Suggestions for a first year college student

[MLD Woody]

    First of all I am new to these forums and I thought I would introduce my self. My name is Mitchell and I am a first year engineering student at the University of Michigan. Now I've always been intrested in Nuclear Engineering. My dad really got my started and it just seems a lot more interesting than a lot of other forms of engineering. Now I am not 100% sold on it and am looking to learn more about it. The thing is I've got a lot of credit coming in from High School already so I basically need to "declare" by the end of the year, or at least decide on a course path to take. My only concerns is there is so much out there and I really don't want to take a class that ends up being a waste of my time, because I plan on graduating early. So I have a few basic questions.
   
 From reports I've been reading and what I would just think is common sense I would think the Nuclear Power industry should be reemerging pretty soon. I'm hoping this will increase the demand for nuclear engineers. What are some jobs a nuclear engineer could get in the power production industry. I don't really want to be behind a desk all day, I'd like some more hands on stuff if possible.
   
Also is this a career field where a Masters is pretty much needed for entry, or would a B.S.E. suffice? I am looking right now at getting a B.S.E. in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics, because a lot of courses overlap.

[MLD Woody]

I also have a thing for business, but not enough to make it my sole career (I need math and science). Are there ways for a Nuclear Engineer to enter into the more business side of things but still retain the science side?

[Roll Tide]

Maybe I missed something here, but isn't Nuclear Engineering much closer to Mechanical Engineering? If I were your dad, I would recommend working towards / declaring for Nuclear Engineering. You should have a better idea of how the commercial nuclear business is going after working a couple of internships over summers and seeing how the new plants are progressing. If everything is great for Nuclear Engineering, make no changes.

If the nuclear construction has run off the rails before your Senior year, change your major to Mechanical (or Electrical, if you are almost there).

You will need a lot of courses in Math to get any of these degrees; has anyone ever told you it would help to call it a minor? Just wondering aloud...

Anyway, that is pretty close to the guidance I have been giving my own son.
Disclaimer: I am not and never will be a Nuclear Engineer. But the ones that work for me are great people!

[Roll Tide]

I also have a thing for business, but not enough to make it my sole career (I need math and science). Are there ways for a Nuclear Engineer to enter into the more business side of things but still retain the science side?

Major utilities like to hire useful, productive engineers. Then they convince them to get an MBA (in addition to their normal workload) or project manager certification, so they can become more business-oriented.
Of course, Department Heads and higher mention the need for more insight into the business side of things, so that may help with eventual career progression.

[co60slr]

My dad really got my started and it just seems a lot more interesting than a lot of other forms of engineering.
   
From reports I've been reading and what I would just think is common sense I would think the Nuclear Power industry should be reemerging pretty soon. I'm hoping this will increase the demand for nuclear engineers.

What are some jobs a nuclear engineer could get in the power production industry. I don't really want to be behind a desk all day, I'd like some more hands on stuff if possible.
   
Also is this a career field where a Masters is pretty much needed for entry, or would a B.S.E. suffice? I am looking right now at getting a B.S.E. in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics, because a lot of courses overlap.

Don't do something because someone else pushed you.  Now that you're in the academic arena, you have access to other engineering students/professors to see which discipline most interests you...AFTER college.  This isn't about what book you like studying, it's about where do you see yourself DOING in 5 years.

I don't see what a "minor" in anything would do.  If you enjoy math and your extra classes get you an extra stamp on your diploma, then do the math for what you enjoy, not the stamp.

You don't need M.S. degrees for entry level.  However, it doesn't hurt.  Most people (I think?) jump into the workforce and then use an employer's tuition assistance program for their Masters.   Yes, very common to add a MBA or Engineering Management (which contains business, accounting courses) to your resume.   

Yes, people with technical/engineering degrees run technical organizations.  Yes, they have to have business academics, but not all Nuclear Plant Managers have MBAs.   Your performance (not degree collection) is what moves you up the ladder.

As a nuclear engineer, I don't know where you'd work except behind a desk.  A tour in Operations affords you jobs "in the field".  Also, project management (e.g., nuclear engineering working on AP1000 in China) affords field work.  In any event the nuclear industry IS emerging right now.   These AP1000 plants under construction have blueprints dates YEARS before they dig a hole in the ground. 

A more diverse undergrad degree (IMHO) is a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.  A BSNE locks you into nuclear, where a BSME/BSEE gives you access to nuclear...and the rest of the world.  You could always add on a MSNE and an MBA to round out a nuclear career.   If you're 100% dedicated towards nuclear...go for it.  YOU CAN'T LOSE WITH A FULL ENGINEERING DEGREE!   Also, you didn't mention a Professional Engineering (PE) License.

Things to think about.  What's your GPA?  I'm not a Navy Recruiter, but you get some "hands on" there as well.  Plenty of guys/gals do a 5 year tour and then jump into the civilian job market...a bit older, wiser, and experienced.  Makes for a good Resume.

Pretend you're graduating in 6 months.  Start your job search.  Where can you work as a BSNE?  Who's hiring?  What location?   Then, search for BSME positions...same thing.  Think about what you'd like to do TODAY assuming you had that particular degree.  Then, spend the next 3 years and go get it. 

Good luck...

[MLD Woody]

Thanks for the input.

For the record I'm not being "pushed" into Nuclear by my dad by any means, he's just the one who introduced me to it.

Also I just mentioned the Minors in EE and Math because I have a lot of free time thanks ot coming into school with 26 credits. So even if I spread my whole course load over 7 semesters instead of 8, I'll have some extra time. And I enjoy math and I'll probably enjoy EE, so I figured what the hell.

I haven't even completed my first semester of college so I do not know what my GPA is.

Will an employer care if I graduate early of not? One of the main reasons I am looking to get out early is becaue Michigan is 50k out of state, so I don't think stayin an extra year or semster is worth it, cuz whatever I do would have a 25k or 50k price tag.

And roll tide what did you mean by Nuclear Engineering being much closer to ME? If that is in response to the EE minor, I just through that in there because it is one of the recomended extra minors I could do becuase a lot overlaps.

[cincinnatinuke]

ME and NE are pretty closely related.

For example, at the University of Cincinnati the undergrad NE program went away, however they offered a 5 year BSME with a MSNE option. 

You will find overlap with all the physical sciences, math, and engineering programs.  Co60 is right, find out what you want to do not what you like to learn.  Many times they arent the same and its best to find out now.

[tr]

Nuclear and mechanical engineering are pretty closely related, as a large portion of each has to do with heat transfer and thermodynamics.  Nuclear and electrical are much less related to each other.  I'm a nuclear engineer, and of every nuke I know with a Professional Engineer's license they took either the nuclear or mechanical Professional Engineer's test, no one took the electrical test.  Given that U of M has a nuclear program, I suggest you contact some of the professors with your questions.

Employers will generally not care when you graduate.  Not graduating in spring may cause some issues with finding a job, since at least in my day (which was a long time ago) company on-campus college recruitment activities were geared toward a spring graduation.  Your college placement office is a good source for current information.  They can also tell you what the current job market is looking like for ME versus NE.

[MLD Woody]

what is a Professional Engineers License?

and Michigan is ranked number one in the country for NE, so it might be worth it to take advantage of that.

Basically I'm just a little worried about doing NE and then kinda getting stuck and not having enough opportunities because I am not an ME.

I will be talking to the advising head in a week or so and he's giving me a tour of the facilities.

[Fermi2]

BS please show a reference with viable statistics supporting Michigan being #1 in the country for NE.
It's simply not true. There are no such rankings.

ALSO LEARN TO CAPITALIZE!!! NEVER START A SENTENCE WITH THE WORD BASICALLY!!!

If you want to be a nuke start acting like a nuke and stop asking the same question over and over and over! There is a neat thing known as a search function. Show some work ethic and USE IT!

[co60slr]

BS please show a reference with viable statistics supporting Michigan being #1 in the country for NE.
It's simply not true. There are no such rankings.

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/nuclear-engineering

[co60slr]

what is a Professional Engineers License?

and Michigan is ranked number one in the country for NE, so it might be worth it to take advantage of that.

Basically I'm just a little worried about doing NE and then kinda getting stuck and not having enough opportunities because I am not an ME.

PE:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamentals_of_Engineering_exam
http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-35299_35414_35472-114639--,00.html

Your college ranking doesn't translate to your ranking.   Find out where your Class of 2010 went, where 2011 is applying to, etc.

You should be concerned.


Good luck.

[Fermi2]

I'll submit to you I can find websites that list other Universities as higher rated. The point is there's no proof whatsoever that Michigan is number 1 in that subject or degree. They're no better and no worse than any other university offering a similar degree.

Example: http://www.infozee.com/channels/ms/usa/nuclear-engineering-rankings.htm

[MLD Woody]

We are on an internet forum, but I guess my grammar could have been better. It was also about 2 in the morning for me, so I really didn't care. Also, I know I can search for what a Professional Engineering license iis, but I thought I'd ask. Finally, I was just adding that ranking in there for the hell of it. They seem pretty proud here to have the top program and people usually respect the usnews rankings. If Michigan is a top NE program I don't think I can go wrong with it. Again, I was just worried about not getting as many opportunities as someone with an ME degree.

[Nuclear Renaissance]

I'll submit to you I can find websites that list other Universities as higher rated. The point is there's no proof whatsoever that Michigan is number 1 in that subject or degree. They're no better and no worse than any other university offering a similar degree.

Example: http://www.infozee.com/channels/ms/usa/nuclear-engineering-rankings.htm

Congratulations, you found old data.

Fact is the strength of the program DOES matter, since the research opportunities and the faculty it draws are tied to it. A large component of any degree is what the student personally makes of it, but if you can do it in a program with prestige, it matters.

[Pman52]

Again, I was just worried about not getting as many opportunities as someone with an ME degree.

Go with the Mechanical Engineering degree.  It gives you the opportunity to choose a position in a larger scope of the nuclear industry.  Plus if you decide to change careers later in life you're not stuck in nuclear.  I wouldn't over think the situation and no one, not even yourself can predict your future.  Just prepare yourself well and let it all take it's course.  Good luck and enjoy your college experience.  Its some of the best and worst years of your life.  

[Bradtv]

Again, I was just worried about not getting as many opportunities as someone with an ME degree.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm#projections_data

When there are ~14 times more employed mechanical engineers than there are nuclear engineers, you can assume the mechanical engineers have more opportunities... even within the nuclear industry.  The expected growth however is higher among nuclear engineers.

 

[Gamecock]

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/nuclear-engineering

Best Engineering Schools Specialty Rankings: Nuclear
Ranked in 2010
 1 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 4.8
2 University of Wisconsin--Madison Madison, WI 4.5
3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA 4.4

MIT is #3???

Must be the same kind of voodoo magic used by the BCS to determine this ranking!!!

[MLD Woody]

haha, F the BCS. I don't know why we are 1 either, but I'll roll with it.

Man, coming in with credits is acting as a blessing and a curse for me...

[Rich French]

Anyone that has worked the engineering side of the nuclear field knows Michigan has been a top ranked Nuclear Engineering schools for the past 20 years.  Anyone that shows surprise at this is just indicating their lack of nuclear engineering experience...as they have none and should let experienced people reply to a serious question.
Mechanical vs Nuclear.
This is an old question that is relevant to all speciality degrees vs the base degrees.  The speciality degrees being Paper, petroleum, nuclear, environmental, automotive, mining, biomechanical, Aerospace, naval architecture etc. vs ME, EE, CE, ChemE.
The advantages of the "base" degrees have already been mentioned as they give you great flexibility to go into many different fields.  ME/EE could go into paper, aerospace, petroleum quite easily for a given market with opportunities.  These "speciality" degrees will give you opportunities in highly cyclical jobs tied to factors that are rather unpredictable.  The opportunities you think you will have might change completely in the 4 years.  Laws, politics, public preception, commodity prices, foreign competition and other factors will directly impact job prospects when you graduate, good or bad.

So, go with the "base" degrees right?
Not necessarily.  The ME dept at Michigan will graduate 200-250M ME's.  The NE department will graduate 30 NE's.  Areva/GE/Westinghouse/Others that come to campus looking for engineers for their nuclear programs will give priority to the NE's.  If they can't fill with NE's, the will give the ME/EE of the world a shot.  I would bet Michigan gets 100% placement for their NE's while the ME's in a tough economy could be as low as 50-70%. 
Plus you will get the small school type of atmosphere with such a small class.

Now, what do you want to do?  
Look at the senior classes, the course descriptions, sit in on an upperlevel class to see if you even like it.  What gets you excited?  Michigan Engineering is very competitive and you better be really want to be an engineer.  Are you ready to work 3x as hard as the LS&A/Business people?  Michigan has a significant number of foreigner and out of state students to compete against for grades.  It is not easy. 
So, it sounds like you haven't started school yet and maybe you are accepted.  You can apply directly to college of engineering ( a separate application process, You may have to give your top three choices) or take your basic engineering courses in LS&A and apply at your freshman/sophomore year.  Your first goal is to do well  or you will not have to worry about ME/NE.  Then, if you really want to be pursue engineering and are ready for the hell you will be enduring, look at the NE courses you will take vs ME (or any other majors, keep an open mind).  Popular fields will be more competitive.  Naval Architecture will be less competitive then say biomechanics. 

In nuclear, there are a lot of procedures, quality checks, detailed processes...IE paper work.  Even working at a Construction Company, you will have to endure significant more compliance checks then working at a fossil plant.  No way around it. 
This should be template to help you get started.  Any more questions, email me directly so we don't have to deal with the riff raff. 
UM BSME 90

[HydroDave63]

Anyone that has worked the engineering side of the nuclear field knows Michigan has been a top ranked Nuclear Engineering schools for the past 20 years.  Anyone that shows surprise at this is just indicating their lack of nuclear engineering experience...as they have none and should let experienced people reply to a serious question.


This should be template to help you get started.  Any more questions, email me directly so we don't have to deal with the riff raff. 
UM BSME 90

So...... you're calling Broadzilla a nub?

[Rich French]

So...... you're calling Broadzilla a nub?


Hey, trying to stir it up, Hd?

No, nubs know they are nubs, typically. So, knowing they know nothing, is something.
Others; don't know, and don't know that they don't know.  If they knew that they don't know, that would be something. 

[MLD Woody]

Thank you Rich for the very detailed answer, I really appreciate it.

I am in my first semester at Michigan, and its great. I also no for sure I want to be an engineer. Problem solving, math, science, etc., that's all me. Its also funny you mention international competition as my roommate is originally from Korea, and has lived in Ethiopia the last 7 years, then came to the US to go to Michigan. And you know how he picked Michigan? He went online, searched engineering rankings, and saw Michigan. So ranking do matter more then people think sometimes.

I will be taking a tour of the facilities for NE here with an advisor in the upcoming days and I'm hoping looking around and talking to him will give me a better idea.

Like I said, I feel like I would really enjoy nuclear, I just have that fear of not having as many opportunities or options as others. But, like you said an ME would have more options, but also more competition. And looking aorund, in response to one of my other questions, it seems, in regards to the business aspect, you acquire that degree while with a company. So then I just have to decide if I should get a Masters or not.

That's also the one downside of having credits coming into college, you have to decide on where to declare earlier. I know this all sounds kinda ridiculous becuase its so far away, but I'm the kinda person that likes to have things planned out for the most part.

Thanks again though for the sound answer. Did you attend Michigan by chance?

[Fermi2]

There is no such thing as a Number 1 School. It's ALL subjective. As I said any link that says so, I can find a link that says otherwise. As Rocky implied, no way is Michigan above MIT in anything.

And for the snowflake who keeps asking the same thing over and over: So at 2AM if you're called for advice by one of your Operations Betters are you going to give less than adequate advice because it's 2AM and you don't care?

[MLD Woody]

There is no such thing as a Number 1 School. It's ALL subjective. As I said any link that says so, I can find a link that says otherwise. As Rocky implied, no way is Michigan above MIT in anything.

And for the snowflake who keeps asking the same thing over and over: So at 2AM if you're called for advice by one of your Operations Betters are you going to give less than adequate advice because it's 2AM and you don't care?

Well in that situation I have a job and I am responding to someone important, not a random guy over the internet on a school night. And I can give fine advice all day... but my spelling takes a hit after midnight

[Fermi2]

If you want to be in the industry that attitude better change quickly. You're expected to be able to function at any time, and more importantly function at 100%. If you are called you're expected to come in and put your recommendation in writing. You best learn to present yourself well at all times snowflake.

[HydroDave63]

Well in that situation I have a job and I am responding to someone important, not a random guy over the internet on a school night. And I can give fine advice all day... but my spelling takes a hit after midnight

Ah yes, the classic Gen Y response..... when I'm comfy, well-rested and motivated, I rock! (well, my half-elf thief does anyways)

Guess what, you'll be more fatigued on the 5th night of night shift when the Shift Manager turns to you, the recently qualified STA, and asks "hey T-Baller, are we in an LCO or not?!?"

Oh, not going Ops with all those sweaty cave-men? Okay, so you are the junior mints EQ engineer at an underpaid utility near a beach, and you got the call from the folks in Nuclear Oversight with a question on HELB and whether a call needs to be made to NRC Region 4 regarding brand XXX insulation on primary insulation cables. The only other engineer in your cubicle quad is sweating, complains of a gut ache, and is still working on a separate related issue. Gonna bag the senior guy and head out for your dinner date (yeah, go eHarmony!) or stay late, and deal with the issue until your Manager gives guidance?

Disclosure: I may have seen one or both of these issues in a former existence. And the senior guy did get bagged. His burst appendix nearly killed him and took 3 weeks to heal. Moral: Give 100% and don't $h!tbag your work at any nuclear time!

[Creeker]

Basically, for a first year college student, he's doing fine!  He asked some good questions, and got a couple good answers.  I hope he sticks with the forums in spite of the other distractive, off subject, useless criticisms that only serve to gum up the flow of decent and responsive information. 
Guess it's time to become a GM so I can add karma to Rich.  His answers were to the point and together with MLD's comments, made me wonder if I'm doing my son a disservice by having him take a load of college courses in high school.

[Fermi2]

BTW Rich gave a great answer, however nothing in here was distracting. This child wants to be a nuke, he needs to get his head in the game and have good habits from day one. He shouldn't be pampered because he won't get pampered in the industry.

[Creeker]

Out of 3 posts, all of which were of decent length, it looked like he didn't start a couple paragraphs with caps.  His thought process is laid out well, and he seems like a normal college kid with a good future in front of him.  I think we go overboard on grammer enforcement is all.  And he certainly doesn't deserve to be called a snowflake.  Dang it.. I'm distracting from the topic by even addressing you addressing him.  Oh well..  I slipped and fell onto a soap box.  I'll jump off.

[Fermi2]

Is he a qualified nuke? If not he's a snowflake.
By your standard (which I'm certain in real life isn't your standard) it's ok to make a mistake r two, one f which could be the calculation for a Modification that might 2 years from now be the reason your entire ECCS doesn't work.

[MLD Woody]

Wow, this is crazy. Maybe its a generation gap or something but general INTERNET FORUM edicit for me is to get my point across when answering or asking a question and present it in an easy to read way. Getting hung up on a spelling error here or gramitical error here seems really pointless.

Yes I will obviously need to be ready all the time and be willing to contribute 110% when I am working on important things in school or have a job as an engineer. But to devise that I can't do that based off of one post I made on a forum at 2AM is idiotic. Not only do those two situations not even remotely relate but you don't know anything about me. To say I can't be an engineer and I'll mess things up down the road BASED OFF OF AN INTERNET FORUM POST, is again, ignorant. And I also really don't get the snowflake thing, but to each his own.

Really though, calling me a child, saying I have poor work habits, and everything else you said really makes you look like an immature ass. I'm thankful there were others here like Rich and Creeker that could look at my question and formulate a very well though out response. You instead saw a grammatical error and then chastized me.

Same goes for HydroDave, what did any of that mean? Because I made a spelling error I am immediately lumped in with your misconceived notion of what my generation is? Well that's great, happy you could keep an open mind (I don't even play RPGs by the way). Maybe this is just the generation gap or maybe its just you guys, but I'm really dissappointed in some of this. Is that what my generation is thought of by you guys? Lazy, unmotivated slobs? Well thank god I won't be interveiwing with you when I go for a job. Or maybe, I'll be better off. You'll think I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread when I put a sentence together and wear a suit. I mean. this generation can't do that right?

And to Creeker, taking college courses in High School if they are offered is a great thing, I wouldn't worry. It helps prepare you for college and gives you a boost in your credits needed to graduate. If your son is positive on what he would like to do, it'll work out great. You can either take those credits and try to graduate early, or spread out your remaining course load and have less stress on your hands or add in my classes for another degree. If he is unsure on what to do this'll give him more leniency and help him not waste time while he's figuring it out.

Now, that was a long post but, I think I made my point. I could go spell check this right now but I think in the spirit of this post I won't. Hopefully it'll show you that I can put together a coherent thought, even if I mispelled something.

[Nuclear Renaissance]

Off topic, but this is why it's tough to even lurk on Nukeworker anymore. A freshman asks a freshman question (hey I was there once before, too), and before a good dialogue can get going the thread gets pissed on by Broadzilla and his fanboys for punctuation or how chat-speak is going to someday lead to inopping ECCS. What do you know about university engineering programs?

[thenuttyneutron]

I have seen both worlds.  The degree will only get you in the door for an interview.  Once hired, you will learn or be taught everything that you need to know to do your job.  That is what the qualification process is for.  Your performance will also be the factor that moves you ahead and not what is on your diploma.

I earned a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and then hired in as a NLO.  I think that this was a very good move for me.  I am now a Licensed Operator.  I learn new stuff everyday.  With the huge retirement tsunami coming down the road in the next few years, there should be plenty of jobs.  The only chance at getting any of these jobs is having the correct combination of education and experience. 

[co60slr]

I earned a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and then hired in as a NLO.  I think that this was a very good move for me.  I am now a Licensed Operator.  I learn new stuff everyday.  With the huge retirement tsunami coming down the road in the next few years, there should be plenty of jobs.  The only chance at getting any of these jobs is having the correct combination of education and experience. 

You don't need a degree to be an NLO, RO, or SRO (i.e., Ops).   What was your college and GPA?

[MLD Woody]

I've gotta go learn what all these acronyms are,

[Fermi2]

You will need a degree to get in OPS with no Navy experience.  The instant RO is just now being figured out.  It used to be that the only way to RO was through the NLO ranks.  I recommend OPS.  You make tons of money and learn the plant hands on.  You can always jump over to engineering later.

Texas A&M

Incorrect, you can become an NLO without a degree or Navy experience.

As for NR, sorry, I'm a Shift Manager, I demand perfection and if this snowflake can't deliver it then he doesn't belong in the industry.

[thenuttyneutron]

Incorrect, you can become an NLO without a degree or Navy experience.

As for NR, sorry, I'm a Shift Manager, I demand perfection and if this snowflake can't deliver it then he doesn't belong in the industry.

I said you would need a degree to get in OPS with no naval experience, not what the minimum requirements are.  I have never seen a guy with anything less than an associates degree get a job offer.  I would be surprised if I saw a guy with just a high school diploma get past HR.

[hogs]

I said you would need a degree to get in OPS with no naval experience, not what the minimum requirements are.  I have never seen a guy with anything less than an associates degree get a job offer.  I would be surprised if I saw a guy with just a high school diploma get past HR.

Unless you hire in with the company in a different area, like as a clerk or laborer.  Many will lock in in-house high school graduates before even looking outside for degreed/navy. 

Agree with the ME choice and spelling adjustments, but study what you want.  Disagree with studying for what you want to do later on.  Do what you want to do and expand your mind. Have you thought about joining a fraternity or something to socialize yourself more and expand your thinking?  Talking to us about your school's ranking is like a rich dude talking to other rich dudes about how much money he has. 

Also this thread is awesome.

[retired nuke]

Woody - don't sweat the grumpy old men - they still remember when the reactors were made of wood, and they split atoms with their teeth. Neither BZ or HD are as perfect as they want you to be - but underneath the growling are 2 very smart, experienced people. Just filter the rhetoric... and welcome to NW. 

[co60slr]

you know the search function works well for old hands too;

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,5728.msg34233.html#msg34233

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,5387.msg33957.html#msg33957

It takes 10 seconds to type a sentence and 60 seconds to search/copy/paste.  All good.

[MLD Woody]

I know I received a booklet that had information about the graduating class and their salaries based off of their degree. I'll try to find it when I get back from class.

I don't really consider myself a Greek Life kinda guy, so a fraternity seems unlikely. I am playing IM Flag Football with the student chapter of American Nuclear Society though, haha

[UncaBuffalo]

As for NR, sorry, I'm a Shift Manager, I demand perfection and if this snowflake can't deliver it then he doesn't belong in the industry.

I'm gonna have to throw a flag on that one.  

Most things are NOT perfect in nuclear power.  We set the bar at an acceptable level, and have defense-in-depth to protect us when one system (or person) falls below that mark.



(Aren't all our human performance tools based on the FACT that humans are NOT perfect?)

[MLD Woody]

Its ok, i'm a lazy, flawed snowflake

[Fermi2]

I'm gonna have to throw a flag on that one.  

Most things are NOT perfect in nuclear power.  We set the bar at an acceptable level, and have defense-in-depth to protect us when one system (or person) falls below that mark.



(Aren't all our human performance tools based on the FACT that humans are NOT perfect?)

I still demand it and if one cannot deliver it I'd prefer they not be around.

[MacGyver]

(Aren't all our human performance tools based on the FACT that humans are NOT perfect?)

Yes, UncaB' you are correct.  Not that you needed my at'a'boy but you got it none'th'less.  Use of the human performance tools, that have been collected from all the OE we and other disciplines have learned from over the years, is due to the human (err) nature in us all.

But, let me add one more not mentioned in our human performance toolbox (nuclear).

To all posters ... there are hazardous human attitudes (5 to be exact, BZ perfection if you ask me  ).  Which ones are you exhibiting?

Hazardous Attitudes:
1. Anti-authority (“Don’t tell me!”).
2. Impulsivity (“Do something quickly!”).
3. Invulnerability (“It won’t happen to me!”).
4. Macho (“I can do it!”).
5. Resignation (“What’s the use?”).

Anti-Dotes:
1. Follow the rules they are usually right.
2. Not so fast. Think first.
3. It could happen to me.
4. Taking chances is foolish.
5. I'm not helpless. I can make a difference.

I am thinking of re-naming it "The Five Hazardous Poster Attitudes."

[UncaBuffalo]

I still demand it and if one cannot deliver it I'd prefer they not be around.

Oh...we'd all prefer to have perfect subordinates...  

Unfortunately, they insist on staffing these plants with humans...so we end up having to work with a range from just-competent-enough-to-keep-from-getting-fired up to Broadzilla-esque...    

That's why I prefer to encourage ALL posters when they first come on the site.  If they hang out with NukeWorkers that are exhibiting positive traits, maybe they will pick some of it up...and we will get them closer to the Broadzilla mark?  (If they are still clueless after the first dozen posts, then I ignore them, but...I think we can let them get oriented before we expect too much...)

[MLD Woody]

Hazardous Attitudes:
1. Anti-authority (“Don’t tell me!”).
2. Impulsivity (“Do something quickly!”).
3. Invulnerability (“It won’t happen to me!”).
4. Macho (“I can do it!”).
5. Resignation (“What’s the use?”).

A little 2, 3 and 4.


I'm a little 1 and 4.

[MLD Woody]

IOE 434. Human Error and Complex System Failures
Prerequisite: IOE 333 or IOE 536 or Permission of Instructor. II (3 credits)
Introduction to a new systems-oriented approach to safety management and the analysis of complex system failures. The course covers a wide range of factors contributing to system failures: human perceptual and cognitive abilities and limitations, the design of modern technologies and interfaces, and biases in accident investigation and error analysis.  Recent concepts in the area of high reliability organizations and resilience engineering are reviewed. Students perform systems analysis of actual mishaps and disasters in various domains, including various modes of transportation, process control, and health care.

[hogs]

I know I received a booklet that had information about the graduating class and their salaries based off of their degree. I'll try to find it when I get back from class.

I don't really consider myself a Greek Life kinda guy, so a fraternity seems unlikely. I am playing IM Flag Football with the student chapter of American Nuclear Society though, haha

Hey that's cool about your football playing.  It seemed like there wasn't a lot of time in your class schedule for other types of classes and it's always important to actively continue developing people knowledge/skills, especially since you seem interested in business management.  I am not naturally good at people but I'd be a lot worse off if I hadn't done something continually.  Maybe it's just me, though: Marssim does not seem to think it is important to learn about humans.  Fraternities can be challenging in good ways, like an immersion class, but there are other ways to challenge that area too.

Also, don't ignore opportunities to obtain regular mentoring, whether from faculty or older students.  It will be hard sometimes, but keep up your enthusiasm for what you are doing!
 

[MLD Woody]

Hey that's cool about your football playing.  It seemed like there wasn't a lot of time in your class schedule for other types of classes and it's always important to actively continue developing people knowledge/skills, especially since you seem interested in business management.  I am not naturally good at people but I'd be a lot worse off if I hadn't done something continually.  Maybe it's just me, though: Marssim does not seem to think it is important to learn about humans.  Fraternities can be challenging in good ways, like an immersion class, but there are other ways to challenge that area too.

Also, don't ignore opportunities to obtain regular mentoring, whether from faculty or older students.  It will be hard sometimes, but keep up your enthusiasm for what you are doing!
 

Thanks for the support.

Ya over the last few years I have become more and more involved in athletics. I've always done some but I have more of a drive for the competition now. IM soccer is over so its time for football. And judging by how well ANS faired last season (the first 6 weeks) they can use all the help they can get,

[Sun Dog]

Great list...at the risk of being accused of plagiarism, I will share this....

Hazardous Attitudes:
1. Anti-authority (“Don’t tell me!”).
2. Impulsivity (“Do something quickly!”).
3. Invulnerability (“It won’t happen to me!”).
4. Macho (“I can do it!”).
5. Resignation (“What’s the use?”).

Anti-Dotes:
1. Follow the rules they are usually right.
2. Not so fast. Think first.
3. It could happen to me.
4. Taking chances is foolish.
5. I'm not helpless. I can make a difference.

I am thinking of re-naming it "The Five Hazardous Poster Attitudes."

[Fermi2]

I've trained 6 very good Shift Managers now so I guess my perfection uber alles attitude works.

[HydroDave63]

I've trained 6 very good Shift Managers now so I guess my perfection über alles attitude works.

BZ reviews his candidates prior to NRC interviews

[/youtube]

[walstib]

Yes, UncaB' you are correct.  Not that you needed my at'a'boy but you got it none'th'less.  Use of the human performance tools, that have been collected from all the OE we and other disciplines have learned from over the years, is due to the human (err) nature in us all.

But, let me add one more not mentioned in our human performance toolbox (nuclear).

To all posters ... there are hazardous human attitudes (5 to be exact, BZ perfection if you ask me  ).  Which ones are you exhibiting?

Hazardous Attitudes:
1. Anti-authority (“Don’t tell me!”).
2. Impulsivity (“Do something quickly!”).
3. Invulnerability (“It won’t happen to me!”).
4. Macho (“I can do it!”).
5. Resignation (“What’s the use?”).

Anti-Dotes:
1. Follow the rules they are usually right.
2. Not so fast. Think first.
3. It could happen to me.
4. Taking chances is foolish.
5. I'm not helpless. I can make a difference.

I am thinking of re-naming it "The Five Hazardous Poster Attitudes."

I agree, this is a very good list.  Although I submit to you that your Hazardous Attitudes #1 is more anti-responsibility then anti-authority

[UncaBuffalo]

I've trained 6 very good Shift Managers now so I guess my perfection uber alles attitude works.

Striving for perfection when training a shift manager is great...perfect bosses make all our lives easier.

NukeWorker (NOT NukeShiftManager) has a wide range of participants...so I try to make my responses broad enough to be useful (and palatable) to those who don't have an immediate ability to achieve perfection.

[Rennhack]

I have been lurking for a while, and your posts have caught my eye, and I have a question for you. You have been a shift manager since 2000.

I suspect this is one of those users that quit, and have come back.  But I can't figure out who it is.

[HydroDave63]

I suspect this is one of those users that quit, and have come back.  But I can't figure out who it is.

Sometimes that's the beauty of it

[Nuclear NASCAR]

I have been lurking for a while, and your posts have caught my eye, and I have a question for you. You have been a shift manager since 2000.

My question is, why are you still a shift manager? Most shift managers I know, do a 2-3 year stint and move on and up through the company. I know shift managers who have become vice presidents in that time. I know so call "t-ballers" who have been hired as direct SROs, become shift managers, and become directors in that time. So why, are you stuck at shift manager? I guess, perhaps, you aren't stuck at all, and it could be a personal choice or you are too valuable in your current role.

Just curious.

Thanks for joining up as a Gold Member.  I see that you've taken advantage of that and copied from the GM area into the open area to set up your question.  While we have been running a bit more hands-off as far as moderating and I know that the forum rules don't prohibit it, this one just has a bad feel to me.  Had it been in a PM to Broadzilla that would be one thing.  It stays but I'd appreciate it if the GM area quotes stay there in the future.  

No matter what, Welcome to Nukeworker.  I'm glad you're here and look forward to many years of your contributions.

Peace,
Tom

[Fermi2]

I like the job, and when exactly did I say I've never been anything higher than an SM?

[MLD Woody]

So I'm not worried about graduating a year early any more, my parents said not to worry about it and to take my time with college. That's nice of them. Because of this I won't have to decide on what to declare for another semseter. Especially because now I am leaning more toward mechanical. I also have to decide if I want to try to get a degree in something else while I'm here, because I will have the extra time.

[Mike_Koehler]

I still demand it and if one cannot deliver it I'd prefer they not be around.

To follow the HPI tool a little more..... For the sake of this discussion I will assume that you are performing in the top 5% of your work classification. HPI statistics show that the best (top 5%) workers only make 2-4 errors per hour worked. Most of these are so minor that they contribute nothing (0.00) to accident precursor statistics and pass unnoticed. So since nobody is perfect, (not even you) do you prefer not to be around yourself? Get over yourself.......

Mike

[Fermi2]

So I'm not worried about graduating a year early any more, my parents said not to worry about it and to take my time with college. That's nice of them. Because of this I won't have to decide on what to declare for another semseter. Especially because now I am leaning more toward mechanical. I also have to decide if I want to try to get a degree in something else while I'm here, because I will have the extra time.

BTW man. IMHO Never graduate early. Enjoy your life and youth while you can. My daughter has been offered the chance to move up a grade twice and both times I've said no, be a baby while the chance is still available.

[Fermi2]

You got me, I guess. Then again, one can infer from 6 years of posts that that is all you have ever been. But to each their own as to how they handle their own careers, eh?

OPs Training Manager, Work Control Manager. When I left my old plant I left an offer on the table to be an Assistant Maintenance Manager with the understanding when the MM moved on I'd take his job, my issue with my old plant wasn't about a job, it was about ethics and morality so I said thank you have a nice day.. I always kept an active license and in two cases when a Shift was having issues volunteered to step down to turn the shift around.

I turned down an Ops Manager position at a plant and elected to come to SQN instead because it was right for my family. Since then I've interviewed as an Ops Manager (twice) and a Training Director (once) at three other facilities and again decided it wasn't in the best interest of my kids and in my life my kids come first.

[MLD Woody]

BTW man. IMHO Never graduate early. Enjoy your life and youth while you can. My daughter has been offered the chance to move up a grade twice and both times I've said no, be a baby while the chance is still available.

Wow, that  is the first time I've felt like you made an honest, nice response. Thank you.


...i'm not a baby

[co60slr]

...i'm not a baby

In what context did he mean, in what context did you respond, and what's the true biological context?

This is why we have so many problems here.   

[MLD Woody]

In what context did he mean, in what context did you respond, and what's the true biological context?

This is why we have so many problems here.   

Hahaha, ok so I can't joke around on this board. Gotcha

[Fermi2]

Wow, that  is the first time I've felt like you made an honest, nice response. Thank you.


...i'm not a baby

No, it's the first time you've been coddled. All my previour responses were honest and the most dead on in the entire thread. Your generation is used to being coddled so the second you hear something that doesn't coincide with your rose colored image of the world you believe it's not honest.

Learn to read, I never called you a baby.

[MLD Woody]

No, it's the first time you've been coddled. All my previour responses were honest and the most dead on in the entire thread. Your generation is used to being coddled so the second you hear something that doesn't coincide with your rose colored image of the world you believe it's not honest.

Learn to read, I never called you a baby.

And am I to believe your generation is full a pricks that have a superiority complex over this generation? And that can't tell when somethings a joke?

Luckily I don't

maybe it comes from everyone saying the generation two up from mine is the greatest generation, and you had to grow up with that. So when you get the chance you belittle this generation and trash it to make yourself subconsciously feel better you do. Is this all in your head and you are just acting out years of oppression and turmoil?





Or are you just being mean?

[Roll Tide]

And am I to believe your generation is full a pricks that have a superiority complex over this generation? And that can't tell when somethings a joke?

Would you have an exchange like this with one of your professors? That little respect for every person that has gone before you? I doubt it.

So let me explain commercial nuclear power to you, since someone has been deficient: you are trying to butt heads with a guy making twice what the chairman of your department makes, and could be the guy making hiring decisions for people like you when you graduate and get ready to learn enough to make a living.

BZ is crude (real-life as well as virtual), but I am offended when I see a student disrespect him when he is giving his time to answer questions.

(AND I REALLY HATE IT WHEN I AM COMPELLED TO BACK UP A VOL FAN!)

[MLD Woody]

Would you have an exchange like this with one of your professors? That little respect for every person that has gone before you? I doubt it.

So let me explain commercial nuclear power to you, since someone has been deficient: you are trying to butt heads with a guy making twice what the chairman of your department makes, and could be the guy making hiring decisions for people like you when you graduate and get ready to learn enough to make a living.

BZ is crude (real-life as well as virtual), but I am offended when I see a student disrespect him when he is giving his time to answer questions.

(AND I REALLY HATE IT WHEN I AM COMPELLED TO BACK UP A VOL FAN!)

you know the line below that I said I don't (I don't have anything against the generation above me). He was just taking all these "your generation this" and "your generation that" shots.

But I am sure now that I said that it means I can never be in nuclear power. Because if I insulted someone older then me here that means I will never be able to follow directions or listen to a boss... bummer

[HydroDave63]

But I am sure now that I said that it means I can never be in nuclear power. Because if I insulted someone older then me here that means I will never be able to follow directions or listen to a boss... bummer

Well, you managed to leave a whiny pantload as thanks for Roll Tide's advice.

On-topic generational comparison: 

Our generation wanted to be cool like Adam West (Batman) and tough like Captain Kirk

Yours watches Adam Lambert and wants to be like Mr. Sulu (George Takei)

Or, another comparison..... when you watch the movie "Crimson Tide", your generation thinks Denzell as the XO is awesome and "rad" because he knows some goofy Silversurfer comic book crap. The guys here responding in this thread applaud the Captain because we actually were proud to serve with harda$$es like that who took us in Harm's Way and got us back safe.

[MLD Woody]

I don't really think you are in a position to generalize what my generation believes and what our values are

[Roll Tide]

I repeat, would you have started an exchange like that with one of your professors? I know you said more, but I am trying to point out to you that this site has some potentially valuable resources for your future.

Do I think you will never be in nuclear power? No. Now that the straw man argument is out of the way, take some feedback. Because if you do work in commercial nuclear power, you will have lots of feedback.

Since you don't like the expression, "coddled", let me say this in the walking on eggshells manner that doesn't direct anything directly towards you as you prefer: I would have given half a paycheck when I was in the Navy to get some honest direct feedback from an active Shift Manager on how to get ready for a commercial nuclear career. I hope you see the potential value in the feedback from some of your elders.

Good luck.

[MacGyver]

Hahaha, ok so I can't joke around on this board. Gotcha

Nope you are the joke.  (if I could alter karma).

[MLD Woody]

I don't even know what to say anymore... I think this is just coming from a fundamental difference of forum vs. career/school/etc. And its clear I'm not winning, or am atleast out numbered.

[JustinHEMI05]

I don't even know what to say anymore... I think this is just coming from a fundamental difference of forum vs. career/school/etc. And its clear I'm not winning, or am atleast out numbered.

Probably better to cut your losses at this point.

If you want some honest, friendly and truthfull advice about commercial nuclear power, feel free to PM me.

I know it appears I have one post, but I needed time away from this site due some personal issues. But I am back, and you can find 1800 or so posts from me in the past on here.

I am a licensed BWR SRO and currently going for my PWR SRO license.

[Estis]

I don't even know what to say anymore... I think this is just coming from a fundamental difference of forum vs. career/school/etc. And its clear I'm not winning, or am atleast out numbered.

You've pretty much hit the nail on the head here. Like you, most newcomers view this board as just another forum. A portion of the more established posters here consider this to be a Professional Forum. Basically, treat this forum like you're at a professional convention or trade show and you will be fine. That's what I try to do at least.

[Nuclear NASCAR]

I don't even know what to say anymore... I think this is just coming from a fundamental difference of forum vs. career/school/etc. And its clear I'm not winning, or am at least out numbered.

Whatever you do, don't let our curmudgeon brigade get to you very long.  I believe nit harvesting season is at its peak right now, hence the amount of picking being done.   

One thing I can guarantee you is that get honest opinions and you've already gotten a taste of the amount of perfection demanded in this industry.  The biggest reasons behind that are a few places that you've heard of like Three Mile Island &  Chernobyl.  We are constantly under the threat of losing public confidence should we experience another incident such as these. 

I've been in the power company business for almost 26 years, but only in the nuclear side for the last 12.  The atmosphere in a control room, fossil fuel or nuclear, always has an edge and tension present.  It's much more palpable in a nuclear unit, though. 

That being said, I still don't consider that to be complete justification your treatment, more of an explanation of what's behind it.  We have no right to expect ANY newcomer to automatically "Know Who I Am!" when any of our veteran members post.  I also believe in leading by example.  If we are going to demand respect we should also show respect.  Not by giving 57 warm fuzzies and coddling new posters, but by being industrious enough to to help rather than lazy and getting our exercise by jumping to conclusions & running over people. 

There will always be a gap between generations, people who know more than most people, and questions that have been asked thousands of times.  It's part of the learning process.  The wise ones among us see that both sides can learn from each other, don't judge on first impressions, and move on past posturing to conversation. 

End of my  rant. 

[co60slr]

I don't even know what to say anymore... I think this is just coming from a fundamental difference of forum vs. career/school/etc. And its clear I'm not winning, or am atleast out numbered.

You're fine.  You need to learn when to ignore comments from anonymous posters that aren't answering your question.  However, if you choose to argue, debate you need to have your act together and do it correctly...especially given the "newness" of your profile, nuclear experience, etc.

However, know this:  the one special attribute about our industry is that even the new guy is expected to stand up and make a point if something isn't going right in the Nuclear Plant.   Perhaps you'll be a young engineer one day making a technical argument and meeting similar resistance.   Are you going to walk away?

You have to make better arguments then telling someone "you can't think that way".   What hiring managers "think" of your generation is valid, just as it was for my generation 20 years ago.  Some feel that "kids" these days are getting lazy.  So, prove them wrong.  Should be easy for you...right?

Don't worry about the people calling you "a joke".   It's easy to throw rotten fruit at someone from an anonymous sideline.  This doesn't happen on Facebook where real names are published, nor would it happen if we were at a Job Fair.   In fact, when people treat others like some do in this Forum in a real job setting, their job is at risk.

"Don't wrestle with a pig in the mud.  He'll enjoy it while you only get dirty".

Brush yourself off and move on with digesting the ton of information you've been given.  Your biggest concern in any event should be your GPA, not what someone anonymous poster pokes at you on Nukeworker.com.

Co58

[co60slr]

Nope you are the joke.  (if I could alter karma).

No, you're the joke.  There are over 3,000 views to this thread from around the country and you just embarrassed the website.

In my experience, Navy Nukes enlist for two reasons:  1)  They drank their way out of college, 2) financial reasons to not start, or had to leave as an unfortunate result.    When you were 19 years old, where you in a position to decide between a BSME or BSNE?   Do you have one now?   If not, why are you jumping into this thread?

The major difference here is that while our "newbie" is fumbling around figuring out this Forum and our Industry, you "should" know better.  Unless of course you came from one of these submarines that we all read about in the Navy Times that had no standards.  Your midwatch underway antics towards other people may have been accepted on your ship, but they're not here in open public forum.

[War Eagle]

I am a licensed BWR SRO and currently going for my PWR SRO license.

Welcome back, Justin!  What plant are you licensing at?

[JustinHEMI05]

Welcome back, Justin!  What plant are you licensing at?

TY. Beaver Valley. Had to move closer to Pittsburgh (UPMC) for family health reasons.

[MLD Woody]

oh ya, don't worry. I am not really paying any attention to the insults or people calling me "a joke". The last thing I'll do is let this thread consume my life and have it affect my GPA, haha. In fact, it's just something interesting to look at on the bus or while I'm doing HW.

Its funny though. It seems like some people want me to argue back and others want me to be quiet and sit back.

Can't we all just get along?


I've gotta leave for ANS Flag Football practice (ya, we're legit) and then watch some Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear later, so have fun on this thread guys.

[Fermi2]

Calling someone a joke is uncalled for, you simply don't treat people that way.

On the other hand this kid simply does not have what it takes to make it in this industry so the best thing for him is to forget it. He simply will not accept input that doesn't fit in with his view of himself.

BTW I realize this generation has been in the desert for a decade HOWEVER this kid isn't in the desert and I'm certain those who have been there would be as appalled as I am by him. When it comes to threads from the kids I do the daughter test, I have my 18 year old daughter read the post and give her opinion. Here's her words " What a whining tool" (Yes the apple didn't even bother falling from the tree there)
My son and his best friend " So this kid seems a lot immature, needs his arse kicked"
To kids of his generation he seems childish and in need of a butt kicking.

JustinHemi which unit?

[MLD Woody]

Must.... hold.... back.... justified.... response....

[JustinHEMI05]

Calling someone a joke is uncalled for, you simply don't treat people that way.

On the other hand this kid simply does not have what it takes to make it in this industry so the best thing for him is to forget it. He simply will not accept input that doesn't fit in with his view of himself.

BTW I realize this generation has been in the desert for a decade HOWEVER this kid isn't in the desert and I'm certain those who have been there would be as appalled as I am by him. When it comes to threads from the kids I do the daughter test, I have my 18 year old daughter read the post and give her opinion. Here's her words " What a whining tool" (Yes the apple didn't even bother falling from the tree there)
My son and his best friend " So this kid seems a lot immature, needs his arse kicked"
To kids of his generation he seems childish and in need of a butt kicking.

JustinHemi which unit?

Unit 2.

[hogs]

I've gotta leave for ANS Flag Football practice (ya, we're legit) and then watch some Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear later, so have fun on this thread guys.

Awesome, keep on developing your social skills! 

[Fermi2]

Must.... hold.... back.... justified.... response....

No you have no justified response, Three kids of your age group, all very responsible pretty much called it right.

Justin that's the 4 Loop Westinghouse plant right?

[MLD Woody]

 

[JustinHEMI05]

No you have no justified response, Three kids of your age group, all very responsible pretty much called it right.

Justin that's the 4 Loop Westinghouse plant right?

Westinghouse, yes, but they are 3 loop. Somewhere in the mid 900's MWs.

[Fermi2]

I thought Unit 4 was a 4 Loop Plant.
Don't you love the idea of Rods having to be pulled to certain withdrawal limits in order to prove you can shutdown the reactor?
Power defect was a mind boggling concept, things just weren't done that way in the BWR world!

As usual if you need any help just let me know!

[JustinHEMI05]

Thanks! I already miss my big ol BWRs.

[Nuclear Renaissance]

Justin that's the 4 Loop Westinghouse plant right?

-1. Try using the "search" function of the internet:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/nuclear/page/operation/operation_tbl3.pdf

[Fermi2]

-1. Try using the "search" function of the internet:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/nuclear/page/operation/operation_tbl3.pdf

Get an SRO License then you can comment.

Justin what stage of training are you in now? What till you get to EOPs, it's a totally different world than what you learned at a BWR.

[RTRT]

Get an SRO License then you can comment.

Justin what stage of training are you in now? What till you get to EOPs, it's a totally different world than what you learned at a BWR.

Is this "on topic"

[JustinHEMI05]

Get an SRO License then you can comment.

Justin what stage of training are you in now? What till you get to EOPs, it's a totally different world than what you learned at a BWR.

Just starting. I have to go through GFES again.

[MLD Woody]

Is this "on topic"

he killed the topic

oh shi---- 

[Bradtv]

Well it did bump the thread (as if it needed it).

You have received some good information, the ball is pretty much in your court.  Don't waste time arguing details.  While you are seeking a career, BZ is well set and secure in his.

Good luck with school.

[Nuclear Renaissance]

Get an SRO License then you can comment.

I have an active SRO license. And 2 ABET engineering degrees. And plenty of commercial nuclear, DOE and supervisory experience.

Isn't nit-picking the search function ridiculous?