Open-Source Software and Resources

Office & Desktop Publishing Software

Graphics & Multimedia Software

Academic Software

Computer Utilities

Blender and Blender Resources

CAD Software

Electromagnetic Simulation Software

Scientific Programming

3D Printing Software

Wisdom from the EMProfessor
You need to sell yourself, not your slides The biggest mistake you can ever make when giving a presentation is to make the focus of the presentation on your slides instead of yourself. I think the incorrect mentality at work here is to create a glorious set of slides, then sneak off to the side somewhere to not be in the way of those glorious slides. This is the exact opposite of what you should do. Instead, make yourself the glorious center of attention with perhaps some simple slides off the side to backup what you are saying. This will make your presentation more personal, and your ideas will be more easily understood. We are human and need the personal interaction for effective communication. Listeners will remember you as much as they remember your talk. This will help you network and help you build your professional reputation. TED Talks are usually excellent examples of how to give an effective presentation. Watch some TED Talks with this advice in mind. [...] Read more...
Keep it simple. The second biggest mistake in a presentation is making your slides too busy or too complicated. The best slide is often a single, simple picture with no text at all. If you put text on a slide, you are telling the audience to read instead of listen. Once they miss some of what you were saying because they were reading instead of listening, you are no longer communicating effectively. Study how to make your slides understandable so your audience can invest their mental energy into listening, instead of figuring out your slides. Only include the bare minimum on a slide to back up what you will be saying during the presentation. If you must include a complicated diagram, build that diagram over a sequence of slides that adds details a little bit at a time. If you feel inclined to create a busy slide, ask yourself why. Maybe you are emotionally attached to some less-important information and just “really really” want to include it. Maybe you are afraid to get a question about that less-important information. Get over this and delete that information from your slides. If you must, create an appendix for the less-important information and use the appendix only if a question arises. [...] Read more...
Advice for making your resume standout out among the masses As an educator, I have reviewed many articles about writing resumes so that I can better advise my students. I have become frustrated that they all fail to state what is by far the best and most important advice to improve your resume. Here it is: Make sure you have things to put on your resume! Good grades are certainly important. Even more, however, employers want to hire happy and knowledgeable people who will take an active role in their company and contribute to its success. A resume should convey your passion, energy, and that you are an active contributor. This means you should join organizations, be active in them, and take on leadership positions. Get involved in projects outside of the classroom. Your hobbies and interests will speak a lot about the type of person you. Be well read in technical areas so that you are knowledgeable and can write your resume with professional language. Help others. Volunteer your time with philanthropic organizations such as homeless shelters or senior living centers. Do the things that will convey you have a genuine interest in what you do, care about people, and that you actively contribute. If you want to have an awesome resume, do awesome things! [...] Read more...

Note: The links on this page are provided as a courtesy and recommended resource for EMPossible students and other interested parties. EMPossible is not responsible for the information presented on linked pages. Please report any inappropriate or incorrect links to admin@empossible.net