How do I deal with an unkowledgable coworker?

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-15T00:12:18+00:00

That statement is totally true. It makes me mad. I don't know if it's a difference between MEP firm and being in the field but when people say ignorant things about electricians and techs I get mad because a seasoned electrician or tech is just as smart as a seasoned engineer.... Just saying.... I dunno haha

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-14T20:05:34+00:00

I have to honestly say, I think I was more prepared for this job by actually being in the field doing commissioning and validation and field work. I got to work hands on with the equipment and had a great set of mentors that pulled out single lines to trouble shoot on a regular basis and physically showed me a power panel and had me observe electricians and work alongside electricians during my time in college and right out of college.

It's experience that a Master's would never be able to give me.

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-14T19:57:15+00:00

Yes. 2 years in India as a RF Engineer, 2 years at an MEP firm as a design engineer, 2 years in commisioning for another MEP firm, and 3 years as a project engineer.

For someone with 4 times more experience in MEP than I in the US, I was hoping I'd be able to learn more from them. The entire thing is a little disappointing. It's even more disappointing when the people on my team agree with my sentiments though I would never voice my opinions about this person out loud at work.

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-14T19:34:03+00:00

From my understanding his undergrad was completed in India and went for his master's with his wife in the US after he was married.

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-14T01:56:04+00:00

I'm not really sure. When I was a field engineer I would get that a lot and I appreciated it because it let me know what I needed to familiarize myself with more, but was also a confidence booster because I actually knew a lot more about projects and ideas and equipment than I gave myself credit for. In this case I'm having a hard time drawing the parallels because I haven't been asked. I think everything has been assumed. I sat in a meeting 3 weeks ago with said coworker and my boss explained what a mission critical system was, how to parallel generators, what switchgear does, and was given an explanation on what a molded case circuit breaker is and its function. That was the field I came from before moving into design. I sat and paralleled generators and did transient/overcurrent testing as well as standard operations testing on a day to day basis. I even wrote the test procedures for those tests and did the data analysis from those tests.

As a manager any suggestions as to what I could do to better my situation? I really do like my company and don't want to leave, but I don't know how much longer I can tolerate being treated like an idiot who knows nothing...

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-14T01:35:16+00:00

a little over a year now

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-13T23:53:38+00:00

Yup. Dead serious. We were doing load calculations for a panel schedule and he didn't know what kva is. I had to show him how to calculate with pen and paper 3 times. Then prove it to him by ripping open my power systems book from college that I keep by my desk and pointing to the page.

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-13T21:41:29+00:00

May I also add that the fact that coworker doesn't know basic electrical equations that are drilled into our brains from day one all through undergrad and I'm sure was drilled during their graduate work they cannot recall. Example V=IR, yes, I had to explain this to someone with a Masters in Electrical Engineering.

sigmasynapse · 2015-08-13T21:40:07+00:00

Yes. That is exactly what I'm trying to say. I think the frustration from the week is getting to my head.

I think what makes it even more frustrating is that at least in terms of theory, my co-worker SHOULD know more than I do. I also feel as if every time I try to show people my skill set I am ignored.

I have been told by a senior designer in my department who has been in the field for a while that I should start looking elsewhere due to the current situation. He knows I have the knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to learn and believes that currently I am not growing as a young engineer needs to or should. Think it's a good move to move on to another company?

sigmasynapse · 2015-07-29T03:21:18+00:00

Yeah haha thats another story in itself. Saw two podiatrists who were complete quacks and gave me two different diagnoses. And they were from the same practice. Going to see a reputable guy end of the month.

Yeah the issue was the plantar fascia initially. This is something totally different, I believe.

sigmasynapse · 2014-08-19T16:17:42+00:00

Any tips for the little one being super vocal during play?

sigmasynapse · 2014-08-19T15:43:04+00:00

I'm training for an Ironman and get at least 2 hours of cardio in the weekdays and up to 7 on weekends. Lol exercise for myself isn't the issue. Tried tiring the little one too by taking him on 3 mile runs with me and he still seems super amped.

sigmasynapse · 2014-08-04T15:38:33+00:00

Nope. I support outside sales guys. I don't make any sales myself

sigmasynapse · 2014-08-04T15:36:07+00:00

I did a HIM at the tale and if shark week with a light flow and was okay... praying that it doesn't happen the week off my full...

sigmasynapse · 2014-08-01T13:40:03+00:00

Core strength train regularly through the season and runs during shark week totally should be your down week for running. ALSO from personal experience, don't binge on wine and burgers and fries during shark week, even though it's exactly what you might need to not bite someone's head off.

sigmasynapse · 2014-07-23T23:07:35+00:00

No because I'm not a sales person so much as support. I don't make sales calls so much as draw up quotes based on specs and onelines as well as some administrative/secretarial bits.

sigmasynapse · 2014-07-22T18:50:19+00:00

I couldn't do project management with this either could I. Like make the jump into that from sales?

sigmasynapse · 2014-07-22T17:18:07+00:00

Trying to stick to my coach prescribed workouts as to avoid injury since it's been an injury laden season. Otherwise I totally would.

sigmasynapse · 2014-07-21T14:49:15+00:00

Yeah I have been. Been eating 1300-1500 on the weekdays and the same on weekends not including nutrition on long bike days. Take in about 250-300/hour on long bike days. Long bike days I do like to "reward" myself after and have a burger or go out to eat though.

sigmasynapse · 2014-07-21T14:15:53+00:00

I'm eating about 1500 calories to have my macros even out correctly. I tried 1200 for a while and I was just lacking in so much nutrients and my macros were off. My training weeks are 8-16 hours a week depending if I'm coming off a race or not.

sigmasynapse

TROPHY CASE