First job

[Greg Perkins]

Ok,
so I got my first "real" job. I'm doing CAD work for a local company in Manchester, NH. (www.acu-gage.com) . Now I was hired to do CAD part-time, and i had a question. For all those who have had this, what should i expect? Of course, I'm looking into the future as this being a stable job for years to come, however what kind of job security do I have for being part-time? They seemed very interested in my skills, so should I just keep an open mind?
any suggestions/help would be great!


thanks,
greg!

[Mike Betts]

Greg,

Are you a college graduate yet and what is your degree?

A part time job for a student is par for the course. As a graduate engineer however, I would keep my resume circulating...

Regards,

Mike

[Greg Perkins]

I haven't graduated yet, i'm in my senior year. Is this something i should do for a while and see how i like the field?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Part time jobs sometimes move into full time so good luck. I have found that more things open up to you when you take an "I can do that" attitude. Keep that in the back of your mind. When those around you refuse for some reason or another, step forward and accept the challenge. I have done that and have learned so much and had so much fun, I cannot describe it all in a short time.

[MikeDubreuil]

I co-oped for a semester at Textron Systems. After that I did some part-time work while still attending college. While I was still in school Textron Systems made me a job offer for a full time position after I graduated. Now I'm a full time engineer. So I would say part-time jobs can definitely pay off once you graduate :)

[petek]

A part-time job like the one you mention can be a great opportunity. Besides adding to your resume, earning some money and checking out the company, you may find it offers good learning opportunities in other areas.

For example, the company you mention makes video metrology systems, right? So you might learn some applied optics, pattern recognition techniques, quality control, precision fixturing and probably a bunch of other "tools" to put in your mental toolbox.

Like Al said, keep a "can-do" attitude, and I'll add: ask lots of questions. Even if you don't end up working full-time there, what you learn might make you a better candidate for other jobs.

[Greg Perkins]

well today was my first day doing actual work. I was designing some steel covers for our machines, and when the final result was done, both the owner and the president were extrememly impressed with my skills. So things are looking promising.

thanks for all the support!

greg