The architecture of expertise: reflections on technical learning and growth

Power systems might look like a normal system from a distance however, once you get close enough, you'll find out how complicated they really are, and I know this because my experience from university study to being in a work environment as an Electrical Engineering Intern has shown me this fact clearly. Internships aren't just a requirement for getting your diploma, they also serve as a place for you to begin applying the theory you learned in school to practical applications in the real world. I came away with many new lessons learned through my internship and also learned that Engineers are constantly learning and increasing their knowledge base.
Initially, I believed engineering was straightforward and laid out on paper, so everything would appear obvious and predictable. But my hands-on experience has shown me that actual systems are not always that simple. There are early indications from machines of when there is a problem. For example, a motor may sound different from your normal use and feel hotter than it usually does. If you are attentive to the small variations in machines, it would help with early detection of issues.
All of us can benefit from altering our perspective on problems that need troubleshooting to get a better understanding of the problem. I've changed my way of thinking to ask why something is working or not and to ask what will happen ifl try to fix it before I ever get to troubleshoot it properly. You need many traits to troubleshoot effectively, including good judgment, patience and focus, along with actual experience. Troubleshooting cannot be completely learned from books; you must also do practical work to develop the knowledge and skills to deal with real working conditions safely and correctly.