Brian Thomas
Class of 1994
Managing Engineer
Engineering Resources of Southern California ( Newport Beach )

“Learn critical thinking skills and master them. Life is not going to give you textbook solutions.”

Mark Massman
Class of1982
Deputy Executive Director of Projects and Facilites Development
Los Angeles World Airport

He received his M.S. in 1982, and worked as an engineer before that. His employer list includes LA World Airports and the Miami airport.

“After technical skills, learn about the economics of the business. That’s where you can make a name for yourself.”

John Hill
Class of 1991
Owner
IMC Computer Consulting in Anaheim

He went to college on the “10-year plan.” Afterwards, he ventured into his own business and worked for himself in accounting, sales, and marketing.

He tells students that interpersonal skills are a must. “You will have to communicate with customers, bosses, and clients. Maintain integrity, and stick by what you believe. I would hire a person who has that ability. It is rare to find someone who’s technically proficient and also a well-functioning human being. Believe in yourself."

Barbara Glassman
Class of 2003
Embedded Software Engineer
Boeing

She originally got her degree in Liberal Arts, but returned to school at the age of 40 for her Master’s in Computer Science. She emphasizes the importance of networking. She found her job through a Cal State Fullerton faculty member.

“(There is) more to bring in the work force than what you learn in the classroom”

“Expose yourself to as much as you can: in and out of school.”

Rami Jaamour
Class of 2003
Software Engineer
Parasoft Corporation

In his last term, he interned at Parasoft Web Services Solutions. He, like many others, got his job through networking, and also a referral from a faculty member.

He emphasizes interpersonal and communication skills. He advises students to “speak effectively. Interact with customers. It is the most important thing we look at when we hire. Find the field within your major that you like and then pursue it.”

He also emphasizes the importance of persistence and patience. “Learn and prevent the mistakes from happening again.”

Mike Falkow
Class of 1990 and 1994
Enterprise Document Management Coordinator
City of Inglewood - ITC Department

He jokes about being a “recovering workaholic.” But he proves to be a serious guy; if you promise not to tell his online course students that he’s “teaching in his underwear.”

Mike suggests taking business writing and once again emphasizes the importance of communication. A professor helped him find his first job as a tech writer. The job market is different from 15 – 20 years ago.

He says to “be flexible. You never know when something’s going to come up.” While working in project management, the company webmaster had passed away, leaving Mike to take over duties he had never done before.

”Always think about a few steps in the future. Your career is like a chess game. It is best to leverage what you have learned previously and apply it to what you want to do in the future.”

“Never stop learning. In IT – if you don’t continue learning, you will fall behind.”

James Conniff
Class of 1985 and 1988
Software Engineer
Boeing Anaheim

“Be comfortable speaking in front of groups.”

Marc Velasco
Class 1998
Principal Engineer at FileNet Corporation

“Always be adoptable and able to handle the pressure. Some customers just hate for you to be there and all eyes are on you.”

“Sometimes things don’t work and that’s just part of the business.”

Cesar Corona
Class of 2003
Electrical Engineer
Raytheon

He started out as an intern at Raytheon. He met a Raytheon executive at the MEP Banquet, and sent his resume in every month. His persistence was rewarded when the man responded, “Stop sending your resume. I’ll give you an interview.” His persistence paved the way for 4 – 5 job offers.

His determination also allowed him to feel confident as the only Latino in a meeting with 20 engineers in Mississippi. He learned to communicate efficiently and professionally.

“There are a lot of people coming from UCLA with a 4.0. They’re very book smart but lack the life smarts.”

“Learn new things. Be willing to change your path.”

Ray Hemann
(Systems Engineering)
Class of 1970
President and CEO
Advanced Systems Research

He started out going to “Orange College”; later known as California State University, Fullerton.

“The thing that separates you from the pack is knowing more than engineering”

“Write well.”

“Understand the financial system. Get along with customers & management.”

“In the corporate world, be presentable to the customers.”

“Never stop learning… Everyone will pass you up.”

He ends his speech with a quote from Yogi Bear, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Henry Martinez
Class of 1975
Chief Operating Officer – Power System
L.A. Dept. of Water & Power

“Don’t be afraid to take on something you’re not familiar with.”
“The engineering diploma gives you the starting point. You must also desire and get the right tools. Take risks – without risk, there is no reward.”

Felix Vigil
Class of 1997
Switch Engineer
Verizon Network Engineering and Planning

“Don’t be afraid to talk to your instructors. They are human beings and were students at one time.”

“Never be afraid to take on new responsibilities and challenges.”

“Always try to please your boss.”

Jeff Jones
Class of 1985
SLAMRAAM Program Manager
Thales-Raytheon Systems Company

“Work on those writing skills. What everyone said was true. Negotiating skills are important.”

Bob Fritzsche
Class of 1989
Division Head
Measurement Engineering Assessment Division
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona

He transferred from UCI to CSUF. He found that the UC system had great instructor research. But he found that his class of 500 people, taught by a grad student, just wasn’t cutting it. At Cal State Fullerton, he never had that problem again.

“Real person perspective – CSUF grads are refreshing.”
“Writing skills are absolutely essential.”

He manages a whole division of people who write calibration procedures.

“You may be smart, but if you can’t write it in an easy-to-read manner, you don’t look too smart.”

“Stop looking at your shoes.” (Look up and greet your co-workers/bosses)

Judy Segura
Class of 1994
First Latina woman to get PhD in Thermosciences at Stanford

She started out making a big change from a French major to Mechanical Engineering & Physics. Her undergraduate research encouraged her to pursue her Master’s at Stanford and finally a PhD in Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Mona Simpson
Class of 1987
Director of Boeing Phantom Works
Huntington Beach

5 Core Fundamentals she looks for in a job:
1. Who’s the leader? What to emulate and what not to emulate?
2. Will this be a challenge?
3. Continue to learn
4. Am I going to contribute?
5. How can I have balance? Professionally, personally, family…

Steve Ellingson
Class of 1972 & 1978 in Electrical Engineering
Corporate Officer
Ellingson Inc.

Steve Ellingson was an Electrical Engineering major who filled in for his brother Rick, who was unable to attend due to sickness. He is on the Mechanical Engineering Advisory board, and his company employs ME students and graduates.

He encourages students to get hands on experience, which will allow them to understand what it means to be able to make something that they design.

“Put yourself in an environment where you are exposed to as much as possible, and your value as an engineer goes up dramatically. Experience as much as you can.”