Finding content in your job title

Wed Mar 31 03:14:52 UTC 2010

Hi all,

This is perhaps a rather silly question, but one that I'd like to have
answered.

I'm young in the game, and over the years I've imagined numerous job
titles that should go on my business card. They went from cool, to
high-priority, to plain unimaginable.

Now, after 10 years, I reflect back on what I've done, and what I do
now. To me, if a business is loose-knit with no clear job descriptions
or titles (ie. too small to have CXO etc), I feel that a business card
should reflect what one feels is the primary job responsibility, or what
they do the most (or love the most).

For instance, I like to present myself as a 'network engineer'. I have
never taken formal education, don't hold any certifications (well, since
2001), and can't necessarily prove my worth.

How does the ops community feel about using this designation? Is it
intrusive or offensive to those who hold real engineering degrees? I'm
content with 'network manager', given that I still do perform (in my
sleep) numerous system tasks and have to sometimes deal with front-line
helpdesk stuff.

Instead of acting like I'm trying to sell myself out, I'll leave out
what I actually do and ask those who sig themselves with 'network
engineer' what they do day-to-day to acquire that title, and if they
feel comfortable with having it.

Steve