Wasted One year?
Wasted One year?
(OP)
I graduated in Electrical Engineering one year ago and joined a small Lighting trading company. I am the only engineer in the company. My work involves inspection and testing of lamps, visiting factories in Far East for quality inspection, QC etc. Since last month i am not enjoying my work and feel that i am not able to apply even 5 percent of what i studied in my electrical engineering course.
My salary is good(not very good but more than average pay of an engineer). The problem i am facing here is future growth.
I would like to know your opinions:
Did i made the wrong decision to join a small trading company? Am i wasting my time, education and career here? Should i switch to another company where i can actually work as an engineer even if i get less salary than what i am getting here?
Thank you
E
My salary is good(not very good but more than average pay of an engineer). The problem i am facing here is future growth.
I would like to know your opinions:
Did i made the wrong decision to join a small trading company? Am i wasting my time, education and career here? Should i switch to another company where i can actually work as an engineer even if i get less salary than what i am getting here?
Thank you
E





RE: Wasted One year?
At least you get the luxury of hunting for work while working!
Personally, I "wasted" three years out of school as a technical writer, and still got a entry level engineering job later. So breathe! There's hope!
RE: Wasted One year?
It sounds to me that what you're really facing is the realization that not every engineering position is going to be a design position (and even most of those aren't remotely as calculation intensive as college makes engineering out to be). If you're not completely on board with the type of engineering work you're doing, start putting feelers out for what you'd like to do whether it be sales (shudder), design, systems, controls, manufacturing, etc. Then when a position does open up, you just might get it. In the meantime, make sure to keep yourself current through trade magazines, shows, seminars, short courses, and such. Never forget that anything you fail to learn on your own after graduation is something that next year's graduating class will likely have been taught and willing to provide for an entry-level wage.
Just remember that real-world engineering isn't so much about the numbers as it is about intimately knowing the sector or products that you're going to be working with and how to apply your skills to those products and situations you'll encounter. Any time spent learning about business and industry and how engineering operates in them is going to make you more marketable than someone fresh out of college. Just keep learning and looking for the job that you want.
RE: Wasted One year?
Probably not much of a career path for engineering. But, you seem to be getting to spend time in factories. Factories are where stuff gets made. Stuff gets made (sometimes) with all sorts of heavy equipment and automation.
So take the maximum advantage of your situation and learn all you can about how lamps are made.
Since you are in a QC role, you have the option of performing "process audits" of the factories.
RE: Wasted One year?
Also, the primary task of ALL engineers is communicating. Written reports, written findings, written reviews, correspondence, etc. Since most engineers are not the best writers out of school (this is an understatement, and one that applies to me), you probably need to develop technical writing skills. I'm not sure if your current position/company allows this development.
All in all, I wouldn't consider a year or two there wasted, but I do recommend actively seeking better opportunities.
RE: Wasted One year?
Then figure out how to get that rolling.
I wouldn't be despondent at all - you have a well paid job in a sector that, at least, used to interest you.
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: Wasted One year?
It is not unusual at all for a new grad to move on to another company at the two year mark.
"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?" Oddball, "Kelly's Heros" 1970
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RE: Wasted One year?
I agree with alot of other posts. You are getting great experience. Although maybe not what you expected it will benefit you in the future.
Personally I wouldn't stay there longer then a couple of years. But you haven't wasted your time so far.
RE: Wasted One year?
TTFN
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