Life at GE : Careers : GE

What are the best aspects of your current job?

I love working with the people, technologies, and IT services that we deliver through GIS. We provide important global solutions for email, instant messaging, mobility, e-meetings and virtual collaboration spaces to enable the business.

We're proactive, evaluating new trends and technologies that can improve, replace, expand and integrate our service offerings, such as expanding the use of mobile devices and video in our solutions.

Also, I was the second employee hired in the startup of GE's Advanced Manufacturing & Software Technology Center, and it is wonderful to see the location grow, collaborate and evolve. The diversity of people, work experiences and businesses here has created a strategic IT advantage for GE.

What are the best parts about working at GE?

GE offers a scope, scale and variety that is rare in today's business world. We're on the leading edge of developing important solutions for the planet, which makes every day an exciting learning opportunity and a new chance to make a difference.

In my year here, I have been so impressed with the great people and openness exhibited throughout all levels of GE. It's refreshing to see people who care about teamwork, personal development, and completing their jobs in a way that benefits the company in achieving excellence in all business processes.

How did your background/previous work experience prepare you for your current role?

Before coming to GE, I worked in IT for a global automotive supplier delivering application and infrastructure services, which provided me with a wide range of relevant experiences. I also worked extensively in the design, support and management of IT collaboration solutions, which aligns directly with my current role.

Finally, my background as a Six Sigma Black Belt and business process examiner supports GE's focus on developing leaner processes and more cost-effective solutions.

What is the most challenging project you've worked on at GE?

Right now, I'm involved in the launch and deployment of the new Virtual Collaboration Spaces (VCS) for GE. I lead technical training on these rooms, which will greatly improve collaboration by combining a variety of capabilities: telepresence, electronic whiteboards (or SMART Boards), WebEx meetings, LCD projectors, and high-tech Steelcase furniture.

Before this, I worked with SMART Technologies to lead GE's image development, testing and integration of the GoWire device, a combination USB cable/memory stick containing all the computer drivers and application software needed to use the SMART Board in a VCS room. It's an exciting development: you need only install a 1MB launch program rather than downloading, installing and updating a 160MB software package, which was previously required. Simple and Lean: the result is reduced cycle time and support costs and improved usability.

What are the top technical skills that you take pride in possessing and/or still draw upon for your job?

While my IT career began a long time ago - 23 years! The client and networking skills I learned as a desktop engineer and LAN manager are still invaluable. Technology continues to evolve, and processes improve, but what I learned then about working with people is still true and useful in resolving IT issues and designing future solutions.

What is the best piece of career advice you can offer IT folks embarking on a technical career at GE?

Get to know your teammates' backgrounds and skills: Their experiences and knowledge of GE will benefit you in the long run. Stay involved and volunteer for new challenges when they become available. By forcing you to use your core skills in new ways, working outside your comfort zone is the best way to expand your confidence and knowledge.