What do you do if you need to explain complex technical concepts in a Systems Engineering interview?
When you're in a Systems Engineering interview, it's not uncommon to be asked to explain complex technical concepts. This can be a make-or-break moment, demonstrating your depth of knowledge and ability to communicate effectively. It's important to articulate these concepts clearly and succinctly, ensuring the interviewer understands your expertise without getting lost in the jargon.
In an interview, you must gauge the technical expertise of your audience. If they are fellow systems engineers, you can use industry-specific terminology with less concern for misunderstanding. However, if they are from HR or non-technical backgrounds, you'll need to simplify your language. It's crucial to explain technical concepts using analogies or relate them to real-world applications. This approach helps to bridge the gap between complex systems engineering principles and practical understanding.
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During the interview, the introduction round should be put to best use to gauge the background of the interviewers and also raise questions to assess their expectations for the job role. For instance, I normally enquire about the project I will be deployed and assess whether it's a new product development or upgrading a current system to add new capabilities. An interviewer looking out for new product development will be having a limited working knowledge since the product has not yet been developed. Therefore I refrain from going deep into technical topics and make it a lecture rather I will focus only on the basics and try to quote more examples or usecases. For upgradation projects, technical depth is key.
When faced with the task of explaining a complex system or process, start by breaking it down into its fundamental components. Use simple language and avoid jargon unless it's commonly understood. If you must use technical terms, ensure you provide a brief and easy-to-understand definition. Think of it as teaching someone a new concept for the first time; you want to build their understanding step by step.
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A great way to explain a complex concept is in terms of a commonly understood framework, such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 (fleshed out in the INCOSE Handbook) or the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook. Since it's likely the concept will involve numerous disciplines other than SE (e.g., mechanical, software, networks), be sure of at least top-level familiarity with their frameworks (such as the OSI model). This latter is part of your business as a systems engineer. Within that framework, don't give 'em the whole boatload but focus your answer in terms of the framework components that are applicable. This, of course, immediately leads us back to item 1, "Know your audience:" Use one or more mental frameworks your audience is familiar with!
Analogies are a powerful tool when explaining complex technical concepts. They allow you to draw parallels between the unfamiliar and the familiar, making the abstract more concrete. For example, you might compare a distributed computing system to a team of workers each handling a specific task to achieve a common goal. This helps the interviewer visualize the concept and grasp the underlying principles more intuitively.
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Paint a picture elegant in its simplicity. Jargon-free analogies help me explain complex architecture views: Operational - How a building acts in a community; Systems - The building’s blueprints; Technical - Building codes, laws, technical standards. I also use the US Interstate system to explain how a complex network or system sets rules in the early engineering phases: Interstates are divided; No stopping for intersections (thus, lots of overpasses); At least two 12-foot travel lanes each way; 10-foot shoulder each way. And I use small items at hand to paint a clear picture: My smartwatch to explain the importance of stakeholder needs determination; My 20-year-old travel cup for reliability, availability, and maintainability.
Visual aids can be incredibly helpful in conveying complex information. If possible, bring diagrams or charts to your interview that you can reference while explaining. These visuals should be clear and not overly detailed; they are meant to aid your explanation, not serve as standalone comprehensive guides. A well-designed flowchart or system diagram can often communicate more effectively than words alone.
Practicing your explanations out loud before the interview is essential. This practice will help you refine your delivery and ensure you're able to convey concepts with confidence and clarity. You'll likely notice areas where you can simplify further or where an analogy might be particularly effective. Additionally, practicing out loud helps to solidify your own understanding of the material.
During the interview, pay close attention to the interviewer's body language and feedback. If you notice signs of confusion or interest, be prepared to adjust your explanation accordingly. You may need to simplify further, provide additional examples, or delve deeper into a particular aspect of the concept. The key is to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of your audience.
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When speaking of a technical interview about system engineering I am sure at least one member in the team , taking an interview should be from a technical bay ground.Let us also take a situation where the team doesn't have a technical expert there you have to put your points in a simplified way with practical explanation using more visual aids, analogies.Most important thing you be very clear about what the interviewer wants be specific, to the point with simple , practical and analogical explanation which suits best to your views and interviewer views as well. When speaking about system engineering topics your view points should be in a language which makes an overall sense your vast knowledge put in a nutshell of understanding
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