Welding Interview for school

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Hello, my name is Ian. I'm at Columbus State working on my associate degree in mechanical engineering. I really enjoy welding and want to make a career out of it. My plans are to go to Hobart to better learn how to weld after I get my degree.This quarter I'm taking an intro to engineering class. Our instructor is having us interview somebody in a position where we would like to be later on in life.Would any of you guys like participate?
Reply:Hey Ian,Ok.....I'll bite. I'm retired, 47yrs welding/machining/production design/tool & die/fabrication. Now, what blanks would you like to fill in with a query for the progression of career advancements/knowledge?DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Why Not.But where EXACTLY do you want to be when it's all said and done?Think about it.Neither myself or Denny classify as Engineers...But we do know what we are doing.....zap!Last edited by zapster; 11-01-2011 at 10:10 PM.I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:@ yorkieyap, I'll post all that in my next post to keep everything clean.@zapster, I love welding and working with mills and lathes. I would really like to see myself in a position like yours. Repairing and a little fabrication on the side. I feel at home in a metal shop.
Reply:These are standard questions that my instructor handed out. I've modified them a bit to work better in a weldors interview.1. How would you describe a typical work day at work? What are your duties you perform on a regular basis?2. What portion of your job involves interacting with others such as co-workers, and/or the public?3. What courses were most helpful to you in your college career?4. What type of licensing do you need to work as a weldor?5. What was your under graduate major field of study?6. How did you obtain your current position?7. What are the opportunities for advancement in the field of welding?8. Can you explain the current and future demand for weldors?9. What type of salary and benefits can I expect as a weldor?10. I know about AWS and local unions, is there any other groups that are beneficial for the field of welding.11. How would you recommend I get experience while still in school?And Here's an extra one I always ask.If you could go back and do something different what would it be and why?
Reply:Hey Ian,First, I am retired now, although, I still operate my own home shop doing welding/machining/fabrication. My responses to your query will be for the years I worked & I will provide a bit of decisions/choices I made to furthur my career advancements.1)  During my initial employment after military service, I took a position in a machine/fab shop. During my employment, I engaged my G.I. benefits & went to a vo-tech school to gain knowledge with all the welding processes. Class was 26wks/3hr class/2 days/wk. Also the company I worked, sent me to their machining/tool & die program. My entire career was always looking for other employment, even if I was already employed. Some jobs I stayed for 1yr, others, max of 2yrs & when another advancement opportunity arose, I simply "moved-on". The last 20yrs was with (2) companies as foreman for their welding/metal depts.. Duties were to employ production designs & reduction of labor costs to eliminate unnecessary costs with methods/materials. Also, engaged my welding/fabrication/production experience with every process to teach the new hires to work efficiently & insure a profitability margin for the employer.2)  (Last 2 employers)Each day varied with, generally, 50% of time setting up production runs for the day as to job work order & placing employees into their work assignments. The other 50% was in production design for new applications & assisting the weldor by welding with him for quantities required per day. These (2) companies were the longest time I ever worked continuously for any employer my entire career. Next-to-last(8yrs) & last(11yrs).3)  My college majors were data processing(Assoc.) for CNC & Journalism(Bach) for communication. Neither had an effect as far as my welding career, although highly advanced my communication skills that enhanced my level to request an increase in salary with excellent presentation "why" I deserved the raise.4)  Licensing is required for self-employment opening a business. Employment positions required a process certification as per company contracts & tests were administered on location & paid by the company......nice to have.5)  See #3.....6)  Hmmmmm....current position...... WORKED MY A$$ OFF!!!  I still work, at my leisure, at my home shop. The xtra $$$$ is nice &, personally, I HAVE to work daily.....keeps the mind sharp & the body in shape. I live a very comfortable lifestyle, no debt, great retirement income by always considering my future with my investments & saving.7)  The advancements in the welding arena is strictly determined by oneself. Only YOU can apply your own goals & aspirations to succeed. Learning EVERY welding process, & being excellent with each will have the most value to any employer. You may not necessarily use each process during employment, but your knowledge of the others could possibly allow your employer to expand their offerings & thus enhance their incoming work & possibly hire additional employees. Your skill level would then be a definite positive factor & an indication you would be a prime candidate for advancement(foreman/supervisor).8)  I can only surmise this ? as to the area I reside, although web searches will reveal other areas & demands for welding. Certain processes are in demand more than others according to geographical area. My area has constant welding openings in the welding/fab shops, some pipeline, some structural & all will describe process requirements & experience levels.9)  Again, geographical area dictates wages/salary. In my area, the general starting wages will vary from $10-27/hr depending on experience level & passing a process test at the employers' location. These positions are job shops, manufacturing facilities, & construction companies.10)  Some companies may not have a union, or AWS requirements, & others may have to maintain certs as per job parameters/contracts. As far as "groups" being beneficial to a welding career, the welding forums, such as this one, can provide much data to help the youngsters/newbies get a basic understanding of the processes & employment opportunities. I always stress to the youngsters/newbies to BE THE BEST they can & the "hunger" they have will result in their successes or lack of in their failures.11)  While in school, you can simply invest in a piece of equipment(new or used) to start, learn the process, & practice. Make some crafts, do some simple repairs, try to learn joints, positions, thicknesses & if possible get another unit of different process & learn that one. It takes time & dedication & I will never accept when someone says "I CAN'T DO THAT"...... BS. My favorite 'ol question is simply: "HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?"Last one.....Hmmmmmmm............Ok......I would have stayed single...... Thinking back on how much money I would have had & all the equipment I could have bought......WOW!!!!DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thank you for the quick reply.