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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.