Your Job/Occupation/Career?

[mclovin]

I'm a CAD administrator for an aviation company. I manage an install of 70+ seats of 3D design software and an engineering database. My education is in mechanical engineering but I've always felt that I'm a bit more of in industrial designer. My design experience is with automated donut production machinery and aerospace commercial interiors. I also spent a few years on the sales side of engineering software - specifically with Autodesk products.

I'm currently getting into product life cycle management software and am configuring a pilot implementation for my company.

I got into ebikes because I live riding anything with two wheels and a motor.

 

[Dauntless]

I interview often in my line of work so it’s frustrating to get a wingnut self-tripping on an empirical question that has no merit in the practical world. I simply do not have time for these people.

Funny you say that, because I too interview often in my profession, except it's me looking for more freelance work, or god forbid someone finally have something for me FULL TIME. But so many of these people calling me in will indeed fit your expression of "Selftripping," sometimes that's the only reason they're interviewing people, they don't actually have a job for anyone. I find myself wanting to ask 'What planet are you from?' with the perfidy they obsess over.

But a story you might like better:

So this guy I know, let's just call him 'Borat.' From an eastern bloc country with two degrees from an eastern bloc university. Long an American now, he recently went to speak on 'Career Transitioning,' i.e. RETRAINING, having a few people he knew show up in the crowd to insure he'd get some good questions. Turned out that wasn't necessary. But one particular question. . . .

Imagine the voice of Natasha from 'Rocky and Bullwinkle.' At that age you could expect her to be thinking of retirement, but she probably hasn't been in the U.S. long so no social security, little if any retirement savings. She's talking about her problems getting any respect for her degree ". . . .From (XX) University. IN RUSSIA!" Borat here really thought he had the answer for her. That she should go to graduate school.

"But . . . .From (XX) University. IN RUSSIA!" Already getting emotional. Keep in mind this is a public information session by the county trying to help break down the resistance of the uneduated resistance to, well, education. You think someone with a degree will be slam dunk, right? Borat tries to explain to her, from personal experience, that the eastern bloc education is considered too theoretical and little that is taught there is considered valuable in the U.S. If she read about him in the program, she already knew about his 2 Ph.D's since coming to America.

And she almost shrieks ". . . .From (XX) University. IN RUSSIA!" I was sitting maybe 5 feet from her: This was piercing. Borat is a guy who seems like he's already drank 2-3 too many Red Bulls, because he HAS already drank 2-3 too many Red Bulls. He's determined he's going to carry the day with his sheer force of reason. Of course anything he has to say only gets her screaming louder: ". . . .From (XX) University. IN RUSSIA!" I got to thinking this next one was going to shatter the windows.

Well, she won. Borat went beyond the 100 mile stare and got to the point you see in the Japanese monster movies as Godzilla is about to bite down. I had already assumed that if ever I would see a man physically explode it would be Borat, so this looked like the moment. But the woman didn't press home her advantage, instead she settled into her chair, lolled her head backward, wimper quietly ". . . .From (XX) University. IN RUSSIA!"

It's easy to laugh at her (And obviously I do) but one has to remember that these people have often been taught by more than one other person or persons that they should put the level of importance on such foolishness as they do. You never know which one, in their steadfastness in keeping themselves on the wrong path, is actually displaying the strength of character to stay on course. Right? If only there were a way to reach them. . . .

But I blame GM. Here they have that school they invite the best new graduates to come to and forget everything they know about cars and design something new and different. Oh the designs that come at the end of the school. WTF???? You can't come close to building a car like that. As they present this nonsense, everyone is cheering, the mutual admiration flows. So, fresh from all the patting on the back, these goofballs go to interview for a REAL WORLD job. . .With Kingfish!! (Oh, that's right. Let's just blame Government Motors.)

My own TV/Film education, starting at community college and ending (Once and for all) at UCLA certainly came up short of what I needed to know. If someone had offered a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mind Control I'm not sure if I'd have what I needed to get everyone I encountered on track. But then if someone gets to be as good as I am at interviewing, you have to wonder why he gets so much practice. . . .

With some regrets, KF

 

[Kingfish]

I'm not entirely certain you understand my perspective:

I am self-employed, contractor for hire. Been doing this line of work – as a contractor for over 25 years. Sometimes I get a long gig, sometimes they’re short. Sometimes – if I’m lucky, they overlap. Think of me like you would as a Builder or GC and you need a shed, barn or house designed and built. Projects come in all forms; it used to be physical products although in the last 20 years – it’s software or Internet applications and tools.

So when I interview, it’s for a contract job. I don’t interview potential employees; it’s the other way around: Companies want to hire me FT or for contract. And I meet all sorts. Usually I get them in the first minute: If they’re going to be a jerk, I’ll sink the interview just so I can move on to the next opportunity; why waste my time? If they make me sit in a chair that’s more than 6” below their eye level – I’ll sack the interview: That’s power-tripping, and I don’t like it anymore than someone lording over and trying to press me into a corner. I enjoy being independent as much as I enjoy serving a good boss, and really - interviews are like the 1st Date, and there's plenty of fish in the sea.

My best interviews are where I can look my potential boss eye-to-eye and talk about the problem they want me to solve – for real. Not some hokey imaginary scenario that has no real practical application: I shut down on those sorts of problems because I live my vocation; I have a practical mind. Grant you – I have one heck of an imagination and buckets full of optimism, however it’s still a practical problem solving machine.

So please take my quote in context that when I say: “I simply do not have time for these people” – it’s me pulling the plug on the interview for a potential gig.

Really – I could write a tome about my interview experiences: Great ones, and the Hate ones.
I have time for real honest interesting people. 8)

Dressed to impress, KF

 

[kfong]

Sr. Electrical Engineer currently designing led lighting for the automotive industry. The Sr. part has more to do with my age I think Before that I worked at Gm research for over 25 years on various projects, vision based lane tracking, gps navigation that is so common today were some of the career highlights. Electronics was always a hobby for me growing up, and just ended up being a career. Fortunate that I still find it enjoyable. Computers and micros complimenting the mix. I've learned a lot about Ebikes on this forum! Been interested in CNC as a hobby for a while as well. These days trail riding, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding has my focus, since I find so very little time to do it and see age putting a damper on those activities eventually.

 

[Dauntless]

I'm not entirely certain you understand my perspective:

(Damn, where did my last answer go? This board is acting so crazy for me lately.)

You're sounding more like me now. How many times have I cut the interview short, left, made the point I wasn't interested in dealing with them? Or received a call and 'Prequalified' them then refused to go, having to hang up as a tantrum starts? All the while wishing I'd started it sooner.

Really – I could write a tome about my interview experiences: Great ones, and the Hate ones.
I have time for real honest interesting people. 8)

Dressed to impress, KF

As could I, except I really try to forget now. Although some still provide some entertainment. Such as the time I'm told the woman my 8am appointment was with "Didn't make it in yet." Although it would turn I could see her lurking in the hallway. At 9:30 she finally tells me she just hadn't been in the mood. She proceeds to look at my resume, a roadmap of misery but to the initiated all they see is I've been BUSY. Then she drops it and stares wide eyed into the distance and hisses "I didn't come from Arizona for this lousy job, I should have been able to get a really good job." And I'm thinking 'Noooooo! I NEED this job right now, you CAN'T be psycho!' And I get to spend like a half hour listening to her trash the company and her department before I escape, thinking again of the need to just walk away, no matter how desperate I am.

I did make note of a few 'Listers' on their board, (Like the depth chart in Football, you assign people from the list.) I brought this up to someone I recognized next time I worked with him. He told me I should be happy I never worked there. Oh, he loved the story. Wanted to hear it every time I saw him after that. . . .

 

[Kingfish]

OK, rather than go way OT, here it is: Actual Interview Questions

Enjoy! KF

 

[borschelrh]

A very interesting story about Borat and the woman with the Degree from Russia. I am married to a Russian (Geophysicist) and after 7 years I more or less understand the issues. I also worked 10 years in the FSU Republics and have led several Russia scientists which all give me a somewhat better perspective on this problem. It is all disorganized now due to corruption since 1992 but in the Soviet Days these degrees really meant something and are way beyond anything we do in the US, at least below the PhD. The competition into "good" Universities was intense although could be bypassed by those whose parents were politically influential. There was also a huge emphasis on the entrance examinations and a lot of money (sometime more than your annual salary) went into tutoring for these exams, that is how important it was. The PhD is often (but not always) wimpy but the Doctor of Science is way past our PhD. So, you really have to know what they are referring to and when. Now (especially recently as the guy in charge of the final exam for all PhD's was recently arrested for bribery in the millions of dollars) you can buy a degree in Russia even with a Red diploma (Summa Cum Laude in the US). I have run into some of these characters and it shocks me to find a guy with a degree in Computer Science with a Red Diploma who doesn't know how to plug in a USB cable. So, further examination revealed he likely bought his degree and I sacked him as fast as I could. I have done the same for Chinese PhD's so it isn't limited to FSU degrees. I even have run into it from some Germans, Brits, and Swiss diplomas. Many of the Soviet degrees are from actual research institutes and are very practical and these are the best. Then we have the preliminary "doctorates" or aspirantura. These are a preliminary degree which is post-graduate and then the person goes on to get whatever doctorate level degree they are pursuing. I have hired several PhD's from Russia who have the aspirantura in Medicine so "technically" they are also medical doctors but have no actual clinical training. Most of these guys became Microbiologists or Geneticists (Molecular Biology). They also have a separate degree in Europe for Professor (docent) which in the US is assumed from your position and not an academic degree. In the US if you teach at a University and have a PhD you are a professor. In the FSU you have to have published a bunch and led students to get their PhD's before you qualify. Up until recently there were no baccalaureate degrees in the Soviet Union and Former Soviet Union Republics (FSU). A Master's degree was the lowest degree possible and reflects 5 or 6 years of education. Also, in the FSU's they don't repeat anything taught in High School and there are no general education requirements. That should all have been done prior to University. In the US the first 2 years at a University are repeating what should have been taught (more or less) in High School. So, in a 6 year Master's degree in the FSU's you get a lot more education than in the US and it is ALL in your major subject and no frivolous "electives". Also, a particular class (degree year group in a particular subject) studies together completely and not ad hoc as in the US. Also, most Russian Universities are specialized and only teach in one field. You can't get a degree in French Literature from an Agricultural school like you can in the US (UC Davis for example). Most Europeans find this shocking to learn hence this woman's incredulity of how little her degree is regarded. To be fair, I see the problem much more from Chinese degrees than the FSU or Russian ones. I am highly suspicious of Chinese doctorates and I only hire someone I can verify from multiple Chinese friends who I respect. The bottom line on all of them is to actually figure out what they know and if they can do the job at hand. Really, a degree is just a piece of paper. In my field publications and grants received (not submitted) tell a much larger story.

 

[hjns]

I am a medical doctor with clinical experience in Ear-, Nose-, Throat- surgery, and a PhD in neurovascular surgery. Current career is within Big Pharma, trying to get new medications to patients as soon as possible in a safe way. I emphasize the safety, because that is my main responsibility right now, and also where my heart lies.

After moving into Pharma, I miss the surgery dearly. First I found compensation in trying to keep my 120 size RC helicopters in the air. After discovering ebikes, I completely turned ebikey. The rest is history.

 

[sixty_cycle_hum]

It's awesome to see the spectrum of skill and expertise on here.

I am a radio broadcast engineer, which is a fancy way of saying that I keep radio stations on the air. Lots of high voltage stuff, lots of computers, lots audio gear, and fixing stuff as quickly as possible. The industry is in somewhat of a decline, but seems to be finding its niche in modern media. I'm a Michigan Tech grad, but I don't have a formal engineering degree. I got distracted with the recording studio and was the first Audio Production and Technology graduate from the school.

 

[The fingers]

Singer/songwriter, MVO, one-eyed one-horned flyin' purple People Greeter. :lol:

 

[fechter]

My degree is in Mining Engineering; that's where I learned how to blow things up with explosives. Lacking women in the middle of the desert, I switched to working in a hospital after two years. I'm now a Clinical Engineer at a large west coast hospital. I manage medical equipment mostly in surgery. I get to play with super expensive toys, like lasers that can burn a hole through a 2x4 in seconds. I also do incident investigations involving medical devices and medical device research. I have several medical device patents, but haven't made any money off them. I learned all my electronics at home and started at a very young age. I learned to solder when I was about 5 years old. I have a ham radio extra class license, but sort of a rusty key these days.

There's an interesting connection to ES here. One of the earlier projects involved using large magnets to apply a force to the patient's sternum to correct a congenital deformity called pectus excavatum. The doctors were thinking electromagnets, but I told them the power requirements would be impractical. I brought in a pair of super strong neodynimum magnets from my scooter motor to demonstrate how strong they were. A modified version of this is being used in our clinical trials now. You can see more about it here: http://pedsurg.ucsf.edu/conditions--procedures/magnetic-mini-mover-procedure.aspx
Here's another application of magnet technology:
http://www.pediatricdeviceconsortium.org/devices/magnamosis
This device may offer a cure for type II diabetes and/or obesity as well as being really handy anytime you need to connect part of the intestinal tract.

 

[Arlo1]

There's an interesting connection to ES here. One of the earlier projects involved using large magnets to apply a force to the patient's sternum to correct a congenital deformity called pectus excavatum. The doctors were thinking electromagnets, but I told them the power requirements would be impractical. I brought in a pair of super strong neodynimum magnets from my scooter motor to demonstrate how strong they were. A modified version of this is being used in our clinical trials now. You can see more about it here: http://pedsurg.ucsf.edu/conditions--procedures/magnetic-mini-mover-procedure.aspx
Here's another application of magnet technology:
http://www.pediatricdeviceconsortium.org/devices/magnamosis
This device may offer a cure for type II diabetes and/or obesity as well as being really handy anytime you need to connect part of the intestinal tract.

Thats Damn cool!

 

[beast775]

Well very interesting bunch so far! awesome people on e-s.i cut grass e-mower, fix toilets .

 

[Dauntless]

You wouldn't catch me rolling my eyes if you were here fixing some of my plumbing woes.

Do you happen to know, if I turn the water off, is it possible to fix a leaky shower spigot? If it can't be replaced can it be rebuilt without a plumber or a hole in the wall? I mean I get a little water running down the tile, I guess there'll be something dripping down behind the tile too, right?

(You don't HAVE to answer, just making the point on the value of the thing. But still. . . .)

 

[marty]

Plumber
Faucet in the shower? What is the brand? Do you see any words? Many faucets are guaranteed forever. Call the manufacturer and they will send you parts no charge.

If you are unable to figure out what brand? Take a picture and I we can all look at it.

Best to shut off water before dissembling a faucet or things can get exciting.

 

[dnmun]

shower controls with a single handle have repair kits available.

shut the water off at the street. open a faucet in each side somewhere in the house at a lower level to drain it out to work on.

turn the water back on slowly. have someone else turn it on while you watch if you can because it can be bad if you did the repair wrong.

use a leather shield under the slip joint pliers if you have to unscrew the handle cover from the base. that protects the chrome finish from scratching.

 

[slacker]

double and single handle shower faucets have rebuild kits available.lots of showers have shut-off valves behind the shower so you can isolate the valve without shutting off entire house.if not should be a whole house shut-off which is usually located in basement.i have been working nights with a licensed plumber for the last 15 yrs. so i have a little experiance.if buying a new valve stick with delta or moen as they are easy to work on and quite dependable.good luck and stay dry.

 

[Ypedal]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=44249

 

[knighty]

I made dog food, in my dog food factory, which has been in my family since 1891


but... it's not how it sounds... I spend 90% of my time on the factory floor, with the guys who work for me, up to my elbows in blood and gore

 

[beast775]

Ha,its hard to diagnose plumbing problems by reading type,but gorilla tape works wonders with a bit of propane torch,i work for slumloards so everything cheap fast and easy!

 

[Dauntless]

I work for slumloards so everything cheap fast and easy!

I guess I'm a slumlord myself the shape this house is in, when my brothers and sisters used to live with me (Rent free) oh the complaining. I did have one family of relatives here where the husband used to be some sort of plumbing developer for housing projects, he fixed a number of things. They moved to another state though.

At least you captured that it was a joke. I just wanted to make the point that any skill can come in handy, short of dirigible repair. Of course I am going to have to get up the nerve to take it apart myself, can't imagine the plumber would cost more after I tried. Just wish it wasn't inset in the wall. I can't figure out how to get the KNOB off.

 

[dnmun]

if you can take picture of the shower handle we can help maybe. this is a plastic knob in the middle of the chrome disc? with a label plate on the face of the knob?

nobody does plumbing with gorilla tape. some kinda joke.

 

[marty]

Dauntless,
Please take a picture of your faucet. Have you ever put a photograph on the internet? Is the faucet dirty, moldy? We won't make fun of you if it is. Clean it up and take a picture so I can see what you type about.

Do you know what causes more damage to houses then any thing else? No not fire. WATER! Fix that leak before the water causes damage.

 

[amberwolf]

I made dog food, in my dog food factory, which has been in my family since 1891

Which brand?

 

[emiyata]

Would I recommend my job ? No. The work is very interesting, don't get me wrong. But it is engineering work done in an office on a computer, and therefore can be done anywhere in the world. Meaning for 1/4 of the Swiss prices in India or China. Last year the inevitable happened and we all got fired. Luckely I found something new (at a very good company) but I cannot shake the feeling my type of work in the Western world is dying and will move to low wage countries. My advice for anyone thinking about engineering, make sure your work needs to be done local and cannot be outsourced abroad...

I was the guy that did that bread board work for projects like you listed above. We built single and three phase inverters. All this work is mainly done in India China ect like you said. I ditched that type of work and I work on industrial equipment now.