How can I call myself an electrical engineer? 7

[kchida]

Also, how do my coworkers call themselves electrical engineers? I hired into a large(the biggest) aerospace company about 6 months ago, as a college-hire. I'm concurrently continuing my education in engineering as well.

So far, I've been amazed at how much paper-pushing I've been doing. Some tell me that this is only because I'm new, but this is absolutely untrue. The senior engineers here pretty much do the same things that I do(although with much more efficiency and greater speed). I was expecting a work environment that at least somewhat resembled an electronics lab or at least some test equipment and design software. Now, I'm not sure if you guys have seen the movie Office Space, but I feel like I'm stuck in that movie. For crying out loud, I don't even have a simple DMM here (or the need for one)! Basically, all we do is farm out contracts to other vendors to make us our parts and we are just here to support the logistics process. We only output engineering requirements to ensure conformity to FAA regulations and industry practices, but we hardly ever provide any technical input. Also, looking around my corporate campus, I've observed that most engineers here do the same things. And sure, I'm technically in the electrical design group; we do neither documentation or drafting, but I have yet to apply any of my skills nor am I presented with an opportunity to learn. Now I understand why so many engineers here got laid-off during financial hardships; they have no real technical skills and I'm sure they had a hard time re-entering the workforce.

Now here are my questions: Is this how it is for most engineering professionals? Or perhaps it's because I'm working for such a large organization? Do I need to leave the company or did I just stumble into a bad position? BTW, the pay is still competetive (slightly above market for me). I just feel like I'm not learning anything valuable and I'm not developing my skill sets. The only skills I'm aquiring is the ability to navigate through a whole lotta red tape and to cover my rear with a bunch of BS! Help. Please advise and thank you very much.

 

[sgwhip]

I agree with Moltenmetal. Engineers are a very diverse lot, as are the careers that are open to them. I am certain that you can find the excitement that you seek, though it may not be in the places where you are looking.

Have you considered working in a plant or factory? How about for a firm that designs plants? Installation contractor? Equipment manufacturer? (much production machinery is unique to a particular installation) Field Service for an equipment manufacturer? (travel often required, but you learn to do the impossible with very little because the client depends upon you to do so).

These suggestions are not for all engineers because they are often difficult assignments requiring long hours, ambiguous circumstances, resourcefulness, and adaptability. We're not talkin' 9 to 5, but the learning curve is quite a ride. You sound more introspective than most folks, and this is a fine personal quality that I hope you will never loose. (Think of the life experience you have gained already). Ignore the folks that tell you to "suck it up." There is a niche for their talents, and your niche may look completely different...but I assure you it is there for you to find. Good luck.

 

[Beggar]

kchida, as an educational point, you clearly did not do your homework during the hiring process.

If you're interviewing properly then you will walk out with a clear picture of what the job will entail, a feel for the company culture, and a sense of the working environment

An interview is a two-way encounter. It's every bit as much for you to learn about the company as it is for them to learn about you.

Learn this lesson well so you don't repeat your mistake in the future.

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Bring back the HP-15

http://www.hp15c.org

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