What's your occupation?

Or, if you're still in school, what are you planning on doing?

If you're just going to live off your parents, well, i guess that could be considered an occupation for a couple here....;)

I'm a mechanical engineer, which is pretty much the main reason why I got into the RX-8. The rotary is just that much more amazing when you can understand it from an engineering point of view.

Submariner... I just need this car to get away from the boat... hehe

i am the operations manager for a medium size retail store. we sell, deliver and install patio furniture,recliners, a huge amount of barstools, wood stoves, gas stoves, pellet stoves and grills (and smokers) in all shapes and sizes from the cheapest portable charcoal model to the biggest most hi tech ones in built in islands that can cost like $5,000 dollars. i have to make sure that what we need is ordered, keep the warehouse organized, keep the inventory straight and make sure the deliveries , installations and service calls get done right. and when the owners aren't here i am the big cheese:D which explains why i can spend so much time on the forum right now because their away;)

I'm an Information Technology consultant, with 20 years of IT experience altogether. I won't be able to afford my RX-8 for another 4 years or so. Alas - wife, kids, home, community, retirement savings, etc. come first in my life, toys come last!

B.S. in Computer Science

Computer Technician for Citigroup.

First thing I did after getting a full-time job after college is order my RX-8. Toys first......everything else last.....

BTW...single...no kids...living with parents 'til student loans paid off.

Software Development - Team Lead.

Its boring, and tonnes of OT hrs. Oh well, at least it pays alrite.

Student currently, majoring in BMIS.. got a few job offers now (all govt stuff!)...

It's Information Technology Specialist for either the Navy, the NJ Justice Department, or NJ Dept of Commerce.

Pay is pretty decent, 50-60k a year.

still in hs. gonna major in business when i get to college. i gonna be a business man making lotta cash money

Lotus Notes Admin and PC hardware / Windows / network geek. Been in IT since 1979.

I am an English Teacher!

Student, major EE at CIT. Dont really know what to do after college...already have job offer for EE...thinking bout it. :)

I train our existing & any new sales people on software applications, plus do a little selling as well.

tax accountant

www.butx.com

Network Manager / Engineer

Will be starting my new job this coming Monday with a government entity here in South Florida, on my way to being Assistant Director. (I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you... :p )

Lots of techies here! Guess us techies know good technology when we see it huh?

;)

i would like to do somethign wit cars:D

Sr. Accounting Manager in the entertainment industry.

Originally posted by Hercules
... majoring in BMIS.. got a few job offers now (all govt stuff!) ... Pay is pretty decent, 50-60k a year.

:p

Herc, it took me about 20 years to get to the 60K range, lucky for me it only took the last 5 to get over 75K ...

:(

Enjoy yourself (and don't get married and have kids right away) and try and save some of that $!

:D

I'm a 25+ year vet of the advertising industry.
(+ got a wife and 2 kids)

Pay is pretty decent, 50-60k a year

Herc is always quick to point out how lucrative his occupation is :p .

60K starting in the Navy, not to sure about that, I work for the DoD and don't plan on seeing that kind of scratch for at least 2 years.

Now if he has an advanced degree I can understand, but even with my signing bonus I was a ways off. Then again, that is just my situation.

By the by, my official title is Mechanical Engineer, to those who that offends, I am simply a Mad Scientist. :D

I own a management consulting firm that specializes in developing and implementing employee selection processes.

It is a lot of fun :D and allows me to use my education in engineering (aerospace), MBA and doctoral work in organizational psychology. Being the boss also means that there is nobody to tell me I am spending too much time on the RX-8 forum and need to get busy!:p

Physician - Family Practice.

I also do endoscopy (colons and stomachs)

Director of Systems Architecture [glorified Network Engineer]

things are going well - get to work out of the house (deductions!!) and that means I get to spend lots of time with the wife and kids... although the wife likes to take advantage of a good situation sometimes and has me running erands and stuff...

who ever heard of a network guy working out of the house? go figure...

i have much to be thankful for... can't wait to get the RX-8, I have visions of plugging my laptop into the cigarette lighter adapter and wirelessly performing my job duties and "working from the car (in the garage) - I imagine it would be much quieter than my home office if the cabin is as sound-proof as the Mazda 6 I'll be set :)

note to self: don't give wife a key to car

well, i'm still a student, majoring in Economics... but this next week i'll be joining the accounting dept. at Placer Dome Inc (yay!!) as a full-time thing for a little while...

uh, i could do a whole lotta things (photo-journalist, master mech., "business" :p), but econ's cool, and i thikn i'll supplement it with some CMA stuff... and later get one of those lame-ass executive MBA's too, just to pose like all you fogies :D

Originally posted by tripwire
note to self: don't give wife a key to car

AND don't forget to not tell her to "look around" on "the" forum, eh?? ;)

hehehe... i'm tracking the mileage on my RX-8 - luckily she dosen't know how to drive a manual (yet).

Junior in college, double major mechanical and material engineering. Hopefully I can finish on time and start working soon after.

I'm a Systems Engineer. I am currently working as a civilian contractor for the Special Operations Command here in Qatar. I'm responsible for maintaining their SCI, Secret & Unclassified networks. NT, 2000, XP, Unix - I have it all. I would tell you more about my job, but then I would have to kill you. :eek:

I have been here since 1 Dec 2001 and probably be coming home either this summer or early fall. Pretty hard on family life, but it's worth it. The government pays VERY well. Bought me my RX-8. :D Can't complain.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
I'm a Systems Engineer. I am currently working as a civilian contractor for the Special Operations Command here in Qatar. I'm responsible for maintaining their SCI, Secret & Unclassified networks. NT, 2000, XP, Unix - I have it all. I would tell you more about my job, but then I would have to kill you. :eek:

I have been here since 1 Dec 2001 and probably be coming home either this summer or early fall. Pretty hard on family life, but it's worth it. The government pays VERY well. Bought me my RX-8. :D Can't complain. And nobody believes me when I say I'll be making decent money when I get a Govt job :)

Quick question for you, since I'm not familiar with Unix... did you get a lot of training done on the job or did you have to pick it up as you go or what? Only reason I ask is because I know XP, NT, 2000, 95/98, etc... but I got no clue about Unix, nor Cisco and Novell. It's my first job, and it won't be exactly entry level since I do know *some* stuff, but not everything... will they work with me and get me up to snufff? I learn fast :)

Oh yea, since I just applied for these Navy jobs... how long to hear back from them? The one job offer I've gotten was from The Dept of Justice of NJ which pays ~50k a year, but the Navy starts out at more so I think I'd rather take that position... How long to generally process an application? I used the online method :)

Originally posted by Hercules
And nobody believes me when I say I'll be making decent money when I get a Govt job :)

Quick question for you, since I'm not familiar with Unix... did you get a lot of training done on the job or did you have to pick it up as you go or what? Only reason I ask is because I know XP, NT, 2000, 95/98, etc... but I got no clue about Unix, nor Cisco and Novell. It's my first job, and it won't be exactly entry level since I do know *some* stuff, but not everything... will they work with me and get me up to snufff? I learn fast :)

Oh yea, since I just applied for these Navy jobs... how long to hear back from them? The one job offer I've gotten was from The Dept of Justice of NJ which pays ~50k a year, but the Navy starts out at more so I think I'd rather take that position... How long to generally process an application? I used the online method :)


Herc,

Most of the companies I worked with, doesn't expect someone to know everything. I'm sure other government agencies think the same way. But if you get you foot in the door, that's the important thing. If you show an aptitude to learn, they'll most likely send you to training in some areas. I have had plenty of schools at the governments and companies' expense.

Novell - I don't have a clue. Unix - I get by. I don't have many Unix boxes. I have about 2 SunSparcs, 3 SunBlades and 1 Unix box. Unix/Solaris 2.6 is not my strong point. Most of the stuff I learned was from a service level when I used to be in the maintenance field 5 years ago. I know enough to get around to maintain & repair the hardware, load applications, basic administration stuff, etc. Ask me to go deeper then that and I'm not the guy. I really don't have the time to learn more, since my hands are full with NT & W2k Servers, and over 200 workstations. Pretty much, my job out here is a "jack of all trades". I also do some networking on our Cisco routers & switches, ATM switches, crypto, etc, along with running the copper and fiber. Whew! Don't do as much of that, since I now have a Network Engineer to handle the network side most of the time.

I'm not a GS (Government Service), so I can't really answer your application question. I work for a civilan company named TDS, just one of many subcontractors under a prime. We are hired by the military - Special Operations Command for all the IT slots command wide. My slot is working for the SOC forward here in Qatar.

$50k-$60K don't sound bad. Of course it depends of your level of background, area you live, job you have to do, the BS you expect to put with, etc. Most government jobs I have found have always been stepping stones to something better for me. Expect the same.

Just be patient. I'm almost 45. I have about 26 years of IT experience (maintenance and administration), 15 of those while I was active duty Air Force. If you get your MCSE, you'll most likely to get any job you want.

Good luck, believe in yourself and believe in your God.

Mechanical Design and Engineering for the Wheelend Group at International Truck and Engine Corp. I work with application of the hubs, rotors, drums, and wheels associated with International and some of the Ford Joint Venture trucks. This includes medium duty, heavy duty, bus, and severe service trucks.

I'm a porn star ...and loving every minute of it ...hehehe

Ok ...back to reality ...I'm the Director of Sales for a Telecom Software Company ...we are a small company (around 25 people) but have been growing ever year (gross sales) by at least 10-15%...

Software developer for a worldwide e-commerce facilitator (we process credit/debit transactions over the net). Zero fun but lucrative. It's getting me the car so I can't complain.

Ex retail-sales whore. Now a Police/Fire/Medical Dispatcher for the City and County of San Francisco.

Originally posted by Hercules
[B]And nobody believes me when I say I'll be making decent money when I get a Govt job :)

This is actually why I'm transitioning to the government position this coming Monday. Not only is the pay better, the benefits, continuing education, and overall "quality of life" (work hours, environment, etc.) associated with the position are much more attractive than anything I've seen in the private sector so far. It's just a MUCH better opportunity doing what I like to do, working with technology. Call me sappy if you wish, but it also feels good to actually be able to contribute to the technological advancement of the community / government.

It really tells you something about the current state of the technology private sector when the government can offer a better compensation package and overall employment experience than the private sector can in general. It used to be the other way around!

I think it also has to do with how a lot of the private sector now, more than ever looks at their employees as expendable short term assests, instead of "investing" in their employees for the long term. Corporate loyalty to its employees has dropped dramatically, so why should employees treat companies any differently? Don't get me wrong, I am definitely not a "job hopper" by nature or character, (I was actually at one of my previous employers for over 5 years) but this is the current state of affairs in the tech sector from my observations.

This is not to say that there aren't really good opportunities in the private sector, just make sure you do your homework on the employer and stay alert about changes in the corporate structure and environment, especially with respect to anything that can impact the technology department. Even techies have to be "business people" these days! (kinda helps that I have a Business Administration degree)

With this government job, I will not have to worry about job security and other corporate bs, which is very important for me and my family, so I can actually focus 100% on doing my job and producing outstanding results.

I've been very fortunate in the career opportunities I've had in such a relatively short period of time (I'm only 29) and I'm very thankful to God that this has been the case!

Quick question for you, since I'm not familiar with Unix... did you get a lot of training done on the job or did you have to pick it up as you go or what? Only reason I ask is because I know XP, NT, 2000, 95/98, etc... but I got no clue about Unix, nor Cisco and Novell. It's my first job, and it won't be exactly entry level since I do know *some* stuff, but not everything... will they work with me and get me up to snufff? I learn fast :)

I agree with Zoomster on this. No one can expect you to start a job knowing everything and you usually get exposed to new things as the situation and time allows. Zoomster also mentioned the fact about being a "jack of all trades". I think this is VERY important in order to remain marketable meaning it's good to know a lot about a few different things then to know everything about one thing. This can be a problem in very large corporate environments where technology people are typically assigned to one function as "specialists". Should you ever have to move on, you will find it hard to market yourself for anything other than a similar position in a similar environment.

The last thing I want to mention to all those interested in technology is about certifications. Certifications are great as a SUPPLEMENT to experience, but do not be deceived by what you hear on the radio and other places about being a technology professional in 4 months or even two weeks after being certified and making a huge salary. There is a HUGE world of difference between book knowledge / learning how to pass tests, and a college education / hands-on experience. Please don't think that certifications are a path to "get rich quick". I personally have never rushed out to take certification exams as soon as they are available because it takes a good amount of hands-on experience before you can really apply the information effectively anyway. As a matter of fact, I've been hired in pretty much every instance because of my hands-on experience and broad based knowledge, not because of how many certifications I have. I view certifications as an industry "formality" that COMPLIMENT hands-on experience not as a substitute for it. Do internships or get some hands-on experience any way you can to start out, and then the certifications will be of more use to you.

Sorry about the long post. This is a topic I'm very passionate about!

Indeed: I'd been a Java developer for 4 years before I get around to acquiring Sun Microsystems certification. Now I have a little metal badge and the same salary. ;)

Editor/writer- I'm currently working as copyeditor/internal communications writer for an auto retailer, but I've also been a newspaper reporter.

Software Engineer for a transportation company.

Flash designer/programmer/animator.

http://www.said7.com

Do websites and interactive flash things.
(know anybody that needs freelance work ;) ? )

Working on several projects I hope to launch very soon.


Edit: typo.

I'm a Mechanical Design/Applications Engineer at an actuator startup called NanoMuscle. www.nanomuscle.com (http://www.nanomuscle.com) My background is pretty varied, but I've been doing toy engineering for a few years now.

-->Titanium GT/ Blk Leather/ Nav

Does a student in Jr. High count as a job??:D

Linux/VxWorks (kernel) Device drivers
--trying to get out and do other things--

Pays well. too much OT and too many new ASIC spins here at Cisco.

Oh yes, Forth BIOS developer too, its my second job I don't get paid for.

I am vice-president of a small subsidiary corporation; our parent corporation has about 300 such subsidiaries. The value of these subsidiaries is around $30 million dollars, but on some days, the potential liability that we manage is as high as a quarter of a billion dollars.

On any given day, the president and I might have to make one or two decisions that will greatly effect the success and performance of our own subsidiary. Although correct decisions will go unnoticed, wrong decisions can cost the parent corporation a great deal of money, and REALLY wrong decisions could potentially put the parent corporation out of business, but worse yet, could cost over 160 lives. Usually, though, the management of our subsidiary is pretty routine, and that's the way we like it.

Although every conversation the president and I have is recorded on tape, and every input we make to our computer system is also recorded, on most days we are let to run the business without interference. Every six months, however, our competence at manging both normal and crisis situations is tested by both the parent corporation and government regulators, with the possibility that should we not measure up, we could lose our jobs.

I like my job as an airline pilot; I just thought some of you might be interested to know that sometimes flying the airplane is the least of it.

A superb reply. I applaud your creativity!

I own a Financial Planning Firm with 12 planners (plus me).

Male Stripper... I go by the name Dees Nutz..





Nah, Network Administrator / I.T. Director.
And no RX-8 for me. Not My Fault!

Human Resources Director for a mid-sized manufacturer in S. Jersey.

I considered using this board as a staffng tool to fill a few open positions at my company...but then realized half the people on this board are too opinionated to make good team players. The other half I consider unemployable because they spend most of their waking (and working?) hours posting on this board!

My job is boring so I won't bother mentioning it here. I work. It's a paycheck. Not nearly enough for an '8. I'm constantly working to put up some screenplays and scripts and write novels for my own personal gratification. Now if I could just sell some of it...

I'm also a burgeoning film student... I requested that MNAO give me contact info. for their advertising and marketing department so I could create promo's for this most illustrious of cars. I have a creative streak in me for literature and sketch/oil painting thoroughly balanced with an absolute respect and awe for architecture/engineering and design (I was an architecture student for about a year here at the local univ.)

Just for everyone... remember me. Remember the name posted here. All joking and the fanatical dogmatic comments and debates I might engage in here playfully put aside, I am going to make a short film one day, starring MY vision of what the '8 should/could be. Hopefully sooner than later.

Movies are gonna' be made with my name on them. The RX-8 short film commercial I wanna' make will be dedicated to the website here and "all the guys who made it fun." I'm not a big 'speaker' on the forum, but I do enjoy all of the learning everyone has helped me to sift through, watching the discussions, quarrels, debates, points-and-counterpoints. Keep posting 'guys,' and just know that some of us out here are listening to the plethora of knowledge spilling over onto these digitized images and symbols, people can hear a piece of your dreams and yearnings in your talk of this car and others. If Mazda doesn't hear you, I do. I'll work for me only, but I'll remember the voices I heard here first when those images flicker on the big screens/'Net/TV sets around the world and each of you will have had a small signed starring part of those great pictures.

I'm a Senior Technology Artist for a major video game publisher (8+ years). I create 3D graphics, and particle effects for video games, along with doing motion capture. I have games published on Sony PS1, PS2, Sega Saturn & Dreamcast, PC, Nintendo N64 & GameCube, and Microsoft Xbox games systems.

Network Engineer / Admin for a Marine Base. Computers... you know the deal. :D

Engineering seems like a common thread among 95% of the people posting on this topic.

But I would expect this. If you mention a rotary to a non-technical person, the common response is, "A different kind of engine?......3 moving parts?....What do you mean?"

I think that this will be a common trend until the rotary is introduced into a wider range of cars.

Just imagine the family truckster powered by a rotary. :)

Hey 73JPS, I recognize that avatar! I just received a Magic RX-8 Ball in the mail on Friday.

I sent an email to Mazda a couple of weeks ago, told them I pre-ordered an RX-8 and asked if they had any cool RX-8 toys they could send me (free advertisement for them). So they did!

what?? cool toys? show us some pics! I want some!!

Student/Machinist for a 3rd and hopefully 4th generation family tool and die shop

Currently studying economics and Marketing with a focus on sales management

Web Application Developer/ Database Administrator/ Graphic Designer for a software company.

I am a Chiropractor in Charlotte, NC. I just opened my own practice 6 months ago so I have no money for the 8 yet. Pretty excited about next year though.

That picture posted by Aeterna looks like the cover of one of Ann Rand books.

Gonna revive me a thread... I'm impressed with all the technical folk on this board. Lots of engineers... good stuff. So is anyone actually involved in the automotive industry, and if so, in any technical capacity?

I'm a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate - from a top 10 engineering school no less - and right now I'm interviewing quite a bit (mainly petroleum industry), but it doesn't seem like anyone in the transportation industry is hiring... Just checkin' to see if anyone out there was in the know about where to look.

Hey Booze-

I am a recently graduated mechanical engineer ('02). I am not sure about Top 10, that list seems to be different no matter where you go, but it was no less a good engineering school. Heck, our mascot was the Engineer :D

As for the automotive industry, when I was looking they were very picky about hiring. The Big three came to our school and they were only taking 3 people, one per company. So it's pretty tough to get into the auto industry, especially with the financial problems.

As for where to look, your guess is as good as mine. They showed up on our doorstep, so I/we didnt really have to look.

Good luck with the search, hope it goes well, and if worse comes to worse, stay in the petrol industry for a couple of valuable "work experience" years and then try for Detriot.

Faceless coder monkey here. (software dweeb)

RotaryStalker

Originally posted by jbebernes
Human Resources Director for a mid-sized manufacturer in S. Jersey.

I considered using this board as a staffng tool to fill a few open positions at my company...but then realized half the people on this board are too opinionated to make good team players. The other half I consider unemployable because they spend most of their waking (and working?) hours posting on this board!

so true, it hurts!

:D

i'm a little late gettin' to this thread...

i'm a 3D artist working in the game industry.

here's the game i've been working on...scheduled to be on the shelves on may 20th:

www.planetside.com (http://www.planetside.com)

VANU 4 LIFE!

BA in Economics <--- this basically means I got a four year degree in "common sense"..

Anyway, my hobby has always been in computers and currently work in the Design & Engineering group for a Brokerage Firm in the Bay Area.

Hey ELX13, I take it you must be in the Bay Area too? There's a lot of buzz about 'planetside'. I hope it is a big hit for you. I've finally weaned myself from CS after playing that since early beta..

Originally posted by ELX13
... i'm a 3D artist working in the game industry.

here's the game i've been working on...scheduled to be on the shelves on may 20th:

www.planetside.com (http://www.planetside.com)

VANU 4 LIFE!

Nice stuff. Thanks for the link!

Make Gasoline. 30 years.
From synthetic crude from the Fort MacMurray (Canada) oil sand mines.
Kinda work with computers, (like most others on this forum, it seems!) Right now, I have seven screens in front of me, seven behind me, two to the left and three to the right. Just process control systems - it's kind of like playing the worlds slowest video game! Still snowing here this week, should all be gone by '8' delivery date!!
Red/Red loaded but Nav+roof. My first NEW car! Plate # RX 8 GT !
.
.
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Love the forum & its contributors ! !
doc

Originally posted by eccles
Lotus Notes Admin and PC hardware / Windows / network geek. Been in IT since 1979.


eccles,

I'm the only one on this board who knows what a Lotus Notes Admin is. I am a Notes Developer! After 2000 Notes is fading!
How's the market for Notes where you are? In PA - not so good!
I think I will need to retool.
:D

Senior Systems Architect for a small software company in the Washington D.C. area. We primarily work on Government contracts, of course.

I've worked on a variety of NASA projects including the image processing system for Landsat satellites up through some work on the Hubble Space Telescope. I've seen software languages come and go (FORTRAN, COBOL, C, C++ and now I typically use Java).

I had a Mazda RX7 for 21 years. I was drawn to it by the simplicity and beauty of the rotary engine design. (It had a nice body too, but I was more into its inner beauty).

I've got an RX8 on order, and I can't wait. The seasons have finally changed here in the DC are and it is now getting to be "Sports Car Weather".

Brothervoodoo-

I am kind of curious about the kind of company you work for. I looked at my engineering career as a hybrid design and engineering teaching. Unfortunately the school I was at thought otherwise.

Just kind of wondering what kind of stuff you guys do out there. With the words Design and Engineering in the same phrase, my ears instantly perk up.

Thanks for any info you can give.

BS in Mechanical Engineering, working as an electrical engineer for a consulting firm. Do Schools, Universities, Libraries, Hospitals, etc. College is where I first learned of the inner workings of the wankel. My user name might imply that I know wankels in-and-out, but I only have a basic understanding. One thing I do know, wankels rule!! :D

I'm a "Senior I/T architect", leading cradle to grave design and implementation (and some support) for the services group of a #1 ranked computer company that sells Business Machines Internationally. I'm on an account with a locally based, but top 10 nationally ranked, financial institution, and have designed the latest platform that's in the process of being deployed to 25,000+ desktops (about 1/2 of the customer's enterprise). I know way too much about how these systems operate...

I also write freelance for game-related publications, such as Dragon Magazine and the Wizards of the Coast website, and hope to have a book deal (for novels) sometime within the next year.

My background is BA&S (Bach of Arts in Comp. Sci, Bach of Science in Psychology), and M.S. in Computer Science.

I hope to have my RX-8 before I hit 30 in September, so when I get some free time I can drive it. :)

-s

I am currently going to high school, still waiting for my University acceptence letters to arrive. If all goes as planned, I will get a degree in computer engineering and my MBA (neat little 7 year program with 2 years work experience) from the University of Toronto. Then I will land a job as an automotive computer engineer :)

I also wanted to be a pilot, but there is some silly rules about being diabetic and a commerical pilot, having a hard enough time just getting a private liscence, but enough of that

im in 12th grade now in high school, when i graduate im going to the art instute of Fort lauradale Fl. My major is motion graphics and visual effects, basicaly its specail effects for movies (matrix, Xmen) all big box office movies with alot of specail effects.

Logistics officer, United States Army.

26, M.S. in Software Engineering. I program at a thin client company. I work on Microsoft Windows CE, mostly C++ programming.

My wife is pregnant with our first, so no RX-8 for me for a long while.



Hercules, if you want to learn some basic Unix stuff and you have a ton of free time and even more patience, you could install a Linux or BSD Unix distribution on a spare PC and tinker with it. I found the process very time consuming and frustrating, to be honest. I did learn quite a bit, though.

Oh, and it took me six months to get up to a reasonable speed at my first job after school, and another year before I felt like I was contributing just as much as anyone else. I wouldn't sweat inexperience, just as long as you're willing to learn.

Originally posted by FamilyGuy
it took me six months to get up to a reasonable speed at my first job after school, and another year before I felt like I was contributing just as much as anyone else.

i feel the same way now, and i'm just doing simple AP stuff... well, overnights, intercompany billing, general queries from ppl who don't get paid (toughest bit), but still... kinda frustrating, but good pay, and good learnin' :)

Originally posted by kwolfman
I've worked on a variety of NASA projects including the image processing system for Landsat satellites up through some work on the Hubble Space Telescope. I've seen software languages come and go (FORTRAN, COBOL, C, C++ and now I typically use Java).


Hrm, I just had to learn FORTRAN last year to work on an old program from the 70's. I can't say that i like it at all. I definately prefer java, c++ and VB. I'm attempting to get my boss to let me program in a language that wasn't developed along side the transistor. But unfortunately, if he doesn't know it, it can't be that good... :headsmack

BA in architectural engineering/ diploma in mold design, working as an Electrical Engineer (go figure!!) for a small consulting firm specialized in different types of buildings such as housing complexes, big retail, hospitals...etc.
:eek:

Started in software in the UK (games progamming in machine code in the 70's for TRS80s and PETs as a kid before packaged software was available), graduated in engineering in late 80's in London, more software for some blue chip companies in the UK, moved into networking (OS/2 LAN Server 1.0!, MS Lan Manager, Novell 286/286/3.1 etc) then consulting. Worked as an consultant for a small banking software company doing implementation/troubleshooting for international banks (150k miles a year travel around Europe and Asia). Moved to Singapore and HK for a while as Tech Services Mgr. Moved to USA to head up Product Engineering then New Business Development and finally Product Management.

Moved to a new company in Houston last year to become VP of bugger all for a large banking services company (run data centers for back-end processing for hundreds of small banks in the USA). As soon as I win the lottery I am starting my own company doing real work with my own hands again...

Presales engineer for Inflow, a managed datacenter company. Everyone I work with is sick of hearing about this car!

Originally posted by Andrew

I also wanted to be a pilot, but there is some silly rules about being diabetic and a commerical pilot, having a hard enough time just getting a private liscence, but enough of that

Count your lucky stars, my friend. The aviation industry (particularly in Canada) sucks, and you will have much more choice in life doing what you are planning to do.

investment broker for wells fargo. 12+ years there. like my neighbor the dentist says when he adds on to his boat house, it's just another root canal he has to do. for me, a couple of more trades ought to do the trick.

I'm a Senior Software Engineer who is currently writing Internet Applications for Apple Computer. I've also written desktop database applications (FileMaker), synchronisation software for mobile phones, PalmOS, and even Newton.

Computer Contractor - currently resting - specialise in Sun Solaris (Unix).

(Oh, and super hero...)

Graduated college with a BS in early December.

Working as a Financial Analyst for a local municipality at the moment.

Aerospace Engineer/MBA/(working towards JD)
Lockheed Martin (JSF Program). Could tell you more, but then I would have to kill you.

Create duplication masters for a major Hollywood studio.(And add all those pesky trailers!!!):D

I am a General Manager in Retail , the number one specialty retailer of consumer electronics.

Can't wait for my RX8

I work at one of the hotels here in Hawaii.

IT UNIX engineer

www.hp.com

Flight Superintendent for an airline, hoping to have a job till I pay off the RX-8.

Originally posted by Pam
Flight Superintendent for an airline, hoping to have a job till I pay off the RX-8.

Yeah I hear ya. With airlines going ch.11 jobs are plummeting left and right.

SQL Server DBA and Cognos reporting guy.

Used to work as a computer trainer (MCT), but I like where i am now very much.

RX-8 on order, just bought a new house, and we had to replace my fiancee's totalled BMW 318ti with a Subaru Outback Legacy. Nah, the past year hasn't been busy or anything...

... no kids planned for a couple years, so that's okay.

U.S Navy.........can't tell you what my job is (confidential)

Mechanical Engineer, currently working on finishing my master's degree in Mechanical Engineering Design. Got a job offer in a car company in Michigan and will be able to get S-Plan!!

Game Developer (Programmer)

Sort of car-related for the moment because I'm just finishing off an F1 racing game. Onto a WW2 FPS (yes another one) after that.

call centre manager for a large PC manufacturing company in the UK.

Applications & Electrical Engineer (University of Colorado)

I design systems to improve semiconductor manufacturing.

I'm currently in high school, and plan to major in mechanical or chemical engineering.

As of now, I am a professional mascot for a local single A baseball team, and work on a haunted hayride in the fall.

Beginning 7th glorious year of retirement as a former Elementary School Principal in North York (Toronto). Since June 1998, my buddy and I have co-written six books on or related to Canada's top secret WWII spy training school, Camp X, located in Whitby/Oshawa. Ian Fleming used his brief stint there as the basis for his Bond series. ( He flunked the final test, but no shame, as many agent-trainees washed out). For our American friends, through back-channel negotiations conducted by General Donovan, the Canadian, Intrepid~William Stephenson, and President Roosevelt, Camp X ('The Farm') served as the model for the first OWI and OSS [later the CIA('47)] bases in Maryland and Long Island.

I'm a pharmacist. It's kind of ironic that I picked my user ID some time ago based on my profession (rxforfun). Now it has a dual meaning! I'm loving this car!!

I run an engineering firm that designs and builds Mud Pumps and Mud Systems for drilling rigs and different other applications.

Support Consultant for a large business software solutions provider

I think we're the only society in which we value who does what for a living rather than anything else. But, to be hypocritical, I'm a junior ME student. I'm not the brightest on paper, but I rule in the realm of cars. I'm also arrogant. It's really surprising how many engineers know nothing about automobiles. Now I'm sad :(.

I hope somebody is nice enough to hire me :).

About to start school for nursing and currently work at the local Mazda dealership.

i live the boring life of being a student/party girl..soon to be a mechincal engineer...yay.

Originally posted by shelleys_man_06
I hope somebody is nice enough to hire me :).

With an awesome signature like Ignignokt, you are bound to get a job.

Well. Im still in school.

Im getting a PhD in Applied Science, and have previously taken aerospace orientated courses.

I am going to work for a space orientated company (wink wink NASA), would love to do R&D.

If all else fails, aerodynamics for race cars or bikes, or might even start my own sporting goods company for Kiteboarding or Mountain biking.

lots of oppotunities, so we will see.

Does part-time street pharmacist count as an occupation?

BS in Aerospace Engineering. Doing structures (stress) analysis for the completions, mods, and/or refurbs of corporate jets (Gulfstreams, Challengers, Hawkers, Falcons, etc.)

I also get to throw in weight & balance reports as well as the occasional laser shoot.

My couch and sometimes the fridge.

My fridge and sometimes the couch.

Airline pilot for the largest Regional airline. Fly an Emb 145 regional jet as first officer. Start upgrade training to Saab 340 Captain next month.

My fridge and sometimes the couch.

Hey, i see that we are alike.

i live the boring life of being a student/party girl..soon to be a mechincal engineer...yay.

Are you sure you don't want to be a fungineer?

Are you sure you don't want to be a fungineer?

Haha I saw that episode of futurama last night. I'm also studying to be a mechanical engineer in my free time when I'm not taking after DonVito :D

Free time? Mechanical engineer? Whoa. I have never heard those two words muttered in the same sentence.

Free time? Mechanical engineer? Whoa. I have never heard those two words muttered in the same sentence.

be like me, and dont do your homework. lots of free time then. I turned out okay.....didnt i

Didn't we already have a thread regarding occupation?

Well anyways, I'm a Concept Designer for DREAMWORKS Animation: You know, Shrek, Chicken Run etc...

I started at Art Center as a Product/Transportation designer (designing cars), but decided to get into entertainment design...

I've designed stuff for Oakley, Lego, props for short commercials and etc....Fun stuff, and I couldn't be happier with my job. Still can't believe theyre paying me good money for such fun stuff. :eek:

Can't really tell you what I'm working on, but we have some cool stuff coming out :D

im trying to live the corporate dream, im at my first job out of school as an auditor for NASDAQ's regulatory arm. I basically go aroundto all brokerages and yell at them for doing things wrong...its a big ego boost to scold people over twice your age...well at least until a couple years from now when i probably will be working for one these brokerages hehe. im also thinking about going back to lawschool. My job isnt too stressful, theres still time for mirth and mayhem

Retired!! In 7th glorious year. Formerly a Teacher -elementary, Junior H. S. Seconday, Faculties of EDucation-U. of Toronto and York U., Science Consultant , VP and Principal. Obviously, can't hold a job! B.Sc., ( Molecular Biology) and M.Ed. (School Admin., Science Curriculum).

Currently, have written with my friend and business partner 7 books ( 3 non-fiction, the rest, historical 'faction' ) on Canada's WWII secret spy training school in Whitby, Ontario, known as Camp X, (actually Special Training School 103) from where Ian Fleming derived the concept of James Bond.

Camp X was also the model for U.S. Army General "Wild Bill' Donovan's OSS (later in '47, CIA) 'schools' in Maryland, Virginia and Long Island, post Pearl Harbour.---
Wife, Member of Parliament. Son, documentary film director.

One of our titles on Amazon:
Camp X: The Final Battle by Alan Paul Longfield, Lynn Philip Hodgson, (Paperback - August 2001)
Books: See all 102,224 items (Rate this item)
Buy new: $24.95 Used & new from $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours

Here's another (pub. 2003) re: a WWII POW Camp for German officers at Bowmanville ON..

Sanit Spinner, that is sweet! I am going to school right now for Animation with a Concentration for 3d Design. I am going to an art school, did you got to an art school or a state school. I looked and talked to the counselors and they looked at me with a blank face on what I wanted as a career, so I went to a private art school instead.

current -Ten years+ CAD designer by day for tier 1 supplier of automotive exterior accessories . By night ...15 years Self employed Architectural model maker with a sideline of laser cut parts for others in the business .

Previously- 10 years of prototype fabrication with CAD/CAM and CNC.
Jeez you add that all up with all the other jobs I've had and I must be 80.:eek:

Sanit Spinner, that is sweet! I am going to school right now for Animation with a Concentration for 3d Design. I am going to an art school, did you got to an art school or a state school. I looked and talked to the counselors and they looked at me with a blank face on what I wanted as a career, so I went to a private art school instead.


I went to an Art School...Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena. Yeah, I highly suggest an art school....not only for the lessons learned, but its also a great way of meeting people, contacts, internships and etc...Alot of people don't think school is required for creative careers, but it certainly doesn't hurt. I have no regrets (sure it costs and arm and a leg, but thats what scholarships are for).

The same thing happened to me in high school with the counselours...I told them this: "Hey, I want to design cool looking stuff...like you know, cars, walkmen, sunglasses, terminators, aliens, spaceships, watches and etc..."

This is what they told me: "Well son, it looks like you want to be an engineer..." :eek: :eek:

WTF??!!! I couldn't believe it..I thought "Thats it!! Theres nothing out there for me..."

I was about to become a marine biologist, but luckily I stumbled upon "Industrial Design" in one of the Art School catalogs, and I knew instantly that, that is what I had to be....School Counselours don't know jack. Just follow your instincts and I think your on the right path...Good Luck!

Recent graduate in Graphic Design and CIS from LA Tech. Currently unemployed and looking. :)

I start college this fall, going to get a B.S. in Biology then either get my Ph.D in Bio technology or go to vet school.

My current avocation is keeping my Tatersack from being trammeled by a well known Democratic Babe :)

well, I was an EMT until I totalled the ambulance on the 4th and the company fired me:)

as for the other thing- I'm certified as a History Teacher, I just graduated so I'm looking for jobs in that aspect

Lotus Notes Admin and PC hardware / Windows / network geek. Been in IT since 1979.Update: Got laid off from my 4-year contract gig at IBM last September, and had to return my '8 to reduce costs. :( Was unemployed for almost 6 months, then found a contract-to-hire IT Administrator position with a small but well-established software and services house here in Austin. Went perm on 7/1.

It's kinda fun going from being one of the lackeys to being the IT guy. :)

Let's see.. graduated with a BS in Finance back in 99.. went the brokerage route for about a year (worked on the 61st floor of 2 WTC when I was in NY.. thankfully I was there about a year before 9/11).. got tired of the telemarketing crap so I went into Corporate finance.

I am now working for one of the Big 3 (we're not allowed to say who :() as a finacial anayst responsible for the cost of all freight into our North American plants (about $ 1.2 billion a year).. Scary that I get to budget/forecast that much $$ and I am only 27 :)

I have two degrees: History and Computer Game Design and Development.

After working in computer support and later barcode sales and support, I went back to school and am now making Video Games :)

Just to add something different. I am a cardiac songrapher, I take ultasound pictures of the heart. Great job, good job security (everyone keep smoking and eating junk food). I get to play with the computer stuff the rest of you are creating.

I am enlisted in the USAF as a Security Forces Member. My job consists of Air Base Defense, Law Enforcement, CPEC (Counter-Precision Engagement) and other various duties. I have been given the opportunity to travel to over 26 countries in the last 5 years.

15.5 Great years Active Duty Air Force. I am a Satellite, Wideband and Telemetry Systems Technician. I have worked on a few different systems, non of the Harris designed and built systems are worth a crap, but that's another story. Defense Meteorological Sattellite Program, operating and maintaining a weather satellite tracking and processing station. Global Positioning Command and Control Ground station in Cape Canaveral Florida. This is the system the operators use to command and maintain proper orbit and health. Currently I work with satellite communications and wideband communications deployable terminals currently. I am currently deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and very much miss my wife, kids, and RX-8!! Thank everyone who actively supports the finest military in the world...God bless the USA and those who stand with her!

Gonna revive me a thread... I'm impressed with all the technical folk on this board. Lots of engineers... good stuff. So is anyone actually involved in the automotive industry, and if so, in any technical capacity?

I'm a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate - from a top 10 engineering school no less - and right now I'm interviewing quite a bit (mainly petroleum industry), but it doesn't seem like anyone in the transportation industry is hiring... Just checkin' to see if anyone out there was in the know about where to look.


I'm a mechanical engineer for Ford in Dearborn. I graduated with my BS and MS in mechanical engineering for Ohio State (finished up in summer of '03). I'm not sure about how other auto companies go about hiring, but Ford preselected top students and invited us to a nice dinner on campus. We then discussed job opportunities at Ford, and were asked to apply on-line if interested. From here, some of us got invited to what is called a Leadership Conference, which is basically a 1.5 day interview process with a bunch of other engineers and IT people (in Dearborn). In the past I've heard that roughly 80% of the attendees get offers, but at the conference I attended, I'd say it was closer to 10-15%. I knew all along I wanted to work in the auto industry, and Ford was my company of choice having been exposed to Ford, Honda, and DaimlerChrsyler though co-ops and my research projects.

Unfortunately, there is still very little hiring going on... but it is definitely starting to pick up. If you haven't already applied on-line at the company websites, you should definitely do that. Work with your university's career services office and find out whether any companies will be interviewing on campus. Also, I would try sending a hard copy of your resume and cover letter to companies--it may reach someone who otherwise wouldn't see it. But other than that, there's not much you can do unfortunately. I know I have absolutely no pull when it comes to getting someone hired. In fact, the pull has to come from a fairly high-level manager, and even then there is a lot of politics invovled. Auto companies also hire a lot of contract engineers. These people aren't directly employed with the companies, so I'm not sure what the hiring process is.

So far, I am really enjoying working at Ford. All college grad new hires enter a rotational program (called the FCG program--Ford College Graduate). This allows you to experience many different aspects of the business before you settle down into a permanent role. My first assignment was in automatic transmission calibration methods, and now I'm working on the 2005 Mustang program as a design & release engineer for the powertrain mounting system. I'm down at the Flat Rock plant quite a bit for the preproduction builds, and sometimes I get to take the new 'Stangs home overnight for "evaluation drives". There are definitely perks with this job. :)

Anyhow, I wish you the best of luck with your job search. I'm sure with enough persistance, you'll be able to get a job in the industry.

Oh and I almost forgot, you might want to try applying for jobs at automotive suppliers such as Visteon, LuK, Arvin, Dana, Leer, Goodyear, Cooper, Roush, etc. There are hundreds of such suppliers, and in a lot of cases you'd be doing more "engineering work" than you'd do at the actual automobile integrator. Let me know if you have any questions I could possibly answer.

...working on unexploded ordnance cleanups for the last 6 years.

... i just got my titanium rx8.. i work in the E.R. as a doc.... i encourage everyone to drive safely out there! hahahahha

I have not look at all your answers but I am expecting a lot of IT gurus

I cut up dead bodies for living. Also dead organs,,, and read them with my microscopes. ;)

MBA from Yale, but not putting it to much use as I'm now a professional poker player.

I am a mechanical engineer by education, specializing in high speed rotating equipment design, but currently work as a vice president of a manufacturing company. We manufacture pumps, turbines, and hydrauilc systems for the water and waste water industry. Our equipment ranges between 1 hp through 5000 HP. I have been working for the same company for 18 years, and we are located in Portland oregon (The Rose City). We have sales offices in Mexico, Canada, Germany, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Great company.
Mark

I finished high school a few months back, just finished freshmen orientation at the college. I get to start my long journey in (hopefully!) becoming a Mechanical Engineer in fall, and I would like to work in the automotive industry as well.

I am a Software Engineer with Intel Corporation. I have also been a IT Manager, Network Engineer, Product Support Engineer, Electronics Technician, Computer Technician and Project Manager. I like the job I am in now because my projects change on an average of 6 months. I am currently working on a Digital Content Protection project. :cool:

I am a full time Crew Cheif in the Oregon Air National Guard, and going to school to get a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, with a minor in Business Management. It keeps my schedule pretty full.

attorney

Disc Jockey

US Navy Electronics Technician on submarines

I left the glamour of neon lights and office politics to start a company that runs outdoor adventure tours - mostly white water rafting

I am a dime a dozen, web developer.
Just started college, haven't decided what I would like to do.
Pondered getting Chem/Arcitecture so I would be explosives demolition.
Or physics, just because it sounds impressive and I love science.

Data acquistion verification tech II, Lockheed Martin, Johnson Space Center (NASA) Houston, Texas