The purpose of these talks is to expose SURP students to the amazing job opportunities in the engineering industry. One goal of the talk is to highlight different job positions and expose students to what engineers "really do" once they get a job. Another goal is for these companies to share all the cool work and projects that they do. Company employees get to share what they are looking for when they recruit and hire engineering students (maybe sharing any undergraduate internship opportunities). Lastly, seasoned engineers will share personal insight and lessons learned along their engineering career path that they think might benefit an undergraduate student who is just starting off.

Please prepare for each industry tech talk by researching the company and coming prepared with questions about the company's work. This is your chance to speak to an expert in the field, and they're looking forward to taking your questions!

• How did your internship/research experiences in undergrad prepare you for your first entry-level job?

• What has been your most favorite engineering project?

• What are your main responsibilities as a...?

• What is a typical day (or week) like for you?

• What do you like most about your work?  What do you like least about your work?

• How does your position fit within the organization/career field/industry?

• What are some common career paths in this field?

• What kinds of accomplishments tend to be valued and rewarded in this field?

• How did you become interested in this field?  How did you begin your career?

• How do most people get into this field? What are common entry-level jobs?

• What steps would you recommend I take to prepare to enter this field?

• What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?

• If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?

• What advice would you give someone who is considering this type of job (or field)?

Industry Tech Talk #1

Monday, July 14th

5:00 - 6:30 PM

Engineering IV Building: Shannon Room (Room 54-134)

DAVE CRAWFORD

Executive, Ride Engineering

Walt Disney Imagineering

DAVE CRAWFORD Executive, Ride Engineering. Walt Disney Imagineering

In a 30 year career that has spanned leadership positions in both Entertainment and Aerospace, Dave has consistently lead diverse, cross discipline teams toward challenging goals focused on developing innovative new products and experiences for the general public. While currently responsible for new ride system development at Disney Imagineering, Dave has also lead engineering teams responsible for ACTUAL rides to space. 

Dave received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA in 1995 and has stayed close to the school in multiple volunteer and support capacities since graduating….including SURP! He is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and listed as an inventor on over 70 patents.

Dave has deep experience in every phase of engineering design and development, from early concept through installation, turnover, and certification…primarily with development of prototypical life safety transportation systems. He is a strong believer that leadership comes down to support, caring, and enablement of the team.

Find their page here.

Industry Tech Talk #2 

Monday, July 28th

5:00 - 6:30 PM

Engineering IV Building: Shannon Room (Room 54-134)