Life at GE : Careers : GE

What are the best aspects of your current job?

I lead the Services Engineering IT organization, where we are responsible for identifying, implementing and supporting advanced engineering information technology solutions. Working directly in a function that is responsible for creating and designing innovative energy solutions to grow our software and services business is exciting, because it requires continuous learning about mechanical, electrical and software technology in the energy sector.

What are the best things about working at GE?

Simply put, you're constantly learning. This is an environment that fosters, cultivates and supports learning at all levels. Embrace it.

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

I started my role in GE as a member of the Information Technology Leadership Program (ITLP), which helped me understand the importance of applying adaptive and continuous learning, passion and leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.

Additionally, the program exposed me to a wide network of GE IT professionals, who are great sources of information and knowledge. After program, I took a role as a Six Sigma Black Belt supporting the Energy Services IM headquarters function. This was a great opportunity to gain insights into core software development processes, including program management, requirements management, software quality assurance and configuration management. This role prepared me for subsequent roles in program management focused on both custom software development and software package implementation, such as Oracle ERPs. My responsibilities increased over time with team leadership roles, exposing me to strategic thinking, global initiatives, people development, and enablement of broader business objectives.

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

In 2003, I worked in Energy's contractual services division, where I was responsible for leading the implementation of a new modeling platform for long-term service agreements. This program was fairly complex, as it incorporated a series of simulation and statistical logic to derive financial projections based on product engineering and operating inputs. Management of this program required an ability to go "deep" - learn statistical modeling techniques and product engineering rules - while operating in a tough team environment.

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

I take more pride in my ability to learn new technologies rather than possession of a particular technical skill set. Being an avid reader and researcher of technology, I try to utilize this ability every chance I get. It helps me to stay current.

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

Stay current with technology. In our world, technology rapidly changes, more so with advanced consumerism of innovative technology. Our business counterparts expect us to be solution providers, rather than solution implementers. The best way to achieve this goal is to understand the capabilities of technology and how it can be applied to solve real business problems.