PROFILE: Director of Marketing and Sales - Energy, Nuclear Electric Power
PROFILE: Some of our submissions provide a more in-depth look at certain positions. Those profiled give advice and tips on their current job and field.
Current Job Title: Director of Marketing and Sales
Current Industry: Energy, Nuclear Electric Power
Highest Education Level: Bachelor of Science
How long in current position: 1 month with this title that is taking on more leadership from 3 years in basic position
How long in current industry: 35 years
Age Group: 55-60
Current Organization's Region and Country: Midwest, USA
How did you get your current position and what do you think has helped you stand out from other candidates? Engagement, work ethic, caring both about our staff and the client.
What qualities you believe are important when hiring engineers?
Grades and classes are important but I am much more interested in attitude. Showing excitement, enthusiasm, connection, communication etc. The type of individual that stands out for me is someone who will take ownership of issues/projects, communicate well, connect, excited about solving clients problems.
A recent article talked about evaluating with the left brain but hiring with the right. I had not looked at it in that context but that is what I am suggesting. A mentor told me, 'give me the right kind of person and I will make them into any kind of engineer needed.' When asked how much time I need with a candidate for the organization (not as a direct report), my answer is give me 10-15 min and I will know if they are what I think we need.
What advice would you give others who want to be in your field?
Be honest, when you try to answer what you think the interviewer wants you come off insincere.
What is the best job search strategy you can give someone who wants to enter your field?
Network, network, network. And LinkedIn is a good tool but not enough. My first job out of college was the typical on campus interview followed by company interview but I was lucky that engineers were in big demand. Every job since has been knowing someone who works at the company.
What is the most memorable interview question you have been asked and why?
When I was a senior in college I was asked a technical question in an interview however it was asked in a different way than how we approached problems in college and I could not answer the question. When the interviewer explained the answer it was obvious. That was 35 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. It reminds me to think and ask questions.
What are the challenges of someone in your position?
Because marketing and sales is more abstract than many engineering tasks what I do does not always align with the staff I work with.
What are your favorite parts of being in this position?
I enjoy solving client problems, identifying strategies and implementing them through teams.
What type of education/certification do you need to be in this position?
Minimum BS in Engineering however an MBA is common.
What are the top 5 qualities you need to be successful in this position?
Taking responsibility, clear communication, sincerity, ability to see big picture & confidence.
How do you think the industry you are in now will evolve in 20 years?
People will still need electricity and many of the current plants will still be running. This requires engineering support. However new equipment & products, new materials and new chemicals will become available. Also the plants will continue to automate so computers will do more, new tools, new ways of working in virtual teams and new forms of communication.