1. Are you really interested in a job in industry? Leon H. Seitelman United Technologies (retired) Career Opportunities for Undergraduates JMM 2011 New Orleans January 7, 2011

2. The good news: I bring the word from the front Lone representative from industry Industry reality differs from academia and government (product-focused, market-driven) Dont have a monopoly, cant print money Deadlines, constraints are real Optimal good enough

3. The bad news: The word is from the Pleistocene Era 1967: Get a degree, well train you 2011: Get a degree, but bring the skills – and maybe even the knowledge base – appropriate for our industry

4. What do I mean? My case: B.E.E. (Electrical Engineering), S.M. (Pure Math), Ph.D. (Applied Math) Skill set: Eclectic But… 1st project: Fluid flow in compressors 2nd project: Finite element analysis of structures 3 rd project: Jet engine response to blade loss

5. What do I mean? My case: B.E.E. (Electrical Engineering), S.M. (Pure Math), Ph.D. (Applied Math) Skill set: Eclectic But… 1st project: Fluid flow in compressors 2nd project: Finite element analysis of structures 3 rd project: Jet engine response to blade loss These projects, for me, had a common thread

6. The keys to industrial success Every project is a new challenge Learning and applying knowledge is critical Projects require a mix of knowledge, skills Complementary talents are valuable Teamwork is essential Results are more immediate

7. So whats my advice? For all degree candidates: Dont wait: Start early (two months before the award of a Ph.D. is waaaay too late) Develop your skills: Learn something about some (any?) application area Do your homework: Invest time to learn about any company in which you are interested (a knowledgeable candidate stands apart) Take a broader view: Dont look just for mathematician in a job title