Readiness of Electronic Engineering (Computer) Diploma Students in Applying Technical Skills to Face Career Challenges in Internet of Things (IoT)

Abstract

The aims of this study are to identify the readiness of Electronics Engineering (Computer) Diploma students to apply technical skills to face the challenges in the career related to Internet of Things (IoT). The methodology used in this research was quantitative approach in which questionnaires were distributed to respondents through online strategy. This study involved semester 4 students of Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Computer) at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnic Port Dickson, who have registered the Internet Base Controller course. A total of 56 students were randomly selected as respondents. Three main aspects where investigated, namely readiness, technical skills and career challenges in the field of IoT. The results of the study show that students were highly ready to enhance their level of knowledge in IoT field from time to time as the field of IoT is growing rapidly. Besides, the students were also ready to apply various technical skills such as hardware, programming skills, IoT platform, microcontroller, wired and wireless technology. Whereas the career challenges faced by the students were related to equipment such as laptops, smartphones and internet connection tool which is important to produce an IoT project during studies. In addition, the similar findings also can be seen from the Internet Based Controller Course Outline Review Report which indicated that the achievement technical skills acquisition has reached 88%. In conclusion, this study has shown that three is a high level in terms of students’ readiness, technical skills and career challenges in IoT field. The students realise that the knowledge and skills related to IoT will provide bright career opportunities in the future and students are ready to increase their potential to face the challenges of IoT development in Malaysia in line with the needs of the industry.