Consulting Electrical Engineering Textbook

[QES]

well... Textbook for consulting, all you needed is a catalog i.e Cutler-Hammer Consulting Application Catalog

 

[bbaumer]

.....
I don't see the profit in driving a truck when you want to be an engineer but perhaps I'm too young and naive to understand that point.

...............

I didn't see it either at the time. But I cherish it today. Taught me some humility and another part of the business. I moved on from there to working in the field, estimating (bidding work) and managing work, THEN went on to consulting.

The engineers I know that worked for contractors and especially those with field experience are, as a whole, far better designers than those that only worked for a consultant. In fact, it is not even a close contest.

You do bring up a good point about manufacturing and maintenance environment though. That is yet another learning opportunity, when you actually have to "live" with the design and experience what works well and what doesn't. What equipment lasts, what has good support and what has available replacement parts and doesn't etc.

 

[mivey]

I will second Domino's post #20.

Try to learn from everyone you come into contact with. I would not recommend changing jobs at this point. Learn everything you can while you are there. It is not unusual to change jobs every 5-10 years to move to a better job, different experience, etc.

If you think the company you are with has something to teach you, stay and learn. If it becomes a sweat shop, move on.

 

[DownRiverGUy]

I graduate with a EE degree in December and I have no regrets with taking the long way while I graduate (will be about 5 1/2 years once I'm done).

I've worked local Utility as a field worker (only visual inspections from below. No pole climbing for me).

Worked two Consulting firms that designed everything but Residential.

The MOST I ever learned was doing what bbaumer mentioned. Working with Electricians in the field. They helped our school construct a design that we made and you learn a lot from guys like that. I got a lot of: "Kid... here's why the design you drew up won't work. Now here is how we're going to fix it". Six months of that has made me a MUCH better engineer!

Now with that in mind... getting a union apprenticeship is great but that seems like overkill in my mind. However if you have a chance to work with electricians and get your hands dirty I would recommend it.

Regarding reference materials...

If you're VERY new to electrical design/construction picking up a few "how to" electrical books could help you understand some fundamental practices.

Pick up a copy of the NEC Handbook that is relevant in your area. That should be your bible!

Lunch and Learns as well as seminars are great tools to further your knowledge as well.


This forum is also a great way to readup on topics!

Lastly don't be afraid to ask questions at your firm and see why the company does things a certain way. If you work with a good group they'll explain. If you get some blank stares.... that may be a problem.

I learned (the hard way) that the best thing a Engineer can do is ask questions. Don't ever be afraid of looking stupid because if a person insults you for asking a question they most likely don't know the answer themselves

Good luck!

 

[Rockyd]

Bbaumer,


We encourage apprentices to turn out, do a year or so in the field, then go get an EE. It' nice to get an electrician trained, but never hold anyone back from achieving what they care to go after!


I would hope ANY organization would allow upward mobility should an electrician want to go there!

Rocky Dippel
IBEW 1547

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Lastly don't be afraid to ask questions at your firm and see why the company does things a certain way. If you work with a good group they'll explain. If you get some blank stares.... that may be a problem.

I learned (the hard way) that the best thing a Engineer can do is ask questions. Don't ever be afraid of looking stupid because if a person insults you for asking a question they most likely don't know the answer themselves

Good luck!

Good words of advice for anyone who is working... "dumb as a fox" is something that I did not understand/learn until later, as I was the one who use to be afraid to ask questions for fear of thinking I was dumb. Only, I was dumb, dumb for not asking the questions to learn what I did not know.

Good luck, you are already asking questions!

 

[khixxx]

I find a book I'm interested in locate the ISBN then call my local library and have them order it. You can usually have that book a few weeks decide if you like it or not then purchase it. Hope this helps.

Ken