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Recent content by PhilBW

  1. PhilBW

    The future of handheld scientific and graphing calculators (or pen + paper, for that matter)

    I use a spreadsheet when I need to do multiple calculations, but I still use my calculator to test the formulas in my spreadsheets.
  2. PhilBW

    The future of women in Engineering...

    Has anyone heard of efforts to recruit males into predominantely female professions, such as nursing?
  3. PhilBW

    Interviewing Help/Tips

    I would never ever hire anyone who told me he took several months off for some much needed rest. I can't imagine anyone hiring someone who thought work was so taxing that they needed a break periodically. On the other hand, I would not be concerned that it took you over a year to find a job...
  4. PhilBW

    Poorly paid, exploited, or typical?

    I would have someone other than a retired engineer review your resume and help you with cover letters. Getting hired these days is a whole different process than your engineer friend ever had to go through unless he has been job hunting in the past few years. There are computer programs and HR...
  5. PhilBW

    Masters in Mechanical Engineering Straight out of College

    I got a bachelors degree from one university, worked several years, then got a masters degree from a different university. Both of the universities I graduated from have job placement services. They do things like review resumes, hold job fairs, and coordinate on-campus interviews. They would...
  6. PhilBW

    Stainless Tool Steel

    The material is used in a process for cooking cereal grains and flours, many of which are abrasive. Typical process temperature is 300-400° F. Steam and water are added, and up to 1.5%hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and/or phosphoric acid are added as well as salt at up to 1.5%. We have used...
  7. PhilBW

    Performance Review of Employee

    I would set some benchmarks for the new employee of what tasks he should be able to do after certain periods of time. Make sure he knows what your expectations are. Once you have done that, if he doesn't meet the benchmarks, you should have no regrets getting rid of him.
  8. PhilBW

    Where to find a good Mechanical Engineering Mentor?

    Like they say, it really stinks when your boss finds out you are good at something you don't like to do. Like you, I am a quick learner, and I like the challenge of learning new stuff. I also got involved in some non-design projects that ended up being a permanent part of my job...
  9. PhilBW

    Stainless Tool Steel

    I really appreciate all the suggestions. We have used 440C and gotten pretty good results, but thought something with even more carbides would last even longer. We also have used D2 in other applications and it is very good, but this is a particularly corrosive environment. We might give it...
  10. PhilBW

    Stainless Tool Steel

    I have an application that requires the wear resistance of a tool steel, but also needs the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. I have been able to find suitable materials, but they are all powdered metal. The shape and size of the parts don't lend themselves well to molding and...
  11. PhilBW

    Entry Level Engineer with well rounded background

    You talk about your non-engineering skills, but also state that your design skills are lacking. While you may be strong in areas they didn't really consider when they hired you, you are weak in the area they hired you for. Instead of spending time trying to show off your soft skills, you...
  12. PhilBW

    weighing two job offers-HELP

    You are trying to focus your decision on what happens the first six months on the job. Instead, you should be looking at what will happen for the several years after the first six months. It doesn't matter what the training is like if you hate the job when the training is over.
  13. PhilBW

    Resign right?

    If you say this, you are basically telling your current boss you are afraid he is going to be a jerk because you gave notice. That may not go over well. Just tell him you would rather not say who your new employer is just yet. As others have told you, it is better not to say too much.
  14. PhilBW

    Cathodic protection in an acidic environment

    Thank you both for your replies. I had considered a ceramic material as well. I'll explore that further.
  15. PhilBW

    Test taking and how it reflects employee

    The purpose of a sample test is to give you a brief review, not teach you the material from scratch. If all you know about the subject is what is on the sample test, then you probably are not qualified for the job.
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