Externship project

The externship project at Keyspan is in the operations engineering department. I use a GIS mapping system to update the primary valve locations and to prepare primary valve documents. Another aspect of the project is to locate and identify valves that can be isolated and shutdown in sections of the gas distribution systems. This data is also compiled in a database and sketches are developed for each valve. The overall goal of this project is to prepare report files which will become part of Keyspan’s Winter Operations Analysis and will also be used for planning gas control and gas acquisition.

Keyspan's goals and principles

At closer observations of this business, I learn about the company’s goals and principles and how it intertwines with the 21 st century skills of high productivity, effective communications, digital- age literacy and inventive thinking. I had an opportunity to listen to the president of Keyspan as he presented similar performance driven guidelines to his directors and managers. He discussed high productivity skills such as identifying key priorities and objectives to create plans for strategic growth as well as creating an environment that includes diversity of ideas and people as critical factor in success.

Digital –age literacy skills

I have also learned that digital –age literacy skills are critical to workers. Technological literacy is an essential component of job readiness. In this wired, networked company, it is imperative that all workers understand how to communicate using technology. Workers in all aspects of the company have their own computers, even the workers in the field have laptops to gather information and post their data etc. However they must maintain their curiosity and drive to stay current and informed in technology since workers are expected to adjust and adapt to their changing environments such as mergers, change in responsibilities etc.

Scientific literacy

Scientific literacy is another essential skill. The few divisions I have been learning about, operation engineering, gas control, and corrosion require the knowledge of science, scientific thinking, and mathematics. One needs to understand the gas and thermo dynamic relationships among pressure, temperature and volume. Corrosion testing involves a strong knowledge of electricity and calculation of the electrical charges. There is an obviously strong relationship between science, mathematics and technology.

Communication skills

Effective communication skills are necessary in the engineering department project. Responsibilities are often divided among a number of individuals. Information technology such as e-mails, shared documents and the actual workspace provide collaboration and rapid progress of work.

21st Century skills

In order to be a productive worker in Keyspan one needs to have strong academic skills, thinking, reasoning, teamwork skills, and proficiency in using technology.