Introduction
I acquire an engagement with Masiya Company as part of my Industrial attachment. There was a lot to learn and indeed there were challenges too. This essay is an account of the events that took place during my time at Masiya.
Background
Masiya is a telecommunication organization specializing in Information Technology as well as Telecommunication services. Established in 2001 in the state of Kuwait, it has developed its subsidiaries in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates although it is still a medium-size company. It has gained a reasonable market share in the last six years and has managed to collaborate with a Danish corporation that permits it to provide telecommunication services to the Republic of the United Arab Emirates. Specific services offered are; system applications, customization, advanced power technology, and infrastructure solutions (Targit Business Intelligence [TBI] 2009).
Major Responsibilities
I spent twelve weeks with the Company. In six of these, I worked in the Telecommunication Engineering department. Here, I assisted my immediate supervisor in designing new network applications and solutions that enabled voice and multimedia service provision to our well-regarded customers both from within and without. In our Egyptian subsidiary, for instance, our main customers came from as far as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. I was also involved in the design and development of customized wireless coverage solutions for indoor and outdoor communications.
With the cooperation of the support staff consisting of graduates from different universities, we managed to maintain the existing networks. I also worked in system implementation although it was more challenging.
As mentioned earlier, Masiya is a medium-size corporation with international links. Many organizations relied on our services in information technology. In the United Arab Emirates, we had over a hundred clients to whom we offered our internet services. I was charged with the maintenance of the internet service, responding to complaints from clients, ensuring the security of the system as well as Web designing and development. My main responsibility in this was the internet. I was tasked to ensure that network cables were working well and that all customers had absolute access to the internet without interruptions.
I was also given the responsibility of making sure that the organization’s web was free from intruders. I managed this by technically installing firewall software that could only permit authentic users with genuine passwords to access the system. I restricted users from accessing information that was either unauthorized or was too sensitive and required technical confirmation. This was meant to provide integrity to the organization’s database by eliminating intruders and providing access to relevant information only.
Achievement
Working with my student colleagues, we designed a system using RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. This enabled Masiya Company to manage its inventory control procedures. It proved to be efficient in controlling inventory in stores while making requisitions based on the movement of the stock. This technology fascinated many clients, especially supermarkets such as Saudi Dairy Retail, the giants in milk production.
Challenges
While working in this department, there were several problems. My immediate supervisor was more concerned with practical experience than in-class qualification. He once narrated to us how one of our juniors left before his attachment term could end. Here, he was telling us that the best reward out of that job was not necessarily its outcome but what the job made us be. This meant that we had to strive more to gain the much-needed experience in the industry.
I had to be flexible in my responsibilities. I could be switched to being a configuration officer or heavy machinery technician. This required great versatility. As an engineering student, I had to show critical thinking and technical knowledge. I had to persevere with the pressures and stresses of working for long hours designing network charts. I overcame this because I had determination and vigor.
Experience
From this department, I gained more knowledge in network design. This was through direct involvement in the installation of Deyaar’s network cables. Deyaar uses Masiya’s network internet cables in the southern part of Dubai. I had first-hand experience in network security: I was successful in fixing a firewall to limit access to Masiya’s information system. This gave the organization’s database reliability. I learned the importance of network optimization in facilitating the organization’s business strategy. I discovered that a website should be developed with the needs of clients to be served in mind as well as in consideration of the services offered by the firm.
I gained practical experience in the use of RFID technology to manage stock and its movement. Its successful application improved Masiya’s performance in the first year of its introduction. This was the start of my crucial moment in that company as a graduate trainee.
I also learned the importance of good interpersonal communicational skills in relating with people at the workplace. Workmates exhibit varying behavior at the workplace and everyone has to learn how to communicate with them to develop in career.
In summary, I discovered that this job required one philosophy: Discipline and hard work are instrumental if upward mobility is expected (TBI 2009).
Reference List
Targit Business Intelligence, 2009, Masiya. Web.