• Undergraduate Institution: Appalachian State University
• Position: Systems Engineer
• Company: Northrop Grumman
• Industry Sector: Transportation and warehousing
• Date Submitted: 5/04

What she does:

• While in graduate school, she worked as a systems engineer on a missile defense project doing modeling, simulation, and requirements analysis for missile defense systems for TRW, a large defense and commercial contractor known primarily for systems integration. After finishing school, she continued working at TRW, now Northrop Grumman, testing hardware and software, such as message latency requirements between components of a large distributed system. Recently she began a professional development program with the company. Julie is finishing her first rotation with the corporate business development staff, and she will soon be working on system definition for a new satellite.

Math on the job:

• Julie says, "Generally math and engineering degrees are in great demand in government contracting. With a math and OR degree, I have found jobs relatively easily. However, engineering degrees, particularly electrical engineering, find immediate respect among my peers. This is not as true for math degrees. Alternatively, a math degree is actually broad, compared to some of the engineering degrees. I think it's only a small portion of my job that has required the math that I learned with either of my degrees. What I have used extensively is the analytical way of thinking that is developed in studying math. I think a math degree says to a potential employer that you can solve complex problems and have the ability to think critically and analytically."

Education:

• Julie graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a business minor. She then obtained a master's degree in operations research and management science from George Mason University.
• Julie says, "for me, choosing a math degree wasn't terribly calculated. I just always liked studying math. As I approached graduation and still had no major, I thought a math degree would offer many options for interesting, well-paying jobs. I chose applied mathematics, because I like applying math to real-world problems. I really enjoyed the math honors special topics courses. Generally, I liked the small class sizes and professor accessibility in the math department."

Advice for students:

• Julie says, "Take writing courses, especially technical writing courses. Writing skills have been essential to each of my jobs. Do internships or co-ops. Get out there, get some experience, and find out what you really like and dislike. I have found that my favorite aspects of the classroom setting are not necessarily the most enjoyable aspects of my job. Study a foreign language. Depending on what field you choose, a foreign language can be a bonus to your credentials. Take your time and enjoy the ASU experience. In the grand scheme, the time is short!"