Favorite Parts of Working in Engineering as a Manager, Automation Engineering
Alexander, a Manager of Automation Engineering at Walmart, most enjoys the "incredibly innovative" nature of the industry and the diverse perspectives of colleagues, learning from "really bright minds" with varied backgrounds, including many with military experience, which fosters continuous growth and a challenging yet rewarding career path. This environment allows Alexander to constantly learn, absorbing knowledge and applying it across roles, embracing a philosophy of never being "the smartest person in the room."
Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Innovation, Growth Opportunities, Diverse Perspectives
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alexander Claiborne
Manager, Automation Engineering
Walmart
University of California, Santa Barbara
N/A
Environmental & Related Sciences
Automotive & Auto Parts, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Exposure to diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches from individuals with various backgrounds, including engineers and military personnel.
2. The opportunity for continuous learning and growth by working alongside highly skilled and innovative individuals.
3. A dynamic and challenging work environment that fosters creativity and thinking outside the box to solve complex problems.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
My industry is incredibly innovative, with a lot of really bright minds. I don't have an engineering background; I studied environmental studies. However, I work with many engineers who bring so much to the table.
They offer unique perspectives on problem-solving and how to approach things in ways I wouldn't have considered. It truly broadens your horizons. It's like thinking outside the box: "Here's this problem, here's what we've been confined to, but how can we find a loophole or approach it from a different angle to completely change our strategy?"
Many people I work with share this mindset, and I've been able to learn from them. This has given me a really good opportunity to grow. An old friend once told me a common expression: "You never want to be the smartest person in the room. If you're the smartest person in the room, you need a new room." I feel blessed to have never been the smartest person in the room.
This allows me to gain experience and soak it all up. I then like to think I carry that forward. Working in this industry can be tough and grueling, and sometimes I feel I'm not sharp enough or not what the company is looking for in my role, given the talented people around me. But it's a blessing to gain all that experience and grow into it.
Everywhere I've been in the industry, I've met really interesting people. Many have military backgrounds, offering a different perspective on life than the average tech worker. It's been a great experience to encounter these diverse perspectives from mature, forward-thinking, and creative individuals all in one place.