Visiting an Innovation Pioneer

Motorola has been a leading innovator in the telecommunications sector for nearly a century, starting with car radios in 1928. The Illinois-based company is credited with creating the first walkie-talkie, hand-held portable phone, and cellular phone. It was through a Motorola transceiver that Neil Armstrong spoke the famous “One giant leap for mankind” line from the moon in 1969.   

So it makes sense that a trip to Motorola Solutions by students in Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program would focus on communication. While that was a component of the site visit, the overarching goal was to take students behind the scenes of a company known for its innovation and provide an opportunity for them to network with industry professionals.  

“Networking is all about building and nurturing relationships, whether it’s with potential clients, collaborators, or mentors,” said Rupa Bhagwat (MEM '23), who organized the trip to Motorola Solutions’ Chicago headquarters. “We got to meet a few product managers there and got to know about how they are adapting to new technology.” 

Bhagwat said the visit was particularly appropriate for MEM students, many of whom are interested in careers as product managers. Students were able to tour Motorola Solutions’ Innovation Center and start building relationships with product managers at one of the world’s leading telecommunication companies.   

The group heard from John Touvannas, senior director of product management at Motorola. Bhagwat said his talk helped students gain insight into the company’s focus on technology. 

“We observed that Motorola places high focus on innovation and research,” she said. “We can consider a similar approach in MEM and our careers.” 

The visit also provided an opportunity for students to put into practice some of the communications skills they have been honing through the MEM program. Bhagwat said she hoped students saw first-hand how important advanced preparation is to forming solid business relationships.  

“Good communication skills are necessary in networking,” she said. “To make the most of the networking opportunities, it’s important to be well-prepared. This includes researching the people and organizations you will be interacting with, preparing questions and talking points in advance, and having a clear understanding of what you hope to gain from the interaction.” 

What’s most important in those interactions is that they are genuine and not solely about what a business professional can do for a student’s future, Bhagwat stressed.  

She and the 16 other students who toured with her understood that more than one meeting is often necessary to make a lasting impression.  

“Networking takes time and effort, and it’s important to be persistent in your efforts,” Bhagwat siad. “It may take multiple interactions and follow-ups to build a strong relationship with someone, which can pay off in the long run.”  

Bhagwat said she looked forward to following up with the Motorola employees they met, connecting with them on social media, and scheduling further meetings with those who might be able to serve as mentors or advocates.  

One of the most important things Bhagwat said she noticed after the visit is that it sparked her and her classmates as they continue their MEM journeys. 

“Seeing innovations at big companies is a great motivation while pursuing our MEM degrees and for our career path,” Bhagwat said. “It gives a sense of excitement and purpose.”