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Why I work at The MathWorks:
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I'm glad to have this chance to tell you about some of them-not because my story is unique, but because it is not. The professional growth opportunities made available to me are open to all new graduates when they join The MathWorks. So as you read my story, remember that it could also be yours.
Why Not Software?
When I graduated with my B.S. from the University of Massachusetts, I assumed that I would join the 70% of mechanical engineers who go into manufacturing. But during my job search, I read an ad in the Boston Globe for entry-level engineers at The MathWorks and thought, "Why not software?" I had used MATLAB throughout college and had been fascinated by computers since the seventh grade, when I wrote my first Basic program. (I remember that my parents, who are both teachers, were somewhat stunned that it took several days of programming and pages of script just to get a little ball to bounce across the screen!)
An Eye-Opener
After applying for the position, I was interviewed by seven focused individuals who seemed intent on understanding me and my goals. They made me feel that The MathWorks had a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to doing the best job in the best way. I had expected managers in suits and a formal working silence, as in several companies I visited, but The MathWorks was full of people in casual attire who were actually having fun. I could see that they were focused and working hard, but they did not seem caught up in irrelevant aspects of the work environment, such as formal procedures, or the "chain of command." This was definitely an eye-opener.
My First Big Break
At that time, my job was to provide technical support to engineers and scientists who use our products. Within a year, I became the simulation and control systems specialist, responsible for providing more detailed support in these and other technical areas. During this time, I also had the opportunity to begin developing MATLAB and Simulink training courses for some of our key customers.
Just one month after writing the MATLAB course, a major break came my way: I became involved with training engineers in the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) program, a collaboration with Ford, Chrysler, and other top automakers. I went with other experienced MathWorks representatives to convince the PNGV engineers that our tools would contribute to a successful outcome. For me to be directly involved in such a major initiative after only eight months with the company was incredible!
New Responsibilities, Further Opportunities
The skills I learned during my first year at The MathWorks led me in 1997 to a position in the Application Engineering Group (AEG). AEG was responsible for making our customers successful by providing training, pre- and post-sales support, application support, and consulting, and for making The MathWorks successful by recommending new or improved product functionality. In my new role I had to uncover the needs of sales, marketing, international distributors, development, and training personnel and provide them with the appropriate resources-a presentation, demo, or specific market application. I also gave presentations about our products throughout the US and in France, Germany, and Italy.
This new responsibility required me to develop a wide range of new skills in a very short time. For the first few months, I kept wondering, "Can I do this?" However, The MathWorks encouraged me to take risks, and the support structure does not allow you to fail. Managers are trained to make people successful, and they let you learn in ways that other companies probably wouldn't. They encourage you to do what you think is necessary to be successful, with the appropriate guidance. As I prepared myself for AEG, a wide range of resources was available to me, including workshops, courses, tuition reimbursement, books-and a building full of engineering, programming, and business gurus whose doors were always open.
A Lowly Engineer Takes a Risk
The MathWorks is such an open environment that you can ask anyone for help without worrying "Will it hurt my chances for career growth if they find out I don't know something?"
I remember that, in my second week at The MathWorks, a customer called with a question about sparse matrices. I really had no experience with sparse matrices, beyond a basic understanding of what they were. I was told that Cleve Moler was the expert, so I decided to pay him a visit. On the way up to Cleve's office, I remember thinking, "Is it really OK for a lowly engineer such as myself to go to the Chief Scientist of the company-the man who invented MATLAB-with a math question?" But Cleve sat down with me for two hours and explained everything there is to know about sparse matrices. Since that day, I have continued to be impressed with the level of dedication and professional generosity of people at The MathWorks. What a great company!
Another Big Break
While I was in AEG, customer interest in training was increasing, and The MathWorks saw this as yet another opportunity to make our customers successful with our products. The Vice President of Engineering presented me with the opportunity to manage the new Customer Training Services organization-after I had been at the company for just four years! Since then, I have been given the freedom to make Customer Training Services successful by making my own project management, staffing, budgeting, marketing, and sales decisions-with tremendous support from the rest of the company.
Since joining The MathWorks, my colleagues and I have ventured outside our original roles of product support and have been given the opportunity and the resources to succeed. I have gained proficiency in a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, management, and business, and this has allowed me to contribute to the success of The MathWorks and of our customers.
I don't tell this story to set myself apart, but to encourage you to do as I did, and come to The MathWorks. It may well be the best career decision you ever make!
