What do you do for a living?

Alex_Chow

I'm a Navision consultant that's well advsed in sales, implementation, programming, training, etc, etc.

When I go to cocktail parties or dinner parties, I usually have a hardtime explaining to people what I do. It's not a general profession as if you can you're a dentist, lawyer, accountant, etc.

I don't use the term "consultant" that much since the term has been overused by fresh college graduates calling themselves consultants when they get hired into the Big 5 companies.

Right now, I tell people I'm a programmer, but that seems to dumb down what we do. However, getting into details ususally bores them to death.

How would you introduce your profession in 30 seconds?

DenSter

I usually tell people that I am a software developer working with a Microsoft ERP system. If they don't lose me right there (which usually happens) I will explain more. I try never to use the word 'programmer' for myself. Most people not in this business don't realize or appreciate the diversity of this job though.

Savatage

I'm a Navision consultant that's well advsed in sales, implementation, programming, training, etc, etc.

How About,

Hi, I'm a one man army. Bring me all your women!

It's even harder for me - I don't even know what I do. I mean today people usually have to wear so many hats which one do you pick?

Hi, I'm a Accountant, manufactuer, tech advisor, shipping agent, security manager, electrician & plumber. Now on tuesdays, I'm a .........

So I'm sticking with the "One man Army" thingy
or your "Friendly Neighborhood MacGyver"

Depends on the situation :-$

Alex_Chow

Yeah, but saying you're a one man army usually means you're a "know it all". And nobody likes a know-it-all.

Savatage

Ah, but then does that make a Liberal Arts Major a Know-it-all too?

For your taxes you have to fill out a job title.. what do you put?

I usually just put "Computer Operator" - like the IRS cares anyway.

Savatage

deadlizard wrote:

When I go to cocktail parties or dinner parties, I usually have a hardtime explaining to people what I do.

As I re-read your post & with a little editing, I think this is perfect.

It's not a general profession as a dentist, lawyer, accountant, etc.

I don't use the term "consultant" that much since the term has been overused by fresh college graduates calling themselves consultants when they get hired into the Big 5 companies.

Right now, I tell people I'm a programmer, but that seems to dumb down what I do. However, I don't want to bore you to death with the details.

So, what do you do?

:whistle:

Alex_Chow

:?: :?:

What editing do you have in mind? :-k

nelson

End-user here.

I just tell people I am responsible for implementing/installing/maintaining/configuring/developing/etc. (whichever crosses my mind at that time) a "business management" software.

I will usually mention that the software is from Microsoft - a brand everyone will recognize - and most times that it is called Navision - which is about the last thing I say about it before people get lost.

The important bit is to convey the message that it is a kind of computer program that companies use for managing their day-to-day business, reporting, accounting and so on... if that gets through, you've sucessfully presented yourself:
"Hi, I manage a software which helps companies manage themselves."
8)

Alex_Chow

nelson wrote:

The important bit is to convey the message that it is a kind of computer program that companies use for managing their day-to-day business, reporting, accounting and so on... if that gets through, you've sucessfully presented yourself:
"Hi, I manage a software which helps companies manage themselves."
8)

LOL!!! Oh my god, that's the best comment I've seen in a while. Almost Dilbert-isk!

=D>

nelson

Then... start using it! :P

Shenpen

Heh, nice topic

For "mundanes", I usually just say "I work with Business IT". That usually turns the topic of conversation to another direction

To people with similar jobs, I usually say "I am a General Navision Scandal Abolisher - turning enraged customers to merely disappointed by whatever it takes to from programming, configuration, training and documenting to phone support." They are usually nod empathically

kriki

How about "Problem Solver"? (by the English also called Shit Shuffler )

Shenpen

Shit Shuffler? Excellent! I am trying to translate a colorful Hungarian expression as "Scandal Dissolver" : "balhéelhárító". "balhé' means trouble, emergency, scandal, fist fight or even a loud music party or rock gig. "elhárít" means to thwart or to dissolve, but in a wider sense: countespionage is called spythwarting and anti-aircraft fire is called airthwarting. In German it would probably be Wehableitung or Wehabwehr if that makes any sense

Alex_Chow

kriki wrote:

How about "Problem Solver"? (by the English also called Shit Shuffler )

Well, but terms like Problem Solver, Miracle Worker, and Shit Shuffler is really overused by everyone who solves even minute problems.

Personally, I don't think "Shit Suffler" will come off nicely in a cocktail or dinner party. O:)

kine

On my business card is "Software developer" or "ERP developer", but when I am between people which are far from this area, I am just "working with Information Systems".

Shenpen

Actually most of the answers we can come up with usually get answered by a blank stare and a reply like: "Uh... whatever. Err, what do you think of the new Limp Bizkit single?"

Tarek_Demiati

For Software Engineers/Developers, I quite like
the answer of this software engineer defining his job :
_________________________________________________

"During software design, I’m an architect.
While I’m designing the user interface, I’m an artist.
During construction, I’m a craftsman.
And during unit testing, I’m one mean son of a bitch!"
_________________________________________________

Source : http://www.stevemcconnell.com/ieeesoftware/bp13.htm

Marije_Brummel

=D>

Alex_Chow

I think the bottom line is that what we Navisioners do is really under appreciated. Saying too much will sound very pretendious. Since what we doing requires a lot of knowledge include, but not limited to:

Accounting
Finance
Programming
User Interface Design
Project Management
Verbal/Written Communication
Personel management
Sales
Problem Solving
Organization

Feel free to add on to this list.

ara3n

DB design,
Business Analysis
Requirement Analysis
Manufacturing
Report writing
Babysitting clients 

kine

psychologist
driver
IT Pro
web developer
diviner (to predict future)

ara3n

now if you can only predict what will be in next versions of navision?

DenSter

Ah but we don't have to predict that do we

kriki

And with each project in a different type of business we also learn that business!
Is there any profession who can say that?

Alex_Chow

kriki wrote:

And with each project in a different type of business we also learn that business!
Is there any profession who can say that?

The receiptionist?

ara3n

If you are a tempporary receiptionist, who moves from one company to another. Otherwise, you work for the same company and you learn just that business.