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Lincoln
Student
5
Questions
Asked
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How much time is spent in office compared to in the field typically ?
Is this time split a good balance for you?
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1 answer
Donna Hull
Engineer
116
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Lincoln;
When I first started my career, 90% of my time was in the field talking to customers, planning out designs, verifying right of way and permit requirements. The remaining time 8% drafting up work orders for construction teams, and 2% administrative and follow up with construction status (project management).
Moving into a management position, at first it was 50 -50, as I had a team of engineers but was still learning basic aspects myself. Thus I spent a lot of time going into the field with the engineers ensuring I understood the obstacles they were facing and helping to develop comprehensive plans to ensure a robust telecommunications network. Listening and showing respect to those individuals who had a greater knowledge than I did at that time was crucial.
Now 100% of my time is in the office. If I need verification of field conditions or a customer meet is required, I have a network of engineers and supervisors I can reach out to to accomplish this. Although I do work on daily service order requirements my major responsibility is developing the 5 -10 year plans and needs for telecommunications albeit Wireless, Internet of Things, Business or Residential needs. Ironically, now I listen and pay respect to the younger generation, as AI starts permeating business, I have learned many new things in the past few months and know that even more change and growth is in front of me.
When I first started my career, 90% of my time was in the field talking to customers, planning out designs, verifying right of way and permit requirements. The remaining time 8% drafting up work orders for construction teams, and 2% administrative and follow up with construction status (project management).
Moving into a management position, at first it was 50 -50, as I had a team of engineers but was still learning basic aspects myself. Thus I spent a lot of time going into the field with the engineers ensuring I understood the obstacles they were facing and helping to develop comprehensive plans to ensure a robust telecommunications network. Listening and showing respect to those individuals who had a greater knowledge than I did at that time was crucial.
Now 100% of my time is in the office. If I need verification of field conditions or a customer meet is required, I have a network of engineers and supervisors I can reach out to to accomplish this. Although I do work on daily service order requirements my major responsibility is developing the 5 -10 year plans and needs for telecommunications albeit Wireless, Internet of Things, Business or Residential needs. Ironically, now I listen and pay respect to the younger generation, as AI starts permeating business, I have learned many new things in the past few months and know that even more change and growth is in front of me.