New engineer: Are my expectations unrealistic? 3

[flyhi]

Greetings all,

I finished my BSEE from a competitive research school in California and I've been working in the aerospace industry for a bit over a year now. Long story short, I'd like to learn what roles and responsibilities other engineers have, and compare them to mine. My day-to-day tasks involve reviewing/approving vendor documentation to qualify parts, interface with vendors to resovle any issues w/ parts, update spec control drawings and a whole myriad of internal one-off jobs. I spend much of my time babysitting old design and outside vendors, but never on new and exciting projects. I spend 90% of the day proof-reading documents, editing reports/documents and on teleconferences.

Should I look for another job or are most engineering jobs like this? I just don't know what is and what isn't reasonable to expect from an engineering profession. Personally, I would like to use more of what I've learned in school and have an active role in design. I prefer 'technical' and not 'clerical'.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

 

[Ashereng]

Personally, I would like to use more of what I've learned in school and have an active role in design. I prefer 'technical' and not 'clerical'.

Unfortunately, someone didn't tell you that 50% of engineering is clerical, 40% is repetitive boredom, and 10% is making coffee and photocopying.

Very few people get to design anything of consequence. I had read someplace that an automotive designer at Ford had the job of designing the door handle on the Focus. That was his/her job. One pair of door handles. Not exactly sexy.

Do you know what the door handle of your car looks like in any detail?

If the answer is no, that is my point.

If the answer is yes - boy are you observant!

I haven't designed anything in many years. I still do my "engineering work", make photocopies (a lot), and yes, I make coffee (especially if I want some).

This is engineering. It is boring and dull. It is the nature of the discipline.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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[kchida]

Unfortunately, someone didn't tell you that 50% of engineering is clerical, 40% is repetitive boredom, and 10% is making coffee and photocopying.

Haha!

A. Without the 10% towards coffee-making, the distribution would be: 50% staring at random point on desk, 30% clerical and 20% repetitive boredom.

B. In my organization, it seems as if we devote >50% on meetings. We have meetings to schedule meetings!

 

[tripleZ]

MadMango's point on smaller businesses offering more opportunities has a lot of merit. I've been lucky in my engineering career in that I've only ever really worked for smaller companies. My 1st year out was in production management, and I was juggling 25 employees and a couple mil in sales. It was a smaller job shop, so the day-to-day priority list, and the jobs themselves, were all unique. The nice thing was, about every 4 weeks you could expect a batch of all new product to come through the door. My current job is also with a smaller manufacturer (~300 employees). The engineering staff is kept small, thus we're pretty much always swamped. I honestly think that I've gotten a lot more practical experience as a result of sticking with smaller companies.

The drawback is the pay scale. Smaller companies I've been involved with generally haven't paid as well as the larger ones my pals from college work for. But the managerial experience you receive, in addition to the technical, positions you better (I think) to move up the ladder faster than your counterparts in larger companies (if you're job switching that is).

 

[craigmj]

When I was just out of school I worked for a "very large semiconductor company" and was miserable, pushing papers and going to meetings 6 hrs a day. BUT it was worth it because I learned a lot about how large companies function.

I finally took a risk and went to work for a small company that makes portable electronic products and now I manage many of my own design projects.

In general I have had a much more satisfying experience working for a small company...and would never go back. Of course you must keep in mind that in a small company an individuals contribution means a lot more (if your one of 3 engineers then you cant slack or stuff doesnt get done) and you must shoulder a lot more responsibility.

Ive had an opposite experience with small companies and pay...they tend to pay more because their profit per person is generally more AND they dont have corporate payscales to contend with...you can negotiate.

 

[0707]

Flyhi!

Fly, but keep your eyes fixed in the earth for a good landing.

 

[SnTMan]

As a wise friend tells me "the key to being happy in life is lowered expectations".

Regards,

Mike

 

[Quantum50]

As a wise friend tells me "the key to being happy in life is lowered expectations".

To avoid becoming a slug, I think I'd prefer, "the key to being happy in life is reasonable expectations rather than lofty expectations." Leave the lofty ones to the alpha engineers. ;-)

 

[craigmj]

Quote (SnTMan):
As a wise friend tells me "the key to being happy in life is lowered expectations".

I'd agree with Quantum50. If your going to have an additude like that then why be an engineer at all? Thats like saying that the key to happiness is a labotomy OR that pain aversion and comfort are more important than bettering yourself.

My opinion is that the struggle is the point... and exceeding the expectations of others and yourself is happiness! (obviously not just in engineering)

CJ

 

[SnTMan]

It's a joke.

 

[Quantum50]

I assumed it was a joke, SnTMan. It just got me to pondering is all. I assumed that was your intent.

 

[wes616]

Kchida,

I re read some of your older posts, which are very similar in nature and frustration to this thread. And I must say that maybe the problem isn't your work environment, or your co-workers or your job,etc...

Last October you were dis-satisfied. You are still dissatisfied. You are trying to point your finger at the problem of your dissatisfaction... but remember when you point a finger, there are 3 more pointing back at you.

Look in the mirror to find personal satisfaction, and you will be happy wherever you are. Even if you find another job, you may remain dissatisfied...

psycology for a nickel, thank you chuck... now where's that football...?

Wes C.
------------------------------
When they broke open molecules, they found they were only stuffed with atoms. But when they broke open atoms, they found them stuffed with explosions...

 

[HVACctrl]

Kind of scary when someone stalks your older posts!

Just kidding around Wes.

I can honestly say that I can see where someone who is dissatisfied with their work is coming from. I have only had a one or two jobs where I really loved and was challenged by the work. However, either the geography or some other issue got in the way. I think its hard to find interesting, challenging work that pays you well and gives you opportunity for growth and develpment. ITs especially hard if you have high expectations and are idealistic about the way things should be.

I don't think that means the person is problematic- maybe just not easy to please on the job front. But that trait of not setting for less might be the one thing that drives an individual to ultimately find the perfect job or create his/her own company.

Just a different angle.

Ed

http://www.engineerboards.com

 

[wes616]

hvac,

I wasn't trying to be harsh.. but it may have come off that way. I really just want to give sound advice, from the heart. And Yes, if you have unrealistic expectatoins, you will always meet with disappointment. Because the world is the way it is, for better or worse, we have to learn to deal with it.

My only intent here is for Kchida to not be banging his head against the wall with this same basic question every year for the rest of his life.

But you know.. do-gooders on these boards get slamed, so...

Wes C.
------------------------------
When they broke open molecules, they found they were only stuffed with atoms. But when they broke open atoms, they found them stuffed with explosions...

 

[kchida]

*Disclaimer*
Just warning you all that I'm going to reply in a rather frank manner. It is not my intention to offend anyone or project a negative attitude. This is just a humble opinion from a new member of the "work force", so please take it as it is and feel free to reply in an equally frank way. I really don't mind it; in fact, I always appreciate an honest reponse.

I agree with what has been suggested. I need to find happiness "within" before I pursue happiness from external sources. BUT, I think the key to my frustration right now is that I've studied hard for 5 straight years(while working P/T), only to end up doing something that has practically nothing to do with what I've learned. I should suggest to the universities that the present engineering curriculum must be revised to include courses that teach networking, presentation and project management skills.

To add to the trauma of voiding 5 years worth of blood and sweat, I don't think there is a great demand for new engineers right now and it doesn't look like things are about to change anytime soon. With each passing year, corporate R&D budgets shrink and design/research jobs flock to the East (and I have 40 more years of work ahead of me!).

We [entry-level engineers] have to go knocking door-to-door, for 8 months straight, just to land a phone interview or any response from an employer. One nearly could have gestated offspring in that timespan!

We face immense competition, since new entrants into the engineering profession are not limited. Why do I keep reading in the Times that there is a shortage of young American engineers and scientists?

We must relocate to our new jobs and then relocate again when the Man doesn't need us anymore.

And, to put icing on the cake, my fiance is also studying to become an engineer, so the chances of us finding a job in the same area are very slim. She talks about having kids soon, but I don't feel like I can set my roots anywhere anytime soon. Growing up, my family moved around quite a bit, so I promised myself that I wouldn't do that to my child.

Sorry for the long rant!

 

[GregLocock]

And none of these things were apparent BEFORE you did your degree?



Cheers

Greg Locock

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[Ashereng]

kchida,

4 year engineering programs don't really have enough time to cover all the "useful" stuff on the engineering side - or so many have claimed.

Now, you want to add networking, presentation and project managment skills to the curriculum?

By the way, project management is a discipline in itself. Many courses are available, both from universities and othe for-profit companies, to teach project managers exactly that - how to manage a project.

You asked originally whether your expectations are unrealistic. My answer to you is "Yes. I think your expectations are unrealistic."

This is my take, after reading your replies.

Like anything else, everyone wants to start at the top - no one wants to sacrifice to get there, assuming that they have the total package to get there talentwise in the first place.

Then again, what I say doesn't matter - it's what you believe.

Good Luck.



"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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[HVACctrl]

Wes,
I was just messin' around- not slamming you. I honestly thought your words were positive. You're right about unrealistic expectations.

I just think that in some cases there is no reason for us to believe that the things that are commonly accepted as unrealistic really are unrealistic.

Ed

http://www.engineerboards.com

 

[HVACctrl]

I also think that it is hard to see things like job force issues before graduating. The universities paint rosy pictures as part of their marketing procedures and (aside from perhaps internet research, which can be questionable in iteself) how do you know what the job situation is until you graduate and start applying?

I'm 9 years into my career (11 if you count 2 years of co-op while in school) and I agree that this profession is not as rosy as the picture that was presented.

I emphathize with the things kchida is saying. Just not sure what can be done about it.

Ed

http://www.engineerboards.com

 

[Ashereng]

There are lots of oppotunities to get a more "real" picture of a profession:
- talk to someone you know and trust who works in the profession
- paid summer interships during high school
- not paid summer jobs
- many societies host meet and greets (both HS and univ)
- talk to your parents



"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[HVACctrl]

Good ideas. They should work well for some people.

None of those things worked for me, although I did work two internships while in college. I really didn't know anyone in a similar profession other than my father, but he really isn't the talking type when it comes to this sort of thing.

Ed

http://www.engineerboards.com