UTS: FACULTY OF ENGINEERING and IT

48100
Professional Practice
Learning Guide
S16

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... 2
About this document ................................................................................................................. 3
Assessment Scenario ................................................................................................................. 3
UTS ONLINE RESOURCES ............................................................................................................ 4
Assessment Task 1: portfolio for Job Application ...................................................................... 5
- Assessment Task 1a Preparation: Benchmarking exercise. ........................................ 5
- Assessment Task 1b: Your Professional Portfolio. ...................................................... 5
Report requirements: ........................................................................................................ 6
Portfolio submission .......................................................................................................... 6
- The job advertisement: Project Engineer ................................................................... 7
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (Portfolio): detailed explanation ...................................... 8
- About me and my experiences ................................................................................... 8
- Communicate effectively ............................................................................................ 9
- Demonstrates commitment to life-long learning and professional development. .. 10
- Be able to hit the ground running . ........................................................................ 10
- Works as an effective member or leader of diverse teams within. ....................... 11
- Demonstrates commitment to uphold the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics ....... 12
- Be able to apply the new Workplace Health and Safety Legislation. ....................... 12
- Integration of theory and practice. ........................................................................... 13
Assessment Task 2: Seminar Presentation .............................................................................. 14
-

Assessment Task 2a Preparation: (Sem1) ................................................................. 14

Assessment Task 2b: Professional Presentation (Sem2).......................................... 14
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (Presentation): detailed explanation ........................... 15
Assessment Task 3: Evidence of Professional Practice ............................................................ 16
Appendixes:.............................................................................................................................. 18
Appendix 1.

Professional Experience Log-sheet ............................................................. 18

Appendix 2.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING and IT GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ...................... 20

Appendix 3.

How to write an Insightful reflection on experience ................................. 22

Appendix 4.

A Sample Insightful Reflection.................................................................... 23

Appendix 5.

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST .......................................................................... 24

Appendix 6.

Cover letter-layout and key point .............................................................. 25

Appendix 7.

Resume checklist ........................................................................................ 26

Appendix 8.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Summary min requirements................................. 27

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

This Learning Guide is to be used in conjunction with the Subject Outline. The Subject
Outline provides important information about the subject and in particular, due dates for
assessment tasks.
Professional Portfolio and Presentation
All Engineering courses offered by Australian universities must include exposure to
professional engineering practice if they are to be accredited by Engineers Australia. UTS:
Engineering degrees are accredited by Engineers Australia. This professional portfolio and
presentation is your opportunity to demonstrate how you have integrated your
professional, theoretical and personal experiences into the Engineering capabilities of a
graduated UTS student.
All Engineering Graduates must demonstrate they are competent in the 23 UTS FEIT
Graduate Attributes (see Appendix 2 for the complete list of FEIT Graduate Attributes).

ASSESSMENT SCENARIO
You are applying for a job with an outstanding organisation. The job application process
requires you to
1) apply for the job, addressing selection criteria, and providing evidence of self-review
and competence by way of your Portfolio to show why you should be considered to
fill the position. You need to convince the company that you should be invited in for
an interview
2) interview, by way of a 10 minute presentation to a panel of selectors. (You will be
part of the panel for other interviewees)
3) provide evidence, both of your skills and previous professional experience (artefacts
and original Company Letter)
Notes on how to apply for a job
You have found a job vacancy or position that interests you. The next step is to apply in a
way that clearly shows you have the ability, skills and experience to do the job.
- About selection criteria
Selection criteria are statements that describe the qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities,
and experience that are required in a job. When asked to respond to selection criteria, you
are being asked to describe how you meet the requirements of the job, providing examples.
For this Job Application, each selection criteria will have between one to three aspects
(criterion) that you will need to demonstrate. You also will be given a description of what
constitutes a Competent level for each criterion of the selection criteria. Competent is
the level expected for a graduate. Use rubric in Appendix 8.
- Addressing selection criteria
The most important aspect of addressing selection criteria is to provide evidence or proof
through relevant examples. Support your claims with actual, specific examples of what you
have done and how well you did it (Self-review of competence). One way to do this is to use
3

the Insightful Reflection (see Appendix 3) How to write Insightful reflection on experience
and A Sample Insightful Reflection at the end of this document)
You should complete the readings on reflective learning to ensure that you understand fully
what is expected of you. An insightful reflection contains the various types of reflections
as described in the readings, including significant reflections at greater levels of depth (i.e.
analytical and concluding reflections). It is important to describe not just WHAT happened
to you during your internship but WHY and HOW this has changed you, and what you will
do if you experience a similar situation in the FUTURE.
Recommended format:
1.
What do you understand by the Graduate Attribute (GA)?
2.
Where and how do you think a professional could learn that GA? Describe your
experiences in learning it. HOW
3.
Do you think you have achieved the GA at a professional level? How can you
demonstrate it? HOW (Self-Review)
4.
WHY do you think it is important?
If you dont feel that you have reached a professional level, how do you plan to get there?
FUTURE.
A portfolio provides a way of gathering evidence of your capabilities and skills in one
place, in order to be able to show a selection of them to others (e.g. potential employers)
as required.
Evidence - You should attach artefacts such as copies of pictures, photos, videos, drawing,
documents, reports, etc. to support your claims. You MUST also upload and attach your CV
and Company Letter!!
You need to demonstrate in your Portfolio that you are a reflective practitioner. If you did
not read the resources before your Professional Practice, you must read them now.

UTS ONLINE RESOURCES

These resources are in UTSOnline, Pre-requisite for Professional Practice (BE) Forum 51
(UTSOnline/Pre-requisite for Professional Practice (BE) Forum 51/Resources).
1. Reflective learning
2. Ethical practice
3. Competences of an Australian Graduate Engineer
Following are detailed requirements and submission instructions for each of the
assessment tasks in the subject.

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: PORTFOLIO FOR JOB APPLICATION

-

ASSESSMENT TASK 1A PREPARATION: BENCHMARKING EXERCISE.

Aim: Complete the SPARK benchmarking exercise to become familiar with Assessment Task
1b requirements (see Subject Outline for Due Date).
This will help you to understand the EXPECTATIONS for this subject, and therefore support
you in your learning. By assessing some examples and using the Learning Guide you will
apply the marking criteria (rubric) that tutors will use to assess your portfolio.
1. Download the example work from UTSOnline/Assessment/ Professional Practice
Report/SPARK Documents
2. In SPARK https://uts.sparkplus.com.au/login.php
Select: A_ Self-Review (Reflection) and Communication (This assesses use
document called A_ Self-Review (Reflection) and Communication SPARK.pdf)
From this Learning Guide:
a) Use the rubric (for expectations level) in Appendix 8: F1: Self-review F2:
Ethics and E1: Communicate effectively
b) Refer to the extra information about each assessment criteria (Detailed
Explanation). This addresses the Job Ad Criteria Demonstrates
commitment to uphold the Engineers Australia - Code of Ethics
c) For F1 SELF-REVIEW using (Reflection using Kolb's Learning Cycle) see
Appendix 3 and 4
Select: B_Job Ad and Application letter (This assesses the document called
SPARK Job Ad and Application.pdf) Use the Cover Letter Checklist in Appendix 5)
Select: C_Resume for a Marketing job (This assesses the document called SPARK
CVs-MARKETING job.pdf. There are five resumes, all need to be evaluated for
the first question. For the second question Assess Resume D (use the Resume
Checklist in Appendix 7)
If you have problems logging into SPARK.
Try to: Copy the link https://uts.sparkplus.com.au/login.php into a browser (address bar).
If you still have a problem, send me a screen shot of the error message, and your Student ID

ASSESSMENT TASK 1B: YOUR PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO.

Aim: To assess your ability to conduct critical self-review and performance evaluation
against appropriate criteria, as a primary means of tracking personal development needs
and achievements.
Please note that you can submit only once.
See Subject Outline for Due Date and penalty for late submission.

REPORT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Clear overall structure (beginning, middle and end) that addresses the target reader
(a professional engineer, but not necessarily from your discipline) and fulfils the
main purpose of the assessment task in a clear, concise manner.
2. Professionally formatted with cover pages as specified elsewhere in this learning
guide, table of contents, section headings, clear layout, clear figures with captions,
appendices, references, etc.
3. Free of spelling and grammar errors.
4. Correctly formatted citations and references to the readings, provided in Harvard
(UTS) format (refer to the UTS library website for information about referencing).
References to scholarly information sources above and beyond the supplied readings
will be treated favourably by the assessor.

PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION
Your submission must include
1. First Page: A completed and signed PP Cover Page. Make sure that you write your
name and student number on the cover page, complete and check off each item on
the checklist, and signed the declaration
2. Second Page: The completed self-assessment PP Portfolio Self-Assessment Sheet.
(Available from UTSOnline/Assessment / Professional Practice Portfolio)
3. Appendixes :
Evidence of your Professional Practice. (Minimum submission: Company
letter ) Template available UTSOnline FORUM Pre-requisite for Professional
Practice (BE)/ Subject Resources/ Job hunting for Professional Practice
Attached Job Application letter (to SouthTech)
Attached Updated Professional resume (adapted to SouthTech)
4. Report name: needs to start with your Student ID then underscore then Surname
for example 11110345_Smith_John_48100report.doc
5. You must submit to TurnitIn via Professional Practice Portfolio A16 in UTSOnline
Professional Practice (BE)/Assessment/.

Project Engineer
Job Summary
Location
North Sydney, NSW 2000
Job Type
Full-Time - Permanent
Education Level
Bachelor Degree
Career Level
(Non Experienced)

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following attributes and qualities:
Communicate effectively
Demonstrates commitment to life-long learning and professional development.
Be able to hit the ground running whilst managing a range of tasks in this busy and hardworking office.
Works as an effective member or leader of diverse teams within a multi-level, multi-disciplinary and multicultural setting (must Demonstrate awareness of the value of cross-cultural contributions).
Demonstrates commitment to uphold the Engineers Australia - Code of Ethics, and established norms of
professional conduct pertinent to the engineering discipline.
Be able to apply Workplace Health and Safety Legislation.
Integration of theory and practice.

Job Category
Engineering
Salary:
78,000.00 - 105,000.00 AUD /year
Apply by
Submitting an Electronic Portfolio

THE JOB ADVERTISEMENT: PROJECT ENGINEER

7

(Refer to Rubric Summary in Appendix 8 for description of minimum requirements)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (PORTFOLIO): DETAILED EXPLANATION

Assessment
Criteria Explanation
Criteria
- ABOUT ME AND MY EXPERIENCES
1. Why did you become an engineer?
About Me
2. Compare your expectations of when you started university with
AND Clear overview of
where you are now.
professional practice activities /
3. What was your pathway into UTS? i.e. straight from High
experiences
School, TAFE, etc.
( 500 words)
4. What do you hope to do next year?

My experience

( 1000 words)

1. Briefly describe the company where you worked, what sort of

work they do, the size of the organisation and where you fit in.
2. Describe who your supervisor was and their role.
3. Describe the role that YOU were assigned and the type of work
that YOU did.
4. Attach your Journal, resume and completed Resume Checklist

Resources / Recommendations

1. Please do not copy/paste the information about the

company directly from their web-site. Use your
Journal (12 entries) as evidence here
2. Use your Professional Resume as evidence here
(A Resume Template is available in UTSOnline
FORUM Pre-requisite for Professional Practice
(BE)/ Subject Resources/ Job hunting for
Professional Practice)
3. Use the Resume checklist in Appendix 7

1. Use a copy as evidence here. Template available in

Company Letter(s)
Company letterhead with
UTSOnline FORUM Pre-requisite for Professional
Company logo, Company name and ABN (Australian
This is evidence of your work
Practice
(BE)/Preparation/ Evidence for Professional
Business number) or equivalent
experience
Practice
Your Name
Internship details
Start Date, Finish Date, Hours per week, Number of Weeks
and N of leave days
List of engineering activities that you performed
Your supervisors handwritten signature (electronic signatures are
not accepted), name, contact details

Assessment Criteria
Criteria Explanation
- COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
Self-review and Evaluation against Competent standard.

Resources / Recommendations

Recommended format:
insightful reflection
E1. Communicate
1. What do you understand by communicate effectively (different
effectively in ways
modes)?
appropriate to the discipline, 2. Where and how do you as professional could learn to be an
audience and purpose,
effective communicator?
3.
Describe your own experiences in communicating in the
Self_Review
workplace (examples).
4. Do you think you have achieved effective communication at a
Relevant Examples
competent level?
Demonstration means
At least 800 words(relevant) 5. How can you demonstrate it?
providing explanation and examples of how you have achieved
each of the outcomes.
6. WHY do you think it is important?
7. HOW can you FURTHER develop? If you dont feel that you have
reached a competent level, how do you plan to get there?

1. Use rubric in Appendix 8 for E1 Communicate

effectively (Delivery, syntax and Mechanic) and
2. use insightful Reflection for your Self-review and
Evaluation see Appendix 3

E1. Communicate
effectively: Delivery
You will be assessed on this
selection criteria throughout
your portfolio
E1. Communicate
effectively: Syntax and
Mechanics
You will be assessed on this
selection criteria throughout
you portfolio

Delivery: Use of appropriate written (reports, thesis, briefing

papers), and symbolic and graphical (equations, charts, flow
diagrams, models) tools to convey a clear message. Appropriate
construction of, and ability to convey, a clear message

If you have writing problems you could use this

opportunity for you to convey your written
communication in alternative ways. Also include your
plans on how you could improve the delivery of you
written communication

Syntax and Mechanics :Use of syntax and the mechanics of writing

to convey accurate and useful meaning.

Proof read your responses

As with any written communication to a potential
employer, you should carefully proof read your
responses before you send them. It is useful to ask a
friend or your employment service provider to check
your responses for spelling errors or grammar errors
before you send them.
Use (HELPS www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps) See Subject
Outline for more information.

Assessment Criteria
Criteria Explanation
Resources / Recommendations
- DEMONSTRATES COMMITMENT TO LIFE-LONG LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
1. Use rubric in Appendix for D2 Lifelong learning.
D2. Reflect on personal and Self-review and Evaluation against Competent standard.
2. Use insightful Reflection for your Self-review and
Recommended
format:
insightful
reflection
professional experiences to
Evaluation see Appendix 3
engage
in
independent 1. What do you understand by life-long learning?
2. Where and how do you as professional could demonstrate to be
a life-long learner?
3. Describe your own experiences in learning to learn (examples).
4. Do you think you have achieved lifelong learning at a
competent level?
5. What methods do you use for self-review?
8. How can you demonstrate it? Demonstration means providing
explanation and examples of how you have achieved each of
At least 500
the outcomes of your initiative and curiosity
words(relevant)
6. WHY do you think it is important?
7. HOW can you FURTHER develop? If you dont feel that you have
reached a competent level, how do you plan to get there?
- BE ABLE TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING .
D1. Manage own time and
Self-review and Evaluation against Competent standard.
processes effectively by
Recommended format: insightful reflection
prioritising competing demands 1. What do you understand by manage self?
2. Where and how do you as professional could learn to manage
to achieve personal goals
themselves?
(Manage self)
3. Describe your own experiences in managing yourself.
4. What tools and techniques do you use for self-management?
Self_Review
5. Do you think you have achieved managing self at a competent
Relevant Examples
level?
At least 500
9. How can you demonstrate it? Demonstration means providing
words(relevant)
explanation and examples of how you have achieved each of
the outcomes.
6. WHY do you think it is important?
7. HOW can you FURTHER develop? If you dont feel that you have
reached a competent level, how do you plan to get there?

development beyond formal

education
for
Lifelong
learning.
Self_Review
Relevant Examples

1. Use rubric in Appendix 8 for D1 Manage self.

2. Use insightful Reflection for your Self-review and

Evaluation see Appendix 3

10

Assessment
Criteria Explanation
Criteria
- WORKS AS AN EFFECTIVE MEMBER OR LEADER OF DIVERSE TEAMS WITHIN.

Resources / Recommendations

(must demonstrate awareness of the value of cross-cultural contributions).

E2. Work as an effective

member or leader of diverse
teams within
a multi-level,
multi-disciplinary and
multi-cultural setting,
and
Self_Review
Relevant Examples
At least 800 words(relevant)

Self-review and Evaluation against Competent standard.

Recommended format: insightful reflection
1. Describe your own experiences in teams.
2. Do you think you have achieved teamwork at a competent
level?
3. How can you demonstrate it?
Demonstration means
providing explanation and examples of how you have achieved
each of the outcomes for a competent Team player.
4. Use Checklist and description for Effective Team Player

1. Use rubric in Appendix 8 for E2 Teams.

2. Use insightful Reflection for your Self-review and

Evaluation (Appendix 3 )
3. Reference to Resources for UTSObline resources

Qualities

5. WHY do you think it is important?

6. HOW can you FURTHER develop?
If you dont feel that you have reached a competent level, how do
you plan to get there?

E2 Teams: Conflict

Acknowledges and handles conflict

Give an example of how you have handled conflict

while working in a team.

F3 Cross-Cultural: Awareness of
contributions

Appreciation of benefits to be gained from diverse teams

1. demonstrate awareness of the value of cross-

cultural contributions

11

Assessment Criteria
Criteria Explanation
- DEMONSTRATES COMMITMENT TO UPHOLD THE ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA CODE OF ETHICS
F2 Ethical: Evaluation
Self-review and Evaluation against Competent standard.
You must demonstrate awareness of Eng. Aus. code of ethics, their
role and limitations in your Professional Practice
insightful reflection
Self_Review
1. What is your understanding of the Eng. Aus. code of ethics
Relevant Examples
(must read it and ref)?
2. Describe your own or workplace experience of an ethical issue.
7. How can you demonstrate it?
Demonstration means
At least 500
providing explanation and examples of how you have
words(relevant)
achieved each of the outcomes.
3. WHY do you think it is important?
4. HOW can you FURTHER develop? If you dont feel that you
have reached a competent level, how do you plan to get
there?
- BE ABLE TO APPLY THE NEW WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION.
Self-review and Evaluation against Competent standard.
F4. Be aware of Global

perspectives (needs,
rules/regulations, and
specifications)

Self_Review
Relevant Examples
At least 500
words(relevant)

You must demonstrate critical awareness of Australian WHS

legislation, their role and limitations in your Professional Practice
insightful reflection
1. What do you understand by WHS and your responsibility as
professional Engineer? You are going to be responsible for
others (workers and public)
2. Describe your own experiences in WHS. If you did your
professional Practice overseas how it compares with Australia
3. How can you demonstrate it?
4. WHY do you think it is important?
5. What is going to be your responsibility in the role for which
you are applying?
6. HOW can you FURTHER develop?
If you dont feel that you have reached a competent level, how do
you plan to get there?

Resources / Recommendations
5. Refer to Engineers Australia Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics, and established norms of

professional conduct pertinent to the engineering
discipline.
6. Use rubric in Appendix 8 for F2

Read:
1. The Federal workplace health and safety (WHS)
legislation came into effect late in 2011 (Work
Health and Safety Act 2011)
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/NEWLEGISLATION2012/Pages/default.aspx

2. Eng Austalia Code of Ethics

Consider that you are applying for a Project Management
role

12

Assessment Criteria
Criteria Explanation
- INTEGRATION OF THEORY AND PRACTICE.

Integration of theory and

practice
Self_Review
Relevant Examples
At least 500
words(relevant)

Cover Letter
to apply to SouthTech job

Select at least one other Graduate attribute from the list

1. How can you demonstrate it Demonstration means providing
explanation and examples of how you have achieved each of
the outcomes of these Graduate Attributes.
2. WHY do you think it is important?
3. HOW can you FURTHER develop? If you dont feel that you
have reached a competent level, how do you plan to get
there?
4. Did you apply theory to practice
5. What did you learn from your experience that you can apply
to university?

See Appendix 4.2 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND IT

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

Note: A cover letter will stand out if it is

1.
2.

This is a summary with you 3 3.

or 4 best skills required by 4.
SouthTech that you can offer
5.

Resume

Resources / Recommendations

Relevant : matches the Job add key interests

Substantiated : provides convincing evidence
Well-written : tells an engaging story
Visually-pleasing : is attractive to the eye
Unique : isnt identical to its competition

is up to date and of a professional quality

Your Resume must be updated as a result of your professional
practice. You could use the Template and follow the comments in
red

See appendix 5 and 6 for a Checklist and layout

You need to bring a copy to the presentation

See appendix for Checklist and layout

The Template is available in UTSOnline/Subject
Resources/Job hunting for professional
Practice/Resume
You need to bring a copy to the presentation

13

ASSESSMENT TASK 2: SEMINAR PRESENTATION

You need to book 2 seminar sessions using MySubjectActivities (Sem1 and Sem2)and then attend

ASSESSMENT TASK 2A PREPARATION: (SEM1)

Attendance to EPR2 Seminar (one week before Sem2)

This activity (assess EPR2 students) have the following purposes:
1) to observe students professionalism after one year of work experience. You will be competing for job with them in the very near future.
2) to reflect on your presentation skill and how you could prepare for your presentation. You will be applying to South Tech Job.
3) This will also help you to learn on how to prepare for job interview. To provide evidences of achievement an personal skills. Very important!!

ASSESSMENT TASK 2B: PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION (SEM2).

Bring portfolio Appendixes :

Company letter and log if required Original. (see task 3)
Attached Job Application letter (to SouthTech)
Attached Updated Professional resume (adapted to SouthTech)
Scenario 1- Presentation for the Interview (you are the candidate being interviewed)
You are applying for a job with an outstanding organisation. As part of the interview process you are expected to give a 10 mins formal presentation to brief
them on your past experience, and demonstrate the strengths you would bring to the organisation. You should start with a brief explanation of your reason
for applying, and be prepared to answer questions from the audience. Emphasis should be placed on the selection criteria (with evidence of your skills) that
you would bring to the company.
Assume that they have read your CV (as well as hundreds of others!), and that they would not bother interviewing about academic skills (everyone who
graduates should have the required levels of technical knowledge, except in some specialist areas). Use the information from your Professional Practice
portfolio. However, this must be communicated in a presentation format, within the time limit.
Scenario 2- Presentation for the Interview (you will also be part of the interviewer panel)
You also need to be ready to ask at least one question of other candidates and at the end of the presentation you will need to nominate the best candidate
and justify your selection. You also need to write feedback comments for the other candidates. They can use them to improve.
Communicate effectively: Oral and Visual
14

Assessment
Criteria

E1. Communicate effectively:

Delivery

E1. Communicate effectively:

Supporting Material
E1. Communicate effectively:
Questions

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (PRESENTATION): DETAILED EXPLANATION

Details / Instructions

Resources / Recommendations

Delivery in ways appropriate to the discipline, 1.

audience and purpose.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Supporting Material appropriate to the 1.
discipline, audience and purpose
2.
3.
Ask questions that are relevant for the job

Look at the audience

Try not to read
Speak clearly
Keep to 10 mins time limit
Dont hide behind the pc
Use STAR technique to answer the questions
Use your PowerPoint
Include images in the PowerPoint

15

ASSESSMENT TASK 3: EVIDENCE OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Original Company letter and log if required.
Original Company Letter to be brought to the presentation.

Assessment
Criteria

Evidence (mandatory)

Details / Instructions

Minimum
requirements

Resources / Recommendations

To satisfy Engineers Australia requirements, you must

have an equivalent of 12 weeks of full-time exposure to
professional practice, at least 450 hours. The 450
hours can be completed with a combination of Practical
Professional Practice and/or a range of activities.
The range of activities that can be legitimately claimed
as professional practice, their relative weighing
factors, and maximum number of hours claimed are
provided below.

Practical Professional Practice

must be evidenced by a
company letter.
And/or
If you are using Activities to
complete your Professional
Practice due to insufficient
hours in the workplace, then
you must complete the
"Professional Practice Log
Sheet and a "Summary Table",
and include a reflection on each
activity claimed in a Portfolio

The Templates are available in UTSOnline/

Subject Resources / Evidence for
professional practice

The letter must contain all the

Original or Certified Company letterhead with
information. It can be original or
Company
Letter(s)
Company logo, Company name and
(mandatory)
ABN(Australian Business number) or equivalent certified.
Your Name
Internship details
Start Date, Finish Date, Hours per week,
Number of Weeks and N of leave days
List of engineering activities that you performed
Your supervisors
handwritten signature (electronic signatures
are not accepted), Name and Contact details

Log Sheet and reflections (If required only)

The Template and List of Authorised

Persons to Certify a true copy is available
in UTSOnline/Job hunting for professional
Practice/Resume
To have a document certified, you should
make a photocopy of the original
document and take the original and the
copy to an authorised person. The person
must then write 'I have sighted the original
document and certify this to be a true
copy of the original.'

16

Assessment
Criteria

Details / Instructions

Minimum
requirements

Hours and specific

reflection
If required only

Summary of claimed activities with hours, weightings & 1. Completed Professional

Practice Log Sheet found
total hours and a completed Log Sheet (Reasonable
on UTSOnline
claim of at least 450 weighted hours)
2. Summary Table calculating
the Total Number of Hours.
3. At least 450 hours of
Professional Practice

Evidence

You must attach evidence (hard copy of registration, Each of the claimed activities
program, Study Plan detail etc )
must be supported by evidence

Reflection

You should complete the readings on reflective learning Insightful reflection on each
to ensure that you understand fully what is expected of learning experience (activities).
you. An insightful reflection contains the various
types of reflections as described in the readings,
including significant reflections at greater levels of
depth (i.e. analytical and concluding reflections). It is
important to describe not just WHAT happened to you
during your internship but WHY and HOW this has
changed you and what you will do if you experience a
similar situation in the FUTURE.

Resources / Recommendations
Each of the claimed activities must include
a reflection on the learning experience.
You dont need a log sheet or summary if
you did an internship of at least 450 hrs.

A sample with detailed analysis is available

in UTSOnline and in Appendix B. Try to use
one experience as a basis for reflecting on
more than one graduate attribute domain

17

APPENDIXES:
Appendix 1. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE LOG-SHEET
If you worked for 12 week you dont need to complete it.

LOG-SHEET, EXPOSURE TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING PRACTICE (Min 450 hrs)

NAME:_______________________________ STUDENT NO:______________ENGINEERING MAJOR:_________________________

1. RELEVANT WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE

Start Date

Finish Date

Employer

Duties

Hours claimed

Relevant learning

Hours claimed

2. ACADEMIC WORK

Subjects (Number and name)

3. PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Date

Speaker

Venue

Topic

Hours claimed

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4. INDUSTRY VISITS
Date

Venue

Relevant learning

Hours claimed

Relevant learning

Hours claimed

Topic

Hours claimed

Relevant learning

Hours claimed

5. SHORT RELEVANT COURSES

Date

Course title

6. INDUSTRY BASED CAPSTONE

Date

Organisation

7. PROFESSIONAL READINGS
Date

bibliography

19

Appendix 2. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND IT GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

At the end of the degree in Engineering or Information Technology students will demonstrate technical
knowledge (Body of Knowledge) appropriate to their field of practice, and Graduate Attributes in the
following Outcomes areas.
These attributes have been developed by the faculty using the Engineering and ICT Learning and Teaching
Academic Standards Statement (ALTC 2010) and the UTS Model of Learning (UTS 2011). They incorporate
the accreditation requirements of faculty appropriate professional societies and the University, and
recognise the professional, academic and personal needs of students, the community, employers and
industry.

A. Needs, context and systems

Rationale: Engineering and IT take place within the larger context of society and the environment, which
encompasses social, economic and sustainability needs. Graduates will be able to:
1. Identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs,
2. Establish priorities and goals,
3. Identify constraints, uncertainties and risk of the system (social, cultural, legislative,
environmental, business etc.),
4. Apply principles of sustainability to create viable systems, and
5. Apply systems thinking to understand complex system behavior including interactions between
components and with other systems (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.),

B. Problem solving and design

Rationale: Engineering and IT practice focuses on problem-solving and design where artifacts are
conceived, created, used, modified, maintained and retired. Graduates will be able to:
1. Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies,
2. Design components, systems and/ or processes to meet required specification,
3. Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures,
4. Apply decision-making methodologies to evaluate solutions for efficiency, effectiveness and
sustainability,
5. Implement and test solution, and
6. Demonstrate research skills
C. Abstraction and modelling
Rationale: Abstraction, modelling, simulation and visualization inform decision-making, and are
underpinned by mathematics, as well as basic and discipline sciences. Graduates will be able to:
1. Apply abstraction, mathematics and/or discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation,
2. Develop models using appropriate tools such as computer software, laboratory equipment and
other devices, and
3. Evaluate model applicability, accuracy and limitations.

20

D. Self-management
Rationale: Graduates must have capabilities for self-organisation, self-review, personal development and
lifelong learning. Graduates will be able to:
1. Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal
goals (Manage self), and
2. Reflect on personal and professional experiences to engage in independent development beyond
formal education for Lifelong learning.
E. Communication and coordination
Rationale: Engineering and IT practice involves the coordination of a range of disciplinary and
interdisciplinary activities to arrive at problem and design solutions. Graduates will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose,
2. Work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams within a multi-level, multi-disciplinary and
multi-cultural setting, and
3. Identify and apply relevant project management methodologies

F. Professional practice within global context

Rationale: Graduates must possess skills, knowledge and behaviours to operate effectively in culturallydiverse workplaces and a changing global environment. Graduates will:
1. Be able to conduct critical self-review and performance evaluation against appropriate criteria as a
primary means of tracking personal development needs and achievements,
2. Appreciate ethical implications of professional practice,
3. Understand cross-cultural issues (regions or workplaces), and
4. Be aware of Global perspectives (needs, rules/regulations, and specifications).

References
Australian Learning and Teaching Council Cameron, I., Hadgraft, R. & Wright, S. 2010, Engineering and ICT
Learning and Teaching Academic Standards, ALTC, Sydney. viewed 24 November 2011,
<http://www.olt.gov.au/resource-engineering-ict-ltas-statement-altc-2010> Support for the original work
was provided by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council Ltd, an initiative of the Australian
Government.
University of Technology, Sydney 2011, UTS Model of Learning, UTS, Sydney. viewed 12 March 2013, <
http://www.iml.uts.edu.au/curriculum/utsmodel.html>

21

Appendix 3. HOW TO WRITE AN INSIGHTFUL REFLECTION ON EXPERIENCE

Reflective writing provides an opportunity for you to gain further insights from your work through deeper reflection on
your experiences, and through further consideration of perspectives from other people and theory. Through reflection
we can deepen the learning experienced from work.
What to write about?

Some challenges that you encountered (during your Internship?)

Work situations which offer the potential for progress and personal development.
Work situations which puzzle, confuse or disturb you or
A situation where you feel you have room for improvement or
Involving issues related to social responsibility, ethical practice or leadership capacity (these are crucial for
Engineers)
Think can how you demonstrate learning outcomes for Engineering Practice Program from your own learning
experiences

How to Reflect?

These are some questions that may help you to start

NOTE: A good reflection would demonstrate evidence of the whole Kolbs learning cycle from a) to e) and even a
second loop.
Something happened? Concrete Experience (HAVE AN EXPERIENCE)
a) Description of the issue/problem/activity: Describe the situation and emphasise your own role in it. (What
you did or did not do). However it is important not to spend too much time describing the event as opposed to
analysing it, otherwise the work may become too descriptive.
So what? Reflective Observation (OBSERVE IT & ANALYSE IT) [Zoom In]
b) Simple Reflection: a brief reflection of the issue/problem/activity and its outcomes
1. Evaluate the situation.
2. What was good or bad?
3. Your performance in it?
4. What would you consider areas for improvement?
c) Value-based Reflection: Give your own opinion about the situation. You may consider your own belief
and/or feelings
1. You could consider the way you reacted and felt, and why?
2. What internal factors influenced your decision making and actions?
3. How was your performance?
4. Other people that affected, involved with the success or not
5. Evaluative Reflection: Make an objective analysis of the outcomes of the task. How the activity was
conducted?
6. Technical success?
7. Other factors that affected the success i.e.; cost, environmental, etc.
d) Analytical Reflection: Identify or take into account the circumstances of the situation (own and may be
others) beliefs, assumptions, points of view
1. What external factors influenced your decision making and actions? Why?
2. Did you get any feedback about the situation? Do you agree with it? Why?
3. Did you discuss the situation with somebody? What was their point of view about the situation?
4. Was it different from yours? Why?
5. Did you ask others about similar situations? or, read about it?
6. You could bring other peoples ideas in to analyse the situation.
Abstract Conceptualisation - (GENERALIZE) [Zoom Out]
1.
2.
3.
4.

So what?
What sense can you make of it?
What did you learn from the experience?
What are the implications of this for further practice?

Now what? Active Experimentation (TAKE AN ACTION OR PLAN FOR FUTURE PRACTICE)
e) Concluding Reflection: Consideration of change
1. Conclusion for further actions?
2. How do you feel about the situation now?
3. Would you do the same if you get in the same situation?

22

Appendix 4. A SAMPLE INSIGHTFUL REFLECTION

One ethical issue that arose in my first internship was honesty. Two of my work
colleagues and I were driving up to Woy Woy when we went through a red light
and crashed into another car. Because the driver of the other car called the
Police, my work colleagues, due to their anger at his action, proceeded to lie to
the police. My work colleagues blamed him for going through a red light.This
shocked me and presented me with an ethical dilemma. Should I dob my work
colleagues into the police? Or should I tell the Police a lie?
I began using the consequences, what I now know is a utilitarianism ethic, to
determine what to do. If I tell the Police the truth I could lose my job, on the
other hand if I lie to the police the other driver would only have to pay a higher
premium for his insurance. Despite my attempted justification I couldnt go
through with it, as I felt very uncomfortable.Consequently I told the police the
truth.
When I began to reflect on why I felt uncomfortable and told the Police the truth I
realized that I couldnt lie for Gods sake and for conscience sake. From this
experience I learnt that sometimes your own views on ethics will differ to your
colleagues and you may have to take a stand for what you believe is right. After
the event when I asked my colleagues how they justified lying to themselves, they
said they merely focused on the their own interests in not paying higher
premiums.
As a result of this, and in light of Dowling and Carews Ethics in Engineering I
learnt that people make decisions based on various different moral theories,
which they use to structure their responses to ethical dilemmas. These different
moral theories include ethical egoism, utilitarianism, rights and duty ethics.I still
feel I did the right thing and in the future I will keep following my gut feeling.

(D) Description of event: Describe the situation and emphasise personal role in it. (What the
student did or did not do). However, it is important not to spend too much time describing the
event as opposed to analysing it; otherwise the work may become too descriptive.

(V-BR) Value-based Reflection: Give a personal opinion about the situation. Personal beliefs
and/or feelings may be considered
1. Student considered the way they reacted and felt, and why?

(A) Analytical Reflection: Identify or take into account the circumstances of the situation
(own (and may be others) beliefs, assumptions, points of view)Analyzing the thinking process during the situation (Student is reflecting during the event)

(D) More description of the event:

(AD) Analytical Reflection: Identify or take into account the circumstances of the situation
(own (and may be others) beliefs, assumptions, points of view)
1. What external factors influenced the students decision making and actions? Why?
2. Student discussed the situation with somebody (their colleagues)? What was their
point of view about the situation? Was it different? Why?
3. Student read about other people ideas about the issue and took them into account
to analyse the situation.

(CR) Concluding Reflection: Consideration of change:

1. Conclusion for further actions?
2. How does the student feel about the situation now?
3. Would they do the same if they are in the same situation?
4. What did the student learn from the experience?

NOTE
This is a sample only. You should use examples from your professional practice as
the basis for your reflections

Analysis of the Insightful Reflection on an experience

23

Appendix 5. COVER LETTER CHECKLIST

Cover Letter checklist

Resume of : [PRINT NAME]
Reviewed by : [PRINT NAME]
Date reviewed :

Step 1 of 2

Assess where this cover letter might be improved

Where relevant, mark with a

Key Benefit

+ in the shaded column below.

Where might
this letter be
improved?

Guideline

[+]

Only 1 page long

Layout looks well-spaced
Font looks professional
Easy & quick

style of font; max. size 12 or less etc.

Highlighted info uses just one formatting method

bold OR underlining OR larger font OR capital letters

to find info

All sentences and any paragraphs are succinct

Includes a heading
eg. Re. Graduate Analyst opportunity (position ref. B382)

All spelling is correct

Australian not U.S. English

Grammar and punctuation are correct

Uses clear and direct language
Uses appealing

Appropriate tenses
present tense for current experiences; past tense for previous etc.

language

Uses action verbs where possible

eg. Liaised / Organised ...

Explains any unfamiliar acronyms

eg. BUiLD (Beyond UTS International Leadership Development) program

Uses a personalised greeting

avoids Dear Sir / Madam

Specific examples used to evidence key selection criteria

Focuses on
relevant info

Therefore addresses only a few criteria

ie. the most relevant

Quantifies achievement using numbers &/or statistics

eg. Awarded $500 bonus after my proposal reduced costs by 14%.

Communicates enthusiasm and genuine interest

24

UTS:

CAREERS SERVICE WORKSHOPS

Appendix 6. COVER LETTER-LAYOUT AND KEY POINT

>

Cover letter layout & key points

Your address and contact details (include email)
Date
Contact name(title), position, company, address
Re: Position name and job reference number (if needed)
Dear (Name), (avoid Sir/Madam when you can)
Paragraph 1

Introduction why you are applying, your interest in the

company and role, relevant education

Paragraphs 2/3 What you can offer the company, matching your skills and
experience to their key assessment criteria or apparent needs.
Mention where you used the skills draw on examples from
education/training, work experience, industry placements, extra
curricular activities
Paragraph 4

Refer them to your resume, express again your enthusiasm

and fit, thank them for their consideration, and ask for an
interview

Yours sincerely

25

Appendix 7. RESUME CHECKLIST

Resume checklist
Resume of : [PRINT NAME]
Reviewed by : [PRINT NAME]
Date reviewed :

Assess where this resume might be improved

Step 1 of 2

Key Benefit

Where relevant, mark with a

+ in the shaded column below.

Where might
this resume
be improved?

Guideline

[+]

Favourable
first impression

Appealing
language
used

Resume length is between 1.5 and 3 pages

Layout looks well-spaced
No gimmicks no photo; no borders around pages etc.
Footer at bottom of pages name AND page numbering
Font looks professional style of font; max. size 12 or less
Highlighted info uses just one formatting method

etc.

bold OR underlining OR larger font OR capital letters

Headings are consistent ie. between sections & within each section
Most recent info comes first in every section
Includes all dates only month & year necessary
Dates placed against right-side margin
Dot points used with abbreviated sentences
All sentences and paragraphs are kept brief
All spelling is correct Australian not U.S. English
Grammar and punctuation are correct
Uses clear and direct language
Appropriate tenses used
present tense for current experiences; past tense for previous etc.

Uses action verbs where possible eg. Initiated / Co-ordinated

Explains unfamiliar acronyms eg High-definition video (HDV)
Omits irrelevant information
The most relevant information is on page 1
Work section contains only brief summaries of duties
Provides
relevant info

Education and Work sections include achievements

notable contributions towards projects, responsibilities etc.

Quantifies achievement using numbers &/or statistics

eg. Four of my six recommendations adopted by the policy committee.

Supporting evidence provided for all strengths claimed

most relevant skills/ qualities demonstrated within the most approp. section

Includes all relevant keywords and phrases

in case search software is used to shortlist applications

26

Appendix 8. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Summary minimum requirements

P
50

%
About me
10

20

10

10

15

E1. Communicate effectively

1. Delivery
2. Syntax and Mechanics (spelling,
grammar, etc.)
3. Self-review and evaluation
4. Examples

D2. Lifelong learning.

Some Evidence of self-review and plans of action. ( 1 example)
1. Self-review and evaluation (initiative and
curiosity)
2. Examples
D1.Manage self
1. Self-review and evaluation
2. Examples
E2. Teams
1. Self-review and evaluation
2. conflict
3. a multi-level, multi-disciplinary
4. cross-cultural contributions
5. Examples
F2 Ethical: Evaluation
1. Self-review and evaluation
2. Examples

Evidence on how effectively uses appropriate aids to manage time to

achieve milestones ( 1 example)
At least 3 examples from
How addresses conflict
a multi-level, team
multi-disciplinary team
multi-cultural setting
- cross-cultural contributions
- Creates a constructive team environment.
Evidence of evaluation of Ethical Perspectives/Concepts using a
framework i.e. Eng. Aus. code of Ethics and (1 example)

F1. Workplace Health and Safety Legislation Able to identify potential risks at an organisational level and develop
1. Self-review and evaluation
procedures to address those risks. Able to refer to law (e.g. Work Cover)
2. Examples
and practical examples.
Integration of theory and practice

Why did you become an engineer?

-Compare your expectations
-company description.
-supervisor role.
-your role and summary of experiences..
1. Message logically constructed and in a coherent manner.
2. Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning to
readers. The language in the portfolio has few errors.
3. Professional report format.
4. At least some self-review
5. at least 2 examples

Appendix
hard evidence i.e. -pictures, -journal, photos

Example of
-Other GA development
-Application of theory to practice
At least Company letter and 1 other evidence

Job Application Letter

Easy & quick to find info
Uses appealing language
Focuses on relevant info

1. Relevant : matches the Job ad key criteria (at least 2)

2. Substantiated : provides convincing evidence
4. Visually-pleasing : is attractive to the eye
Your Resume must be updated as a result of your professional practice.

CV is up to date and of a professional

quality
Favourable first impression
Appealing language
Provides relevant info

27