Microchip Masters... Is it worth it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2017, 10:28:17 am
content: So, we received the annual communications from microchip, doing the european masters event three days in berlinmy boss asked if i want to go but we've never been at this event. (though we've been at seminars and we use a lot of microchip products)Does anybody here have been at the masters?i'm sure it would be fun but is it worth it as a learning experience.. and for networking/making connections? Or would it just be a waste of my time / vacation?In that case I can take three days of vacation and go to berlin at any time if i wanted toI had a look at the various classes, many are what seems to be just power point presentations but i'd be really interested in the power electronics classes (some have "hands on" experiences... i figure it is computers, demo boards and learning by programming)list of classes:http://techtrain.microchip.com/eumasters/classes.aspx

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2017, 02:52:32 pm
content: Quote from: JPortici on June 01, 2017, 10:28:17 amWhen the boss asks if you want to go and learn something, the answer is always "yes"! But why do you have to use your time? Why doesn't the company pay for your time and all expenses. I never used my time for seminars. Maybe things are different outside the US.Networking might be worthwhile. We used to call it "business card bingo". Bring plenty of cards!I have never been to the Masters but as you wrote, the power session would be something of interest. Heck, I'm interested in just about everything.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2017, 02:57:41 pm
content: Going to a seminar in your own time? NO WAY!

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2017, 03:12:19 pm
content: no, wait.. of course i would be going on work time, payed by company.My question was if it will be useful to attend this particular event. As a learning opportunity or maybe for something else?There are three or four lines of courses that i'd like to attend, but i can only fit two in the timetableThough if it's just three days of power point presentations i'd rather have my boss invest that money on something more useful

author: laneboysrc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2017, 02:22:08 am
content: I am not sure if it is the same class, but recordings of older classes can be found on YouTube (search for Microchip Masters). This may give you a sneak-peak of if it is useful for you. I watched a few of them and found them quite good.As was already said, don't ignore the networking aspect. That alone may be worth going.just 2 cents wort, Werner

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2017, 02:49:37 am
content: If you do go, ask them how many more years it is going to take to get Harmony out of beta. They have been working on it for over 4 years and it is still a beta product which barely functions.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2017, 07:54:39 am
content: at least they are consistent and stay with ONE ever-developing librarylooking at you, ST

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2017, 09:09:26 am
content: Quote from: JPortici on June 01, 2017, 03:12:19 pmExpense paid trip to Berlin on company time with learning and freebies, hmm, where's my passport...A little more seriously, if your boss offers relevant training, grab it, even if the training isn't all relevant to your needs it's often worth going so you can get to know other people, plenty of knowledge out there to be had.The only consideration I might need to make would be if it was going to negatively impact on a deliverable, if it won't set you back by eating into project time then why haven't you got the tickets in your hand already?

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2017, 06:45:09 pm
content: I see that you are very supportive of your company and boss. That's a good way to look at things, most don't.Besides the lectures, the informal meetings may expose you to what other people are working on. Maybe there is a glimmer of an idea for a future project. Maybe just reinforcement for what you have already discovered. Networking isn't all about finding that next job. Just hanging out with other engineers from other countries would be worth the trip. I think you'll gain more from going out for beers than you will ever gain from PowerPoint presentations.You might also look at the trip as a reward for some past accomplishment. Companies don't offer trips to people who don't deserve them.Start packing!