Next-Generation Career Development

Students from Northwestern’s Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program gathered earlier this year to learn how to shape their careers in a world where technology and industry collide to create new business opportunities. 

The event was sponsored by the MEM Student Advisory Board (SAB) and the American Association of Engineers of Indian Origin (AAEIO). 

“Given the fast-paced changes happening around us, students must be well equipped to find their trajectory in the state of flux that is engulfing societies and industries,” said Azgar Ali, a current MEM student and SAB chairman. “MEM students in particular are at the heart of the intersection between technological changes that are driving the evolving post-digital world and the management aspects surrounding them.” 

Ali pointed to technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud computing as examples of how innovation is changing current students’ career possibilities.

The afternoon event brought together a cross-section of industry and academic leaders to discuss the challenges engineers and managers are facing. The gathering’s keynote speech was delivered by Mohanbir Sawhney, associate dean of innovation at the Kellogg School of Management. He encouraged students to first become stellar engineers before becoming product managers, and to work diligently on the soft skills that separate great leaders from good ones.

Sawhney’s address was followed by a panel discussion that featured Amit Kumar, consul general of India, Chicago; MEM director Mark Werwath; and representatives from Salesforce, General Electric, and Northwestern University. Panelists reinforced Sawhney’s messages while encouraging students to chase the opportunities they are passionate about. 

“The panel echoed one common message: to be thorough with skill sets and to keep constantly upgrading your skills to meet the evolving needs,” said Ali, who was instrumental in organizing the event. “It is only with strong skills that engineers have continuously been at the forefront of pushing boundaries in every sector.” 

The gathering also served as the launching point for a new partnership between Northwestern and the AAEIO. Gladson Varghese, AAEIO founder and president, spoke at the event and announced the arrangement, which will foster future collaboration opportunities between students and AAEIO members. Those opportunities include project work, mentorship arrangements, competitions, and networking events.

“MEM students apply concepts in engineering with management values in mind," Ali said. "It is important that students get an opportunity to learn the firsthand experiences of executives from industries by interacting with them and getting a bird's eye view of their organization and its business environment.”

Ali said he considered the gathering a success and was happy to hear how students came away with valuable lessons learned. 

“The session (reinforced) the traditional wisdom that strong skills lead to better opportunities with the right networks,” Ali said. “It also gave attendees clarity on how they must develop their paths in the post-digital world as they transition to industries after their graduation.”