Engineering, Hacking, and Making

[Excavatoree]

I have an idea for a blog that will piss off the "if it isn't about electronics, it isn't any good" crowd, but it could be a very interesting philosophical discussion for people who enjoy that sort of thing.

I was considering what it is to be a engineer - even an electrical engineer.  I was wondering if I could consider myself an electrical engineer.  I have a piece of paper from a university that says "Bachelor of Electrical Engineering" on it, but my work now is more bullshit and stuff others are too lazy and/or stupid to do for themselves.  (if the machine has this option, what components does it get?   We're out of component X, what can we use instead?  You need to enter the configuration of the new machine into our stupid computer system that is so anal and complex that only someone as anal as you can comprehend it. )  Crap like that.

I considered the entries for the 555 contest that I've seen  Jeri post on Facebook, as well as other videos I've seen on YouTube and articles I've read.  "These people are electrical engineers, not you,"  I thought to myself.

I realize that my own introspection isn't good fodder for a blog entry, but this thinking led me to another question that might be:

Some of these folks consider themselves to be "makers," some consider themselves to be "hackers" and some consider themselves to be "engineers" - some consider themselves a combination of these terms.  So, just what are the differences and commonalities among "makers," "hackers," and engineers?

Is it a university or college education?  I know that's not it.  I've known brilliant engineers that didn't have degrees.  I've know idiots that called themselves engineers that went to university and can't figure out how to change a light bulb.  

So what is it?

[Simon]

The short answer is the human element in us all (hopefully), that thing that makes us all different, some need to go uni to reach the same-ish goal others that don't go but have huge interest in the subject and get there just the same. Some take to it proffessionally, others as hobbyists others as both

[armandas]

Doesn't the term say it all? IMHO:

• A maker is someone who makes things, a DIY person. The term just describes your hobby or interest.
• A hacker is someone who hacks things. This "title" is given to someone for their achievements (although everyone seems to be a "hacker" these days).
• Engineer is a professional title.

[coryrc]

I was considering what it is to be a engineer - even an electrical engineer.  I was wondering if I could consider myself an electrical engineer.  I have a piece of paper from a university that says "Bachelor of Electrical Engineering" on it, but my work now is more bullshit and stuff others are too lazy and/or stupid to do for themselves.  (if the machine has this option, what components does it get?   We're out of component X, what can we use instead?  You need to enter the configuration of the new machine into our stupid computer system that is so anal and complex that only someone as anal as you can comprehend it. )  Crap like that.

Welcome to Engineering. Most of the stuff you mentioned needs to done. It's an Engineer's job to do it.

[Mechatrommer]

i got the paper too (mech instead of ee) but i dont know what good it makes to me anymore now other than memory. and i also got confused by what is engineer? a job, a hobby, an interest or a study? do we have to work in engineering sector so eligible to be called an engineer? if so, then i'm not an engineer, just on a piece of paper years back.

[Simon]

The title engineer seems to be used too freely these days. There are people at work that have engineer on their cards but one in particular didn't do uni and failed his course when work sent him and to be honest he can't even do a sensible drawing let alone design something. I was even put down as an engineer when being included in a new project with a customer (as QC support) and I'm not and engineer, I only sign myself off on that particular customers paperwork as an engineer otherwise i use my proper title which is QC inspector. A friend has also refeed to me and an engineer just because i designed him a simple battery indicator.

Although I don't think you neccesarily have to go to uni to become as good and capable as an engineer some people grab the title when they certainly don't deserve it. The only time I call myself an engineer is when I'm getting insurance quotes, apparantly it helps bring the price down.

[Mechatrommer]

There are people at work that have engineer on their cards but one in particular didn't do uni and failed his course when work sent him and to be honest he can't even do a sensible drawing let alone design something.

sometime this is company marketing trick to boost reputation. in the eyes of customers, they have a bunch of "professional" engineers.

i designed him a simple battery indicator.

no matter how small it is, i consider that as engineer's spirit... ie designing things. imho.

The only time I call myself an engineer is when I'm getting insurance quotes, apparantly it helps bring the price down.

you see? thats marketing.

[Simon]

there is engineers spirit and being a fully fledged engineer. It's one thing to have the ideas and the will to design something but it takes an engineer to actually make it happen. After i have a large number of projects under my belt I may conceed to call myself an engineer or be called an engineer but only then

[DJPhil]

So what is it?

Bill from the Solder Smoke blog uses to explain it best I think.

And as Red Green says, "Remember that I'm pullin for ya. We're all in this together."

[Simon]

So what is it?

Bill from the Solder Smoke blog uses to explain it best I think.

And as Red Green says, "Remember that I'm pullin for ya. We're all in this together."

oh that clip is great

[Alex]

"These people are electrical engineers, not you,"  I thought to myself.

Hey, excavatoree, do I sense some lack of esteem here?

Forget about everyone else and focus on your self, your goals in life.

An engineer is someone that is always looking for a way of changing the status quo towards the better. I strongly believe true engineers are either born, or 'turned into' by themselves very early in life.

Seeing that you posted on this board about your concerns and not just pissing about with your current job just trying to make ends meet, is suggesting to me that you have it in you. It is the engineer in you engineering yourself.

Each engineering disciple has a theme. Electrical, electronic, software, environmental, systems, mechatronics, music bla bla bla

Unfortunately engineering has been associated with electronicl/mechanical/software systems. Engineers are much more than that. You see them on boards of directors, inventing stuff, working with the marketing department on a new campaign for a product, speaking to the goverment about scientific education, changing light bulbs, fixing pipes, finding component Y when there is no component X, building robots, optimising recording studio layouts, designing the new iphone etc etc... An engineer is not to be confused with an electrician, technician, or a mechanic.

My point is, the engineer is yourself. My questions are: Do you enjoy your job? Does your job offer promising career prospects? Do you get along with your teammates? Is your manager an ass? Is your working environment acceptable?

Please, do not think for a moment that designs around the 555 are engineering. They are a very specific practical expression of a way of thinking and away of life along the lines of 'electronic engineering'.

Take a moment and reassess your goals. For example, why did you go to uni in the first place? Did you like 555 designs? Control systems? Maybe programming? Did someone tell you that engineers earn loads?

Remember that your everyday job will most likely not give you everything you need to stay motivated. If you enjoy designing circuits, you can do it as a hobby, get the published, share them on youtube, sell them!

You have already achieved a university degree that is/will certainly open many doors. But if you dont know what you are aiming for, it is guaranteed that you will miss.

Alex

[Simon]

Few people find satisfaction in their job, even many engineers. The trick is to take your passionm home with you and make something of it. Of coursee that may in the end lead you into a new career as well

[Uncle Vernon]

The title engineer seems to be used too freely these days.

Sales engineer anyone, now there is a position where all too often any actual engineering know-how could be a real setback.

Civil Engineer all too often is a reference to the operator of a broom or shovel.

As much as some of the monkeys love the titles on their business card (or utility tail-gate) the real culprits are those embellishing the abilities of their budget work forces.

On a more positive note some years ago when I worked for a division of Siemens we got a directive from the top that titles were to be removed from business cards and stationary and that reservations were to be removed from parking spots. The real engineers couldn't care less the ability challenged  really resented it. I'll bet some talentless middle manager has long since rescinded that particular directive.

[Simon]

unfortunately most people desire "status" and they seem to think that being called an engineer gives them that status. Personally i care little for how i'm regarded and certainly don't want people thinking of me based on empty titles rather by what I actually am based on my effective achievements

[PetrosA]

I think what unites the three is that they're all problem solvers. Makers take on problems in a global sense from the ground up, hackers  take on problems they define for themselves and engineers (title aside) may or may not concentrate on very specific problems within a larger problem solving context. I think I have strong engineering traits although I don't have a degree but I'm not particularly interested in hacking or making. So ultimately I think it's a personality difference and that's what drives us in different directions. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who can't let a problem go, sometimes for days or weeks, until it's solved

[LewisS]

I can relate to the original post. I too, went to Uni, got my BS Electronic Eng. degree and worked for about 4 years as an Electronic Engineer. Unfortunately, it was much like Dave said in one of his blogs and what Escav. said in this blog. I got stuck doing all the stuff I didn't like to do. It was about 90% reports, paperwork, meetings, and other stuff. I found that sitting down at the computer designing schematics, researching components, reading data sheets, and the other stuff i enjoyed was only about a 10% thing.
 
After 4 years I decided to do something rather "crazy" in most peoples eyes. Especially my families. I quit my job making decent money. I moved out of the big city and moved in with my girlfriend and her daughter (out in the country). I found a job that i enjoy much more. It doesn't pay as well as my big city engineering job but out in the country my expenses are much less (not to mention i save lots of money having my girlfriend cook for me, take out and delivery is expensive over time lol).

I found out for myself that I am much more of a hands on, DIY person. My boss thinks its odd that a BSEE wants to be an arcade / vending machine technician but i enjoy it. I get to drive around in the company car to pubs, bars, restaurants, hospitals, and other places to repair the coffee, soda pop, and snack vending machines. I also get to repair coin operated billiards tables, dart boards, arcade games and even ATM machines.

Sorry, i don't want to rant on more but my point is that if you find yourself disappointed, bored, upset, or just plain sick of your job start looking for other jobs. It's always good to look for jobs, even if your happy with your current job. You will never know when something better is out there or not if you don't. 

And do what makes you happy. I found that being happy and enjoying my job is worth more than the money i used to make.

Lewis