Currently a Senior Product Manager for the Broadband Network Solutions group of Tekelec, Jim has worked in a variety of Government and Industry positions dealing with numerous telecommunications, networking, digital electronics, software engineering, and signal processing topics.  In addition to research and development, Jim has also been involved with engineering process improvement and quality initiatives serving as an ISO-9001 Internal Auditor and Team Leader.  Jim is active in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) having served as Region 3 Student Professional Awareness Conference coordinator and enjoys speaking to student branches about career and professional issues and continuing education.  Jim’s current responsibilities at Tekelec include Business Strategy and Transformation and Network Security. Jim and his family live in Raleigh, NC.  He holds BSEE and MSEE degrees from Tennessee Tech and an MBA from Regis University in Denver. 

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ENGINEERING EDUCATION:
A LIFETIME OF LEARNING

Thoughts on Advanced Degrees, Formal and Informal Training,
and Avoiding Obsolescence

Electrical engineering is a vastly broad field that covers thousands of complex topics and technologies. Furthermore, it is a field that is changing very rapidly. Technologies that were the subject of obscure research just a few years ago are now commonplace in consumer products. An engineer is faced with the tremendous challenge of keeping abreast of the changes in technology and the profession. How can it be done?

Education is the key. By continually learning, an engineer can maintain his technical strengths and ensure a career, not just a job. This presentation explores some of the challenges facing electrical engineers and provides insight into the continuing education opportunities available. Criteria for making key decisions regarding which continuing education option is right for you are presented.

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