Controls Engineering

[Akif KC 0]

Hi All,

I am going to ask a weird (for some of you) question. 

I am new graduate, and got into the world of Controls Engineering recently, honestly I Love this! I heard and read it is a challenging field. Hopefully I can learn most of the things in this field and overcome the challenges. 
So, my question to all of you out there who is well knowledgeable and experienced in this field is, How can I excel in this field and how can I become a good controls engineer? Well, what I would really like to know is, is there any courses or training that I should take? I am really willing to learn, but I don't know what all are the things I should be learning, kind of confused honestly.
And yeah, I am having a Mechanical Engineering graduate degree and I took higher studies in Robotics and Automation. Thank you very much for reading and hopefully someone will help me out here. '

Akif.

[drforsythe 15]

I will offer this advice:  When designing controls, picture yourself in the position of the operator(s) of the equipment you design.  Try to think of all the ways that the process could fail, then design hardware and software that can help mitigate those issues.  If you work for a company that will allow it, spend some time working as an operator of the equipment you will be designing/programming/improving.  Build empathy for the daily users of the equipment.  If you can understand what it is like to be a daily operator of a machine or system, you can then make it friendlier to use.  Also, use your ears more than your mouth.  Listen to suggestions from those around you.  Being humble will earn you more friends than being cocky and thinking you know it all.  We all want to think that we are the best designers with the every detail thought out.  It is easy to get trapped in the pit thinking that our way of thought is the only, best way.  The truth is that people who regularly use the equipment know a lot and have valuable info to share.  By developing empathy for the users and including them in your design process, you will earn their respect and have allies when it comes to solving any problems that might creep up.  Classes are helpful, but not as helpful as fully immersing yourself into the situation.  If I had to suggest one class, it would have to do with communications.  Not the communications that deal with networks and devices, but interpersonal communications.  Learn how to communicate with the varying types of people you will deal with.  Sorry for the long-winded post.  Best of luck!