Company: Siemens Business Communication Systems Inc., an office communication equipment and multimedia solution company in Chicago
Salary range for company: $50,000 to $80,000
Time on this job: 2 years
Previous jobs: I was a software developer for a Seattle-based software company.
Education: B.S. in electrical engineering and a B.S. in computer engineering from George Mason University in Washington, D.C.
Age: 32
How I got this job: I saw the job posted on Siemens’ Web site and applied through the Internet.
Why I took this job: I knew the future of data communications was converging into one infrastructure, and I was attracted to the company’s advanced technology; it was an opportunity to develop my skills in this discipline
Main responsibilities: I design integrated communication infrastructures for businesses, including health-care and retail companies and banks.
By the year 2000, offices will require each person to have a multipurpose, multimedia workstation because advancing technology is driving businesses to integrate various communications methods into one high-speed network. I blend computer, voice and video lines into one wire, so people can perform several multimedia applications simultaneously. For example, while talking to someone on the phone, you can fax that person documents through the computer, send e-mail or perform videoconferencing.
Business communications isn’t just about phones anymore–it’s merging computer, voice and visual, so people can communicate effectively with co-workers and customers through different functions.
I work with computer and telephone systems for integration; I design what businesses require and install and maintain the systems.
Best thing about the job: It’s exciting to see the technology I implement being used by people in the real world.
Worst thing about the job: It’s a challenge to constantly study to stay current with technology. The technology you know today won’t make you an expert in it tomorrow–it could be obsolete.
My ideal next job: To provide integrated communication solutions to Siemens’ international market.
Advice to job seekers in this field: Be able to explain why you’re interested in working at a particular company; you have to differentiate your abilities from others and communicate why you want to commit to a particular technology and field.
Engineering is about building what people want, so you have to explain why you’re the right person for that job.
