MEM Alum Named Emerging Leader of the Year by Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

Ketal Patel (MEM '16) has a passion for sharing her technical and leadership experiences with others. When she was still finding her footing as a professional, she didn't have many people who she felt could guide her. She eventually carved her own path, and now she works to be the leader and role model she wished she had.

Today, Patel works in business growth and program development at Raytheon, where she's worked for nearly three years. Whether she is inspiring the younger generation to get involved in the STEM field or coaching career professionals in the workplace, Patel is constantly trying to help those around her improve and grow. For that, she was recently named Emerging Leader of the Year by the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE).

Patel shared what the award means to her, why it is important for her to mentor and how her experience in Northwestern University's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program helped get her where she is today.

What was your reaction to receiving the SASE Emerging Leader Award?

My first reaction was excitement and satisfaction in knowing that I have been successful in my quest to be a great leader.

What does the award mean to you?

I have a personal drive to continuously learn, grow, and advance, and in the process develop the next generation of leaders by guiding and mentoring. Since these are the crucial attributes of the “Emerging Leader of the Year” award, it signifies that I have been successful in my quest.

Why is it important for you to share your technical and leadership experiences with others?

I have learned from my mentors — including professors Amjed Shafique and Donald McNeeley from Northwestern — the necessity for leaders and important qualities associated with great leaders. They have guided me by sharing their knowledge and experiences. My leaders have also continuously challenged me to push myself and advance. They are a significant part of who I am today.

Sharing my technical and leadership experiences with others provides me with the opportunity to mentor and develop others. In the process, I learn to think differently, as I seek to answer different questions and perspectives posed by others. It’s a cycle of continuous growth for myself and others.

How do you describe your day-to-day job responsibilities to someone with little to no knowledge of your field?

I provide quick answers to interesting and technically challenging questions to influence key internal, external and executive decision makers. I also provide systems-of-system level solutions that include a full range of options, risks associated with a mitigation plan, and estimates of the impact on schedule and cost. Every day brings unique and different challenges. Most importantly, I have fun!

How did your passion for mentoring develop?

As I struggled to overcome challenges and learned from experiences, helping others came easily. I wanted to make sure that the energy I invested in removing barriers was well worth it and benefited others as well. Helping others has been an inherent part of my character. Additionally, my niece and four nephews continue to remind me that the challenges I faced are real for the next generation as well. They inspire me to continue mentoring others.

What was it about the MEM program that first appealed to you?

MEM provides a unique blend of essential business and management knowledge with an emphasis on technological development and growth. It provides a unique perspective on the impact of high risks and uncertain environments on financial objectives. MEM provided the right environment to feed my desire to influence top-line growth and remain close to the technical industry.

How would you describe your MEM experience?

MEM experience has taken my career and growth to limitless possibilities. I have been fortunate to have unique experiences with the program. I started the program while I was in Chicago, and then I moved to Tucson, Ariz., in the middle of MEM. Mark Werwath and Steve Tilley were a great help in defining a curriculum that enabled me to complete the degree by leveraging other programs at Northwestern. The experience of being a single engineer in alternate programs provided me with an opportunity to make the most of my education.

What were three of the most important things you learned during your time in MEM?

My MEM education played a significant role in shaping my mindset and growing my career. Here are highlights of that mindset:

• Always keep a focus on the impact to the business at large
• Don’t take your eyes off the bigger picture and objective
• Don’t be afraid to ask