The Career Profile Project
Career Profile Project
Machine Shop
Job Title and Job Description
Machine Shop
I?m in charge of shipping/receiving, some expediting, inventory, and the outside processing of parts at a small machine shop. I like that I get freedom in what I do and that I often get to travel somewhat locally and spend some afternoons on the road.
What are some related career opportunities and job titles in your company or in your career area?
Machine work is long hours but can pay pretty decently. Its meticulouisaiah but very interesting. People who repair the machines that the parts are made on (CNC Lathes and CNC Mills) can make really good money. The are shops that are willing to train and trade schools that teach you how to run the machines. Machine shops not only need machinists but they also need people to run their offices for billing an payrolls and bidding and quotes on jobs as well as delivery drivers, part inspectors, quality control managers, engineers and a shipping department.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?
My only education is a high school diploma and some college toward the medical field. I was trained on the job and as I progressed with my machine knowledge I was given more responsibilities.
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?
Going to a trade school and getting a degree in the field or in engineering. The engineers make really good money as weLl.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?
No - I didn?t even really know about this as a career in high school. I took the job because I was a single mom and I needed the long hours and income to support my daughter.
Skills Profile
| Skills Used | Rating (5=Most Important thru 1=Not Important) | Comments |
| Artistic |  | |
| Athletic / Physical | | |
| Bilingual | | |
| Computer Technology | | |
| Coordination / Using Hands, Tools, and Equipment | | |
| Creative Thinking | | |
| Interpersonal | | |
| Investigative / Fact Finding | | |
| leadership and Supervising | | |
| Logical Thinking | | |
| Math | | |
| Mechanical Understanding | | |
| Sales and Negotiation | | |
| Scientific and Experimental | | |
| Social Service / Helping Skills | | |
| Teaching / Instructing | | |
| Verbal Communication | | |
| Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals | | |
| Understanding Yourself |  | |
| Writing | | |
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Interview By: Jennifer Parker | ||