Time management is important in our lives, especially when we have many tasks to perform. When not executed properly, it can affect one’s daily life. This topnotcher didn’t plan on taking up engineering.
This is what happened to Engr. Resborne Lomboy while he was reviewing for the Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination.
He was already employed at that time, and his working hours were changing, adding to the stress of the review.
But Res didn’t let it get in the way of reaching his goals.
Not only did he pass the EE board exam, but he also claimed Top 9 with an 88.65% rating.
In an interview with GineersNow, he revealed how it happened.
Summary Highlights
- Course: Electrical Engineering
- Rank: Top 9
- Score: 88.65%
- School: University of the Philippines Los Baños
- Review Center: Multivector Review and Training Center
- Challenges: poor exam score in a major subject, balancing his time
Multiple Course Choices
Before taking the Electrical Engineering course at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Res had two top choices, and EE was not one of them.
He initially wanted to take up the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
The problem was his University Predicted Grade (UPG) wasn’t eligible for both courses.
This left him with no other choice but to go with a different course.
Originally, his mom suggested that he take up a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering.
But when he learned that one of his high school classmates took up BSEE, he enrolled in that course instead.
Loving the Course
Since BSEE was not really his first choice, Resborne didn’t enjoy it at first, but he still decided to carry on.
He initially planned to finish only two years of the program because there was a rule at UPLB that engineering students who are planning on shifting to another course should first complete two years.
But, alas. This wasn’t the route he eventually ended up taking.
As time went by, Res fell in love with BSEE. He even had favorite subjects, one of which involved studying electrical power systems.
In addition to looking at both the micro and macro scale of grids, he also found the complicated solving part an enjoyable thing to do.
When it comes to non-engineering-related subjects, his favorite is the one that is focused on the economical, political, and social theories of different philosophers, like Plato and Aristotle.
The reason is that it helped him open and deepen his knowledge and vision in life.
He did once have an upsetting academic performance, specifically in his very first EE subject exam.
But aside from this, Resborne didn’t have any other struggles during college.
He studied hard until he graduated Cum Laude in 2019.
Time Management
As the Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination was approaching, Res decided to enroll in a review center to get ready.
He knew this would be a great move to achieve his goal of topping the board.
However, around the time he was reviewing, he was already working.
While his job is a great source of income, he admitted that he had a challenging experience balancing his time for his review and work.
Since he was working through a shifting schedule, he did not have a fixed time to review and even to wake up and sleep.
As a result, there are times that he sleeps for about five to six hours only. His daily activities change depending on his work schedule. Hence, his review session was affected.
But luck was still on his side because the board exam was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because this gave him more time to prepare, studying the subjects became less hassle for him.
Exam Struggles
The board exam day eventually arrived. Resborne found the overall exam difficult.
He struggled to answer the questions related to EE because they were odd.
The Math and ESAS parts were also hard for him, but they were more manageable compared to EE.
Manifestation
After the board exam, Res tried to “manifest” being one of the topnotchers.
He didn’t think that he would not place high on the boards since he had a hard time answering the EE section of the exam.
He also said that it wasn’t a manifestation out of confidence; it was more out of faith.
When the results were officially out, Resborned emerged as one of the topnotchers.
It truly is that all things are possible with God.
My Student Life
1. Why did you choose this course? Who or what was your inspiration?
Honestly, what I wanted was a BS BAA and BS BA from UPD. However, my UPG didn’t qualify for those quota courses.
Then, the reason I went to UPLB EE was that I just imitated my high school classmate.
I just continued since there was a rule about two years in UPLB Engg before shifting.
But I eventually fell in love with my course, but today, if I can advise my past self, I would say to enlist BS in Economics under UPLB.
2. What are your favorite subjects in your entire engineering study? How about least liked subjects?
For engineering subjects, my favorite would be the study of electrical power systems because we looked at both the macro and micro scales of grids.
In addition, solving problems is complicated, which is why I enjoy learning them (only if I get the correct answer. Otherwise, I’m unhappy about it).
For non-engineering subjects, I took a subject that discussed the economical, political, and social theories of different philosophers, e.g. Plato and Aristotle.
I liked it because it was one of the subjects from UP that opened and deepened my knowledge and vision.
On the other hand, it’s not like I don’t like it, but I admit I was slow in learning electronic subjects.
3. Have you had any subject failures or disappointing academic performance? What did you do about it?
I had, in the examination of my very first EE subject. I was shocked because the exam was very different from what I reviewed.
I still got a passing score of 61, but while I was taking the exam, I thought I would only get 30.
To cope, I just studied while also giving myself time to destress, like drinking.
4. Any topnotcher study tips or tricks that you think others should emulate from you?
In general, balance your time not only with your studies but also with the things that make you feel like yourself.
Do not forget yourself while studying. Sleep, drink, and enjoy.
5. What is the best engineering school advice that you can give to other students?
Find the best way for you to understand the lesson(s).
It can be through the Indian YouTube channels, from reading books, or from group studies.
You can also ask your crush for help.
Whatever it is, once you’ve found it, most probably it would be effective.
My Board Exam Experience
1. What were the greatest struggles that you experienced while preparing for the board exam? What did you do to overcome them?
Since I was also working, it was somewhat hard for me to balance my time.
However, the board exam getting postponed helped me prepare.
So, studying the subjects was less hassle for me.
2. Did you enroll in a center for your review? Do you recommend doing so? Which one did you go to?
Yes, review centers help to pass or top the exam.
Just remember, however, that it also takes effort from oneself.
3. How did you find the board exam? Easy, average, or difficult?
Difficult.
I had a hard time in the EE section since I found the questions odd.
For Math & ESAS, the questions were difficult as well but more manageable compared to EE.
4. What were your expectations after you took the board exam and before the results were out? Did you have a feeling that you would be at the top?
After the board exam, I just tried to “manifest” being one of the topnotchers.
If I remember it clearly, I didn’t think that I wouldn’t top the boards even if I struggled to answer the EE part of the test.
It wasn’t a manifestation out of confidence, it was more out of faith.
5. What did you do the first minute you discovered you topped the board exam?
I took some quiet time with myself, then I talked to a good friend.
6. Who do you owe your success?
To the people who believed, stayed, and supported me throughout the process.
7. What incentives did you get from your university and review center after your board exam success?
From the university, none.
From the review center, I got some monetary incentives.
8. Share your most effective study habits.
Sleeping before studying.
9. Give some important tips for future board exam takers who aim to become topnotchers.
Enroll in a review center.
If possible, know the exams or problem sets or objective questionnaires that you can answer.
Then, slim them down and manage your expectations since you really won’t be able to review everything that you wanted to.
Find the most effective way for you to study.
Balance your time, and do not forget to destress.
You can drink, read, listen to music, watch shows, nature tripping, etc.
Have something/someone to push you. It can also be yourself.
My Family
Did your parents encourage you to study engineering?
No. But my mother suggested before that I should take up Industrial Engineering. Honestly, I do wish I took up IE instead.
The Future
Describe engineering in one word.
Purgatory
Why engineering is important in our society?
Its discipline aids progress. It is, however, never enough without humanity in mind.
— End of Interview —
What is electrical engineering?
There are many different types of engineering, but what is electrical engineering? Electrical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity.
This includes the generation, distribution, and utilization of electrical power. Electrical engineers are responsible for the electrical systems in everything from buildings to automobiles.
Electrical engineers use their knowledge of electricity to design and develop electrical equipment and products.
This can include anything from small devices like cell phones to large systems like power plants. They often work in teams with other engineers to create new products or solve problems with existing ones.
Electrical engineering is a challenging and exciting field that offers many opportunities for those who are interested in it.
It is a rapidly growing field that is constantly changing and evolving. If you are interested in a career in electrical engineering, there are many options available to you.
The benefits of studying electrical engineering: job prospects, salary, etc.
There are many reasons why someone might choose to study electrical engineering. One of the most important factors is job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for electrical engineers is $84,140 per year.
The top 10% of earners make over $137,690 annually. With a degree in electrical engineering, you can find a well-paying job in a variety of industries.
Another important factor to consider is the workload. While it is true that electrical engineering can be challenging, it is also an exciting and rewarding field.
You will have the opportunity to work on projects that are both stimulating and beneficial to society. In addition, you will gain practical experience that will be valuable in your future career.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, electrical engineering may be the right choice for you.
The challenges of electrical engineering: long hours, stress, etc.
Electrical engineering is a field that comes with many challenges.
For one, electrical engineers often work long hours. According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, electrical engineers work an average of 40 hours per week. However, about one in four workers reported working more than 60 hours per week.
Along with long hours, electrical engineers also face a lot of stress. The nature of their work means that they are constantly under pressure to meet deadlines and budget constraints. Additionally, they must always be aware of potential safety hazards.
All of these factors can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.
Despite the challenges, electrical engineering is a rewarding field. Those who choose to pursue it can look forward to a career that is both challenging and rewarding.
The difficulty of electrical engineering: math, science, and technology
It is no secret that engineering is difficult. Of all the engineering disciplines, electrical engineering may be the most difficult. It requires a strong foundation in math and science and a working knowledge of technology.
Electrical engineers must be able to understand complex mathematical concepts and apply them to real-world problems. They must also have a thorough understanding of physics and chemistry, as well as the principles of electronic circuits. In addition, they need to be familiar with the latest technologies and be able to use them effectively.
All of this makes electrical engineering one of the most challenging fields of engineering. But it also makes it one of the most rewarding. Those who are up to the challenge can find themselves at the forefront of technological innovation, solving complex problems that make a difference in the world.
Electrical engineering is one of the most difficult engineering disciplines due to the math, science, and technology involved.
The math requirements are high, as electrical engineers must be able to understand complex equations and mathematical models.
The physics and chemistry knowledge required is also significant, as electrical engineers need to understand how electricity and electronics work.
And finally, the technology involved in electrical engineering is constantly changing, so keeping up with the latest advances is a constant challenge.
