Entry #6 - Chips and Software

    For the final entry in this very limited series of job research posts, we will be taking a brief look at Computer Engineers. Not to be confused with Computer Science, although they do both deal with software development, Computer Engineers are responsible for research and development of computer hardware. CPUs, motherboards, RAM, the GPU you've been saving up to get. None of it would happen without this engineering discipline.

    Like most engineering fields, the required skills and knowledge is a fairly wide field. Although not an exhaustive list, programming, software development, computer theory, electrical engineering and physics are all key pieces to this career. As such, an interesting aspect of studying Computer Engineering is the flexibility it affords you in choosing different career paths. 

    This field of study is of particular interest to me because of this flexibility, and because it is a place where the digital meets the physical. There is great pleasure in working with one's hands. Toiling on a physical project and seeing it come into its final form. At the same time, working on a computer is a clean and, mostly, comfortable process. Having a career where you can work in both worlds is quite appealing, and developing a wide range of skills feels like a safety net of sorts.

    Although, there isn't much use for that safety at the moment because Computer Engineering is expected to flourish in the future. As of now the median pay for the US is an impressive $138k a year! Estimated job growth through 2033 is a healthy 6%-8% nationwide. However, since some states have much stronger technology sectors, you can expect higher numbers in places like California (15%) and even Arizona (12%), with our growing technology sector.

    Overall, while this is a complex and difficult field of study, it is highly rewarding in both job prospects and pay. The flexibility afforded by acquiring a wide range of skills and knowledge could allow one to pivot onto a different career path. Finaly, if you like working with software and hardware, this is the best of both worlds. 

Entry #5 - The Bear of Mayhem

     

Allstate is one of the largest auto-insurance companies in the US. While they also provide other insurance policies, this ad focuses on their vehicle insurance. Like many insurance companies, they have a long running mascot of sorts. In this case it is Chaos itself, lovingly referred to as “Mayhem”. Mayhem takes many different forms, but they are all played by the same actor. This ad series has been running for 15 years, so it stands to reason that the formula is working as intended. Let’s take a look at how this one plays out.

    The opening scene for this commercial starts with Mayhem coming through the trees. He announces that he represents a wild bear, fresh from hibernation and looking for food. The “bear” proceeds towards a parked vehicle with a partially open window, sniffing the air for the food inside. He grabs the door with his bare/bear hands and rips in straight off the hinges, then dumps the food out on the backseat. After eating everything, the bear casually walks away, smashing a side mirror off in the process.

    During the entire ad, the tone is one of humor. The absurdity of the situation is meant to lighten the subject of property damage causing very real distress for many of us. As with all “Mayhem” commercials, there is a general appeal to a sense of unpreparedness for disaster. Anyone who has a vehicle risks the unknown bringing them damage and destruction. However, there is also always a more narrow lifestyle targeted as well. In this case, avid hikers or campers might discover their auto insurance does not cover something like a bear burglary. Wildlife damage to vehicles is far from unheard of but might be outside the average policies boundaries.

    Overall, the message is reasonable: make sure your insurance policies fit your unique lifestyle. Otherwise you might find yourself covering thousands of dollars in damages. Allstate wants you to know that they offer this sort of coverage with their policies.

Entry #4 - Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

    When I was young, I had a great love for science fiction. I grew up on all of the classics: Terminator, Star Wars, Back to the Future, Aliens and the list goes on. I loved them all. The idea of futuristic technology captured my imagination and helped shape my interests permanently. One element contained in many of these stories always fascinated me the most. Robots. Nothing drew my attention more than seeing these awesome machines. Whether it was Transformers or Johnny 5, I loved them all.

    And so for my second career overview, I will be taking a look at Robotics Engineering. This career field is somewhat self explanatory on the surface, but the amount of disciplines that go into creating these machines can be truly staggering. A deep understanding of physics, engineering principles and electronics are all needed to adequately research, design and develop useful robotics. Programming and software engineering is needed to control them. Finally, one must understand what purpose the robot will serve, which could require researching and understanding industries you won’t even directly work in 

    The prospects for this industry look to be about average nationwide, about 3%-5% projected growth. However, some states have better outlooks. California, for example, has a projected 11% growth. The median pay for the US is a respectable $111k a year with a range all the way up to $177k for the top earners.

    Robotics, similar to the space industry, often manages to capture the public’s attention with its promises of amazing technological advancements. Many of which don’t quite come to fruition, but that doesn’t stop the average person from dreaming of a day when they see humanoid robots in our everyday lives. A future that seems more and more possible. And I am certainly not immune to this romanticism. My cynicism often clashes directly with my hope of a future where hard labor in our society is done only by specialized machines, and without the cost of a standard of living for the average person.     I think it's safe to that this would be my dream job. But for now I will continue to keep my options open and flexible. What about you, reader?

Entry #3 - A Taste of Serenity

    I take the tin case from my desk. It is a uniquely classic package in a modern time. The realization strikes me that this is one of the only constants in my memory, even if it is only tangential to my everyday life. 

    Inside and wrapped in a thin piece of paper are light green bits of freshness. I place one in my mouth and savor the taste. It is not a strong or overpowering sensation, but more akin to taking a breath in a snow-covered forest. I can almost hear the subtle sounds of serenity while I feel the refreshing coolness in my lungs. I imagine the gentle breeze and the soft sway of the trees. For a brief moment, I can feel myself taken away from the noise and chaos of the day.