Alternate word for master?

Question

I intern under someone who fixes computers for a living. I believe that'd make me his apprentice.

I get paid, but only from clients he sends me to, otherwise my pay is lessons for doing this or that.

What is he, paying attention that master has a bad meaning nowadays. Mentor can as well, so I avoid both words.

Suggestions, or do I just use master, and explain why?

Answer 1

Supervisor might be suitable. He supervises your work schedule and shows you how things are done. I would think boss would be more appropriate as he is the owner of the company.

Answer 2

The english term "Master" comes fom the german "Meister", and it means just that what you have described. Somebody teaching somebody else how to do a profession right, it usually is about crafting (carpenters, roof-makers, bakers etc.). Computer-fixing would fall under that group also, in my opinion, it is just a mordern version.

Now, I do understand that the american use of "Master" is now polluted due to the fact that it was used in slavery times. Those "Masters" were of course not masters (in the historical,professional sense), instead they were only evil people who enjoyed torturing defendless people. And from your avatar I assume you are black, so you might feel uncomfortable using the term "master" for what your boss really is.

But still, in my personal opinion, he is just that (your master). If he was your boss, he would not teach you, he would only expect you to do the job, and you would be paid a salary. But you are still an apprentice, you are still learning, and therefore he is your master.

I hope you can overcome the uncomfortness in the word, because just the ABUSE of that term by some evil people centuries ago should not take away a word's original meaning.

But what about calling him "Meister", the original german word where the english "master" once derrived from??

We Germans use the term Meister to this very day in still the same meaning. Our word for "apprentice" is actually "Lehrling", which literally would be "Learnling" in english (the one who learns).

The 'ei' in german sounds like your "eye" or I (as in me), and the last 'r' is not spoken like in american english. The british english sounds very much alike german, so when speaking the "er" at the end, think of how a British would say that.

"My sta" with the accent on the first sillable.

Hmm, I hope I am making any sense?

Answer 3

Do not use Master. It definately has negative undertones. The term "Master" in the work world is really only appropriate in the trade work field - Master Plumber, Master Electrician, Master Carpenter - and that is because these tradeworkers took exams that prove thier knowledge in thier trade field. Under these Master tradeworkers are thier Apprentices. Im not sure where you are located, but here in the US (more specifically NJ) that is the designation for trade work.

Would you consider referring to him as Manager, then you could be his Assistant. In many internships, this is a common reporting structure. It also will look good on your resume.

You could even kick it up a notch and refer to him as Director and again you would be his Assistant.

Director may hold more hiring weight for a FT paying job...
Good luck.

Answer 4

Master craftsman, Expert, Teacher, Instructor, Trainer, or Guide, all could be used. You could say, "I'm apprenticed to a master craftsman" or "I'm apprenticing with a computer trainer." Whatever works for you. Personally, I think your getting a little tied up in the semantics. Mentor would be the word I'd use. That tends to indicate to people a person who takes a personal interest in your development.

Answer 5

My son worked for 4 years in a tattoo apprentice position before being set up on his own by the shop owner/ craftsman. Called him "Joel". Guess he was 'the boss'.

Answer 6

I find that to be a farce. It is ridiculous to want to change a decades-old techonological nomenclature for hard drive relationships.

But, if you so choose, "Parent"/"Child" relationship would work, as well as "Primary"/"Secondary", "Root"/"Branch", or "Main"/"Dependant" would also work.

Personally, I grew up knowing "Master"/"Slave", and no matter how unpolitically correct such terms are, I will continue to use them.

Answer 7

Don't listen to those who suggest the word "BOSS." It traces its history back to days of slavery and oppression.

BOS is the true spelling and it is the backwards acronym for
"Son of a *****"

I'd suggest you call him "Mr. Lastname" unless he instructs otherwise... and in refering to him, why not use the word instructor.

Answer 8

Boss.

Answer 9

How about, Boss

Answer 10

how about Boss? or just a simple "|Lord"