Contact Information:
Name:
Mr. Jeff Roberts

E-mail address:
jeff.l.roberts@home.com

Education Information
Undergraduate Major:
Engineering Physics

Degree Received:
BS

Graduation Year:
1992

Advanced Degrees:
Master's in Engineering Science

Activities, student organizations, leadership roles, etc. in which I was involved at UT:
Society of Physics Students

Job Information
Employer Name:
Saturn Corporation

Present Job Title:
Statistical Engineer

Brief description of my job responsibilities, e.g. a typical week in my job:
Review and analyze internal and external data streams in order to determine trends and potential concerns with product quality, reliability, throughput and/or ergonomics. Utilize statistical methods to identify and confirm root causes for problems mentioned above. Drive lessons learned from root cause activities back into new product design.

Suggestions I would give to undergraduate students with regard to courses, internships, and other means of preparation for my career field:
Try to get as much real world experience as possible through co-op, internship or summer jobs. On the job learning is extremely valuable to you as a potential employee. Focus on communication and people skills. Technical skills are valuable, but if you cannot communicate your ideas, or cannot get along well with co-workers, you will not be successful. Take courses in statistics even if you are not required to do so. This is most likely the ONLY math you will ever use in a typical engineering role. Try to develop a broad base of fundamental engineering knowledge such as basic mechanics, basic circuits, at least one programming language (C, C++, java), basic materials science, basic chemistry, basic heat transfer, fluids & thermodynamics. Remember, as an engineer, you will almost certainly encounter all aspects of the fundamental engineering disciplines at some point. It is important that you understand the ideas & concepts of these disciplines, not remember the equations!

My career path in getting to this position:
Quality Engineer: 1 year at automotive tier I supplier
Dimensional Engineer: 3 years at Auto Assembly Plant
Production Engineer: 3 years at Auto Assembly Plant
Statistical Engineer: Current Position

Other advice for students interested in gaining entry into and pursuing a career in this field:
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of communication and people skills in today's corporate environment. Although these skills tend to be minimized in many technical curricula, they are your most valuable asset!


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