What do you do for a living?

Alex_Chow · 2006-03-22

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 · 2006-03-22

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 · 2006-03-22

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 · 2006-03-22

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 · 2006-03-22

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 · 2006-03-22

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 · 2006-03-22

:?: :?:

What editing do you have in mind? :-k

nelson · 2006-03-22

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 · 2006-03-23

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 · 2006-03-23

Then... start using it!

:P

Shenpen · 2006-03-23

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 · 2006-03-23

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

)

Shenpen · 2006-03-23

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 · 2006-03-23

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 · 2006-03-24

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 · 2006-03-27

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 · 2006-03-31

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 · 2006-03-31

=D>

Alex_Chow · 2006-03-31

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 · 2006-04-01

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

kine · 2006-04-01

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

ara3n · 2006-04-01

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

DenSter · 2006-04-01

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

kriki · 2006-04-02

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 · 2006-04-04

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 · 2006-04-17

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.

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