Luke Blackney 8515 Castle Pine Ct. Charlotte, NC 28226 (704) 641-9662 lblackne@uncc.

edu

Gap Analysis
Purpose The purpose of this gap analysis is to identify an ideal job and its requirement and to analyze what I need to accomplish to be fully prepared for the position. In this report I will describe the industry and also the company that I want to be a part of. I will then identify the requirements and expectation of that job position in table format in order to subsequently outline what I need to do to meet those requirements. Industry Profile Civil Engineering is a professional discipline dealing with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. This includes structures like bridges, roadways, dams, canals and buildings. Civil engineering is present in the public sector through government contracting and in the private sector from small consultation firms to international companies. The minimum education required to become a civil engineer is a BS in Engineering from an accredited university. Civil Engineering is a very diverse field but in general, engineers are required to perform physics related equations in order to determine various capacities, design structures to meet function needs, think creatively in order to determine cost-effective solutions to problems, interact with clients, and work effectively in groups. Company Profile McLaren Engineering is an engineering company that prides itself on ingenuity and creativity in the market. It is a multifaceted organization that divides its workforce among many divisions. Those divisions include: Structural Marine Bridge, Highway and Rail Forensics Entertainment Waterborne transportation State and Civil Surveying

I am interested in an entry-level engineer position within the Bridge, Highway and Rail division. McLaren provides full service in the division meaning every single aspect of the implementation of a bridge, highway or rail system can be accomplished within the division. This company is well respected in the industry and one that I would be ecstatic to work for. Gap Analysis In order to accomplish my goal of acquiring an entry-level engineer position in McLarens Bridge, Highway and Rail Division, there are a few requirements that must be met. The following table, entitled The Gap, provides a list of these requirements taken from the companys website as well as a Monster.com posting. It also outlines my progress in meeting those requirements.

The Gap
Job Requirement B.S. in Civil Engineering PE or EIT preferred Skills, Interest, Background, Experience Anticipated B.S. December 2013 EIT certification is first step to PE cert. Upon completion of B.S. and FE exam, EIT cert. is awarded. Earliest PE Certification likely 4 years after B.S. degree. FE exam, 4 yrs. Work experience and PE exam all required for certification Very comfortable and proficient in MS Office applications Strong with hand drafting techniques. Average skill with drafting software (AutoCAD) Able to calculate loads, moments, and perform physics calculations No experience providing support documentation outside of class projects

Familiarity with Microsoft Office Produce Designs Perform Load Ratings Provide Construction Phase Support

Bridging the Gap Once I complete my B.S. in Civil Engineering, I will be on my way to obtaining this job. Being that it is an entry level position, my current skills and experience dont leave me too far away from attaining qualification for this position. I still need roughly two more years of education at UNC Charlotte upon completion of which, I will take the Fundaments of Engineering (FE) exam in order to earn status as an Engineer in Training. (EIT) I already possess the minimum required technical skills for the position but I anticipate that I will become stronger in those areas such as drafting and load rating by the time I finish my education. I will also be sure to research more fully what goes into providing construction phase support so I may be as prepared as possible for the position.