USBE&IT: What was it about your employer that attracted you? LaTisha Durham: During my freshman year, I really did not know about the different companies and how engi- neering played a role in their organizations. As I approached NAVAIR’s booth, the first thing that attracted me were the different aircraft on display. Something about working on aircraft sparked my interest. I spoke with the Patuxent River Avionics Department Site Lead, and after the conversation I knew what NAVAIR was, about different opportunities I could explore with the organization, and how I can help achieve NAVAIR’s mission. I left the job fair wanting to work for this organization.
USBE&IT: What do you wish you knew as a student prior to attending the job fair?
LaTisha Durham: As a freshman, the one thing I wish I knew prior to attending the job fair was the common expectations companies have of freshman students. After having only one semester under my belt, it would have been good to know what I could have done prior to the conference to make myself more marketable when it came to obtaining an internship.
USBE&IT: If you knew
then what you know now how might you have changed your academic focus as a student to fit your employer/ sector? LaTisha Durham: I would change the elective courses I chose. If I had taken some introductory courses in me- chanical engineering, finance, and systems engineering they would have given me a basic knowledge of some of the dif- ferent aspects of NAVAIR.
USBE&IT: What must-have advice do you have for students before they attend the BEYA job fair? LaTisha Durham: They have to obtain a list of companies that will be in attendance and research them. I know students may hear this a lot, but when you research
www.blackengineer.com USBE&IT: What sector publications do you always
read or consult? LaTisha Durham: US Black Engineer & Information
Technology magazine, the National Society of Black Engi- neers magazine, and the National Defense magazine.
USBE&IT: What do you think are the emerging ca-
reer opportunities in your sector? LaTisha Durham: Systems engineering is one of the
best emerging career opportunities. If you want to see a complex system through its life cycle while demonstrating your leadership skill and technical knowledge, then systems engineering is for you.
USBE&IT I WINTER 2013 101
the companies, you will know which ones have positions in your major. Then you can spend more time speaking with potential employers. You will also be able to articulate how your skills and knowledge relates to the organization. Researching the company before the career fair shows the potential employees that you have done your homework and you are eager to learn more about the company.
“During my freshman year, I really did not know about the different companies and how engineering played a role in their organizations. As I approached NAVAIR’s booth, the first thing that attracted me were the different aircraft on display. Something about working on aircraft sparked my interest.”
— LaTisha Durham, electrical engineer, NAVAIR
USBE&IT: What information do you think students might want at the job fair that wasn’t available? LaTisha Durham: One thing I could think of is a list of all the positions with descriptions that are opened at the companies attending the job fair. Students would have a physical copy to take away as well.
USBE&IT: What has
been your proudest profes- sional achievement at your organization? LaTisha Durham: My proudest professional achieve- ment was receiving the Women of Color’s Technology Rising Star Award. To be nominated by my organization was very humbling, and it showed that my work does not go unno- ticed and I am doing what it takes to become a successful engineer.
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