Part Time Work 1

[nnjunger]

Let me give a little background on myself and what I am looking for. I have about 7 years experience in maintenance and engineering in an industrial manufacturing setting, and am finally getting around to reviewing to take the PE exam. One thing that I have run into is that I need to expand my networking outside of my existing company, grow my skill sets, and earn some extra money. My problem is that I have no idea how to find piece work, part time work, etc., in my area or in any area in general. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[metengr]

Sounds to me like you need to change jobs versus looking for part time employment as an engineer. Start putting a resume together and work with the internet.

 

[Beggar]

If you're looking for PT work, I'd try a contract agency. You might also talk to vendors and distributors with whom you have good relationships.

I suppose it depends to some degree on the nature and level of the services that you're offering.

Frankly, you're likely to have trouble getting piece or PT work without knowing somebody inside the target company. I'm very reluctant to hire PT people because the quality of their work can be very suspect -- because they're not vested in the long-term success of the company, they tend to not be as careful as I'd like with regard to quality and accuracy. Going through an established agency can ameliorate this some.

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Bring back the HP-15

http://www.hp15c.org

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[nnjunger]

Thanks Beggar,

I agree with the problems with quality with some part time engineers. I have supervised some that were good, and some that never could get the grasp on things. However, that was in an old job, in a previous location. I was going to look for some of the temp/placement agencies, but didn't know if anyone uses them anymore, we do for some production/cleanup people, but nothing on the professional side.

Metengr,

Why would you suggest moving companies. I am just looking to expand my skill set and exposure to new ideas, plus it helps build a reference base (and extra money is not a bad thing). I have my families support on this. I think changing jobs will likely set me back even more as far as preperation for the PE exam, as well as the hardships involved on one's family with relocation.

 

[metengr]

Your statement regarding relocation is correct. However, I respectfully disagree with your other rationale. Your preparation for the PE exam has nothing to do with changing jobs. If you feel that you need to network and expand your skill set in your present job that implies to me that you need to consider working for another company (same engineering field). I believe working PT will result in less time to spend on your current job assignment, distractions and time away from your family. I don’t know of many engineering professionals that work part time in addition to a full time job because in today’s market, as companies cut back employees, those of us left standing fill in the gaps.

 

[Heckler]

nnjunger,

One way to network within you field is get involved with a professional socitey like ASME, attend trade shows or enroll in some training classes in you field. For Example, attend an Allen-Bradley training class on industrial controls. These are all ways to meet people in your field. best of luck


Heckler

 

[Rich2001]

A little bit of sage advice from an old coot - Look into teaching part-time Engineering Technology courses part-time at a local community college. Most schools have a hard time filling these positions with working engineers. Teaching may help in your own studies.



Vita sine litteris mors est.

 

[nnjunger]

Thanks Rich, I hadn't looked into that, but it may be a good way to network and brush up on some of the fundamentals that always seem to get fuzzy when you don't use them every day.

Metengr,

I guess my theory on relocation comes from the fact that whenever I have switched jobs or locations, I seem to spend 4-6 months moving, working on buying/selling houses, etc., and then the first 6 months on a new job involve lots of extra time to make sure that nothing is getting dropped, getting up to speed on things the facility already has going, etc. I would welcome the experience/knowledge that I would get that way, it just doesn't fit with my other obligations at the moment.