How do you describe what you do?

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How do you describe what you do?

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T_Peters Hall of Fame Points: 3052 More actions · Answer 1

A former co-worker go so tired of trying to explain his job as a SAP Basis Admin (SAP DBA of sorts) that he came up with a fake story of being a currency artist. He had a good and convincing story that he would use at parties.

OCTom SSChampion Points: 11785 More actions · Answer 2

Doug J. (4/24/2014)
My normal response: "I convert coffee into software."

I usually just convert coffee into waste water several times a day. :satisfied:

Tom

Eric M Russell SSC Guru Points: 125562 More actions · Answer 3

OCTom (4/25/2014)
Doug J. (4/24/2014)
My normal response: "I convert coffee into software."
I usually just convert coffee into waste water several times a day. :satisfied:
Tom

That's odd. Maybe you're lactose intollerant. Try going without cream in your coffee for a week. 🙂

"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Instead, seek what they sought." - Matsuo Basho

lptech Hall of Fame Points: 3208 More actions · Answer 4

Years ago, I'd say I 'Information technology'. People older than me would then say: 'so you're in computers', to which I'd reply: 'I don't sit in the computer'. That worked in the mainframe days, not so much today.

Michael Valentine Jones SSC Guru Points: 64818 More actions · Answer 5

I usually say I'm a Database Architect, or anything that will make people think that I'm not the guy to troubleshoot problems with their PC or help them setup their home network.

bantrim SSCommitted Points: 1544 More actions · Answer 6

Ahhhh, and might I ask, Mr. Jones, how well does that work out for you? I try the same thing (ETL Architect):

Me: "Think of a database as an actual warehouse. Before you can open shop, you need to build the warehouse -- you need walls, and supports, and a ceiling -- but before even that, you need to have someone mine the ore to smelt into the metal that will be shaped into these things and then transported to the build site. I do all of those things."

Them: "So...do you fix the internet when it breaks?"

I'm going to have to start using the fighter pilot one.

Beatrix Kiddo SSC-Dedicated Points: 32407 More actions · Answer 7

Michael Valentine Jones (4/25/2014)
I usually say I'm a Database Architect, or anything that will make people think that I'm not the guy to troubleshoot problems with their PC or help them setup their home network.

Very wise!

Koen Verbeeck SSC Guru Points: 259115 More actions · Answer 8

Depends on the age of the person that asks.

From old to young(er):

* something with computers

* something with databases

* reporting on top of databases

* business intelligence (data manipulation and visualization if they don't know the term)

The usual response I get: "Ah... Interesting... I think my PC has a virus."

Need an answer? No, you need a question
My blog at https://sqlkover.com.
MCSE Business Intelligence - Microsoft Data Platform MVP

Tee Time Hall of Fame Points: 3745 More actions · Answer 9

"I work in IT", is pretty much all I have to say. 😛

Lowell SSC Guru Points: 323518 More actions · Answer 10

in a non tech setting like with inlaws or strangers , i just say "i work in an office, and i work with the business group", as i've learned the hard way once too often that people sieze on the idea of free tech support; that " my computer is slow" or "I think i have a virus" thing annoys me to no end,

Lowell

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SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 11

These days my answers are along the lines of...

A DBA - to which they give the quizzical look

Then I say

A Database Consultant - seems to keep the requests for free support to a minimum

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
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Koen Verbeeck SSC Guru Points: 259115 More actions · Answer 12

Sometimes I answer: "I'm a consultant. I get paid to pretend that I know better than you do." 😀

Some people have mentioned the "free tech support" problem. Anyone who had the guts to charge them?

Need an answer? No, you need a question
My blog at https://sqlkover.com.
MCSE Business Intelligence - Microsoft Data Platform MVP

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 13

I have charged them on occasion.

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events

Eric M Russell SSC Guru Points: 125562 More actions · Answer 14

SQLRNNR (6/30/2014)
I have charged them on occasion.

In this day, most every family has a teenage or twenty-something IT geek who hasn't landed their first real full time job but still knows enough about computers to fix Uncle Bob's laptop problems. I route all familiar help desk requests in their direction.

"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Instead, seek what they sought." - Matsuo Basho

P Jones SSChampion Points: 12361 More actions · Answer 15

General answer is "I'm just a civil servant" - that is usually understood by most people as boring so they don't go further.

And the next level is "working in the IT department" but when they say they have a problem with their pc my answer is always "I don't do hardware."

Interesting one is to see how your other half describes your job - mine always makes me sound like a superhero!