Voltage Regulators & What it Means to Work at M5

A member came in asking about voltage regulators. I didn’t know much about them and told him so. That’s when my manager, Connor, stepped in and encouraged me to try my best to help anyway.

So, I brought the member over to the parts wall, and he asked his question. I didn’t have the answer, but 20 minutes later—thanks to ChatGPT and online datasheets—we worked it out together.

I’m still not a voltage regulator expert, but I don’t need to be, nor do I necessarily want to be. My role isn’t about becoming an expert in one specific component. What if the next member needs help with digital logic or using equipment? Being "the voltage regulator guy" wouldn’t be as useful then.

So if I’m not the “expert of one thing,” what am I?

I’m a sleuth. When a member has a question, I help them sift through online forums, datasheets, and resources to find an answer. I try to ask the right questions.

That’s why I’m at M5—not because I started as an electrical engineering expert, but because I’m willing to learn, to assist. To sleuth.