General Electric - University Executive for Virginia Tech (Retired 2002)
Tim has worked for General Electric for 34 years, starting right out of Tech on GE's 3 year Corporate Manufacturing Management Program...His backround includes assignments in Major Appliance Louisville, Ky) for 10 years and then he worked overseas in Singapore and Australia for International Engineering Services for 4 years. In 1985 he joined Aircraft Engines as Manager of Rocket Case in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1987 he moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana as Plant Manager of Aircraft Controls. In 1989 he assumed the position of General Manager of Quality for Aircraft Engines. In 1995, he assumed the role of General Manager of Materials Management integrating the Total Aircraft Engines Supply Chain for Engines and Spares implementing a new software system. For the last 10 years he has been the GE University Executive for Virginia Tech coordinating all company relationships with the university, including recruiting, research ,and funding Va Tech programs. He has been a member if the IS&E Advisory Board the last 3 years. He has recently retired at the end of 2002.
Q1: I am glad that I choose Industrial Engineering because...
It gave me a broad based backround in Manufacturing and more importantly a basic understanding of the business side.
Q2: Which skills that you learned or developed while at Tech were most helpful in your career?
The Engineering discliplines; GE further taught me the business and leadership skills.
Q3: How did your IE background help you reach your current position?
The broad range of learning at Tech helped me progress in my career. The self confidence I learned during my college career helped me take on tough and interesting assignments. My Co-op assignments lead me to a Manufacturing career.
Q4: Advice Quote:
"Don't be afraid to admit you do not know the specifics. Your education is an entry ticket to the game. Your company will train you in their specific needs. Always take the initiative and take the tough job that will get you Management exposure. Performance on your current role is most important, and with performance and exhibited leadership, a lot of career opportunities will become available if you work for a good company".
Q5: How have you used your Industrial Engineering skill in your career?
In my Materials Management role, I used a lot of Industrial Engineering skills. I was reponsible for deciding how we would schedule 25,000 active parts to support new engine builds and spare parts needs at the minimum inventory levels. Strategically, determining what parts we would build or outsource to domestic and international suppliers and how to schedule an overlap plan for a new supplier.
Q6: What were your favorite courses while at Tech?
Organization Development (Dr. Torgerson), Plant Layout, and the senior projects.
Q7: The course I thought was not valuable at the time, but turned out to be valuable, was...
Manufacturing Materials was a course I later found out was very valuable once I worked on the factory floor, particularly in a fabrication shop.
Q8: If I had the chance to take additional electives, I would have taken...
Business courses, especially finance.
Q9: Did you volunteer for an organization that provided personal satisfaction?
While at Tech, I was President of Pi Kappa (Now Sigma Nu Fraternity) for two years when fraternities were not sanctioned by the university. We had a great social time and it helped build my leadership skills. Since I have worked with GE I have volunteered many times in the community. I have mentored high school students and worked to improve local parks and playgrounds.
Q10: I wished I had...
I wished I had taken an international semester. My son has done that and it was a real development experience for him even though he lived and traveled extensely abroad as a youngster. Businees today is so internationally oriented, it is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons. If you have the chance, do it.
