Company: Westell Technologies, a developer of high-speed digital subscriber line (DSL) modem systems.
Salary range for company: $70,000 to $120,000
Time on this job: 5 1/2 years
Previous jobs: I was on the technical staffs at GTE and Rockwell.
Age: 38
Education: B.S. in electrical engineering at the University of Illinois in Champaign
How I got this job: Westell recruited me.
Why I took this job: I was lured by Westell’s advancements in modem products. It was a great opportunity to work with good products and good people.
Main responsibilities: I manage the development of digital subscriber line modems, which give users high-speed Internet access through telephone lines. DSL modems enable users to use interactive multimedia applications through the Internet. Digital-based modems have a large bandwith, allowing users to send and receive information faster than conventional analog-based modems. I research, design, create and evaluate the modems, as well as interact with the customers who use them.
Best thing about the job: Creating leading-edge modems using innovative technology. Also, being able to interact with the customers who use the products.
Worst thing about the job: With the advanced nature of the products, telephone companies sometimes aren’t ready for them because of the layers involved in deploying new technologies. It’s frustrating when you work on a product customers want, but market development isn’t there.
My ideal next job: I’d like to grow more in my position and establish and refine my development group.
Advice to job seekers in this field: People need to understand what their short-term goals are because it’s going to be the basis of their long-term goals. The modem industry is changing, so stay current with technology and keep your skills sharp.
