It’s easier for me to maintain my LinkedIn profile, so look there for the equivalent of my resume. My claimID profile lets you know that I’m, uh, me.
Things I’ve learned as a…
Test/Manufacturing Engineer:
- Have a general pool of knowledge to draw from. Know how to find information. Be a quick study.
- The people who build and assemble the product(s) are my most valuable resource. They know the practical reasons for why things are, or aren’t, working.
- Know when to ask for help. It’s great to be a hero, but beating my head against the wall wastes time. Some problems need resources focused on them, and that can’t happen until an issue is escalated.
EMR Configuration Engineer:
- Things are not so different between widgets and the medical world — from an EMR config point of view, that is. Workflow is workflow. Time saved is time and money saved. Clear, simple, straight-ahead solutions are often the best approach.
- Engineering rigor can be missing from proposed solutions. I can help people step back and look at the overall problem that needs to be solved.
- My most important customer is the clinician, because their customer is the patient.
Graphic Design student:
- If it’s supposed to be different, make it noticeably different. (i.e. contrast 10pt type against 14pt type, instead of 11 pt.)
- A design can break the rules, but first I have to know the rules, and why they are rules.
- Don’t go with your first idea.
- Don’t present a “crappy” throw-away choice when offering design choices. It might get selected.
Burning Man participant:
- I need to let get go of my desire to have all contingencies covered – it’s impossible. Instead, I do my homework, plan ahead, and then rely on community to help me with the unexpected. I also make that work by being part of the community and helping others.
- Amazing creativity is everywhere. Look for it. Be inspired.
- Everyone is creative in some way or another. BMan is the perfect “sandbox” for exploring that creativity. I can help encourage creativity when I interact with people.
- It’s a long drive between Seattle and BRC. I enjoy it more when I make the journey part of the adventure.
- People are fascinating. Burning Man participants are incredibly fascinating. I cheat myself out of having a great time when I follow the Midwestern ethic of not talking to strangers.
(Even though I posted this in the main part of the blog, I though it was appropriate to add here.)