB on June 07, 2015, 03:30:58 amI have to contradict you about France. Most Algerian students try to get there, so it gets harder to obtain a visa. Plus the atmosphere is getting tense for people like me. For the record, a famous singer in Algeria sent his son to study there. He was a kind and sociable boy, so he befriended a old woman in his neighborhood. The woman got killed, and guess who was the scapegoat ? Police didn't even bother to seach for other tracks. 20 years in jail.It's an extreme case, but it gives you an idea why I'm not specially fond of this country.Anyway, the problem is not about WHERE I'm gonna study, but HOW... Most universities don't enroll people in 3rd year except for special cases, and I wan't to know how to be a special case.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 12:42:38 pm
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 07, 2015, 11:56:59 amGive me the name of the country where this is different.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 02:46:07 pm
content: Quote from: Galenbo on June 07, 2015, 12:42:38 pmI know there is injustice all over the world, but in France, there is a real grudge against arabs (especially from Maghreb).

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 04:08:10 pm
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 04, 2015, 01:47:38 pmDepends where you live. Toulouse is a great university city and there is not much racism there. Algerians who are there to work or study don't have a problem. It is arguably the best city in France to live, except for the annoying dog crap on the footpaths. People are generally more friendly in Toulouse than in Paris (and Marseilles). Immigrants are discriminated against much more in places where the dangerous Marine Le Pen and her National Front polls well, like Alsace.If you studied in France, you could get credits for those subjects already studied. Hence transfer in third year. I suggest you at least write to École Nationale Supérieure d’Électrotechnique, d’Électronique, d’Informatique, d’Hydraulique et des Télécommunications, au Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse. As bureaucratic as the French are, the fact you are Algerian might actually allow them to recognise the work you have already done.What about contacting another Algerian university? Other than that, maybe you should just continue with what you are doing - do your best and work your hardest. Another alternative is to escalate you concern through the proper channels in your university.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 05:49:20 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on June 07, 2015, 04:08:10 pmAs strange as it might seem, I'm currently studying in the best engineering university in Algeria... And there are no "proper channel", everything is rotten here.I'll give it a try, about France, Thanks for the advice. Still, I have to give them a proper resume, nice and bouncy. I need ideas on how to do that.

author: signal
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 08:30:00 pm
content: I am not sure the "resume" is as important as your making it. Don't you have a decent academic record? That is going to be weighed first and foremost.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2015, 11:15:07 pm
content: Quote from: signal on June 07, 2015, 08:30:00 pmI just keep having 10, plus I repeated a year. It's not a decent resume.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2015, 06:10:12 am
content: Quote from: Kamiomi on June 07, 2015, 02:46:07 pmNot towards the ones we worked with.Look like you have ambition to become a professional victim.The Mojo Chan guy is going to be your best friend.

author: Kamiomi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2015, 12:35:42 pm
content: Quote from: datumplane on June 08, 2015, 03:11:34 amI already checked everthing in relation to visa and money. It should be alright. The only barrier I still have are my results.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2015, 05:53:56 pm
content: Quote from: Galenbo on June 08, 2015, 06:10:12 amI live in France as a foreigner, and, to be honest, I feel lucky that I look white and Caucassian sometimes ...Nobody is going to be openly discriminating against you (that's a BIG taboo), but you will get odd stares, may have problems finding accomodation (many landlords will not rent to foreigners, especially not from Eastern Europe or Maghreb, etc), finding work may be a problem for the same reason, etc. Basically you will be made to feel that you aren't "French" on ocassion, especially by the better off people. Not open racism or xenophobia, most people aren't Le Pen and their ilk, but still ...However, to be fair, it is not better or worse than elsewhere in Europe. Prejudice against foreigners is probably the same everywhere. Usually the people who have never met any foreigners tend to be the worst. I have lived in several EU countries because of my work and I did have my share of unpleasant encounters.E.g. in 2000 I have been told by a drunk German business owner that if not for him, we would be still sweeping streets somewhere in the commie East where we were from. Never mind that we were just coming back from fixing the mess his German employees made - and for 1/10th of their wages too. (that was the difference between a salary of a programmer in Munich and of often a much more competent and better qualified one in Bratislava - except the former had the right passport and the latter one was only a "commie Easterner" born on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain)One my Swiss university "colleague" declared in front of several of my colleagues from Turkey, Mexico and Poland that Europe should have remained the "club of the rich", because all those foreigners are only parasites wanting their wealth. Never mind that his dad is a rich Lebanese businessman and it was only thanks to that that he didn't have to move a finger to have the life he had. That guy probably has probably never realized how lucky he was that he didn't go back home with a bloody nose.And don't get me started on the incredibly offensive pre-election campaigns on occassion - while living in Switzerland during my PhD I have been through the "Polish plumber" debate, the "Kicking out of the black sheep" one too and a few others. It isn't fun at all when your livelihood can be taken away overnight by a political decision and you are constantly being made aware that you aren't welcome by someone, despite paying the taxes as everyone else.This is hard to explain to someone who hasn't been in the same situation. So from this point of view, I can understand Kamiomi quite well.Having said all this, I do realize that there are plenty of problems with poor immigrants - crime, drugs, violence, welfare system abuse etc. I live at the edge of one such poor quarter myself and violence, drugs and car fires are a common occurence. However, painting every immigrant or foreigner with the same wide brush is really unhelpful, the same as pretending that this issue doesn't exist because you haven't been confronted with it personally.