Clickster,
I think everyone goes through this self-doubt to some extent. Engineering is suh a vast field, there is no way that one can be expected to be proficient with schooling alone. As somone said above, school teaches you how to think but the real education comes later and it never ends...
The best managers I have had have been the ones who performed my job at some point in their careers. They knew the details of what I was doing and I feel it made them better managers. I feel I am a better manager having performed the work of those I manage. Of course, a managerial position...
Not all companies spend much effort in advertising to the general public (phone book, etc.). But many do advertise to their specific group of potential customers. One of my favorite resources is a trade magazine. You can find advertisements, articles and references to all kinds of companies...
It's amazing how often excuses such as HR or budget limits are given when discussing a pay raise. Once I came into management I realized these are important, but it is possible to give a raise to a valuable employee. In fact, I think it is imperitive that managers identify and reward those few...
In my experience, a well-rounded engineering has to have both theoretical/analytical knowledge as well as hands-on "real world" experience. The jobs that I have been most satified with are those that have allowed me to do both. I never enjoyed being chained to my desktop or being kept from it...
Also keep in mind that a job interview is a two-way street. You can ask questions about the job requirements, skills necessary and discuss how you fit to each position. I agree that you should not mention the personal reasons for the move; simply state you are looking to advance your career...
Congrats, w1res! Lots of good advice here. I would recommend you take the opportunity to learn where your company stores reference information. That is, your department (if the company is ISO9001) should have written procedures on a variety of topics. There may be an engineering reference...
Great news, HVACJACK! Today is a good day. I just found out last night that my good friend, who has been out of work for nearly two years, has been offered a job. There's no substitute for perseverance and I'm glad you are back on the bicycle.
http://www.EngineeringGuideBook.com
It is best to speak with the manufacturer of the pump you are using. They should have a recommended NPSHa/NPSHr margin. There is no criteria that works for all pumps under all conditions. In fact, I regularly design pumps that do not have a required margin between NPSHa and NPSHr; they can...
It certainly depends on what you enjoy doing. Personally, I like the challenge and the responsibility and would take the management position. There is something exciting about seeing the impact of your hard work. Also, it is nice to know that you can be a part of that success.
That said, the...
I feel for you, HVACJACK. You sound like you are not afraid of hard work but the past year has been tough.
I am always pro-education, but your opening post is correct; you will need to spend money now on the hope of making more in the future. The military is always a plus to have on your...
Get out of the house. I don't necessarily meant to move out of your parent's basement. I mean to avoid spending time indoors by yourself. Think about what interests you and join a group or take a class. Craigslist is an easy way to find social gatherings, classes or meetings. I would aslo...
The major difference between a presentation and training is the reciprocal communication. Training should include regular feedback from the audience (students).
I give presentations quite often, but have on occaision been required to provide training to operators of our equipment. Since I...
