Abstract:

Final projects are mandatory for all bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, which consist in the production and presentation of an original individual piece of work that reflects the knowledge and competences that students have achieved throughout the degree program. Each student is assigned, based on various criteria, a director who shall provide guidance and appropriate advice. From the topic choice -which is usually related to a certain stablished research line, to a real professional proposition from the student or to a trending topic in the sector-, to the final submission, the director turns to be not only the technical advisor but also a supportive coach for the student. Therefore, the director shall provide the student with all the non-tangible necessary means, given the advantages, like the closeness to the student and the eagerness to try new things, and overcoming the disadvantages, such as an under-development expertise area, of young faculty. This paper presents some valuable experiences and reflections from young assistant professors in the field of Electrical Engineering at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid which may be useful for others at an early stage of their careers.

Keywords:

University, final projects, electrical engineering, assistant professor.