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My current occupation is test development. Specifically, I engineer test strategies for HVAC units at the Trane Company. This job requires skills at electrical hardware and computer software design. From the hardware side, I have to technically design the layout to provide the voltage, resistance, or communication data transfer needed at test time. From the software side, I have to design the programs and interface that the test operator will use during operation.

My job has kept me in touch with the X's and O's of electrical principles and design. Whenever an operator has a problem and needs my assistance, I use a multimeter to systematically determine the point of conflict. Designing and debugging test stands also forces me to understand and deal with electrical engineering issues associated with test instrumentation. I've also been able to learn in depth skills that deal with instrumentation such as data acquisition, test measurement, and component operation such as power supplies, relays, contactors, and similar devices.

The software element of my job has opened up new opportunities for me. I have been able work under different operating systems such as Windows NT and UNIX. I have been able to develop software under several different languages such as HP BASIC and Visual BASIC. I am starting to learn more about database structure and web development.

In the future, I could see myself on an Information Technology team as a computer programmer and as a controls team developer. In the more distant future, I may want to move into management positions. I plan to pursue a Masters of Business Administration to make a management transition possible.