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Cory, Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics: Advize Career Interview
A career in technical marketing offers a fascinating blend of science and communication, as illustrated by a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics.
This individual's journey began with a mechanical engineering degree, evolving into optical engineering and ultimately a fulfilling role bridging the gap between engineering and marketing.
Daily responsibilities encompass creating technical marketing materials, developing marketing strategies, and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
Strong communication skills are key, but a technical background is not strictly necessary. The work is rewarding, combining education – even writing a children's book! – with impactful projects and a tight-knit industry.
Despite challenges like managing cross-functional teams, the biggest lesson learned is the importance of perseverance and overcoming the fear of imperfection.
Entry-level positions like product support and manufacturing offer pathways to this unique and in-demand career field. A college education helps develop strong study habits and communication skills, both invaluable in this profession.
Even with no systemic barriers, managing personal challenges like social anxiety is a testament to the importance of self-awareness and work-life balance.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Cory Boone
Technical Marketing Manager
Edmund Optics
University of Arizona, Graduated in 2016
M.B.A. from University of North Dakota
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Technology
Communication and Marketing
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient
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Career Path of a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics
Cory's career path began with a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Arizona, transitioning to optical engineering after discovering "something really cool with light." An internship at Edmund Optics, followed by a rotation program, unexpectedly led to a fulfilling career in technical marketing, bridging the gap between "marketing and engineering, who kind of clashed in the past," and developing a team focused on communicating technical information.
Main Responsibilities of a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics
Cory's role as Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics involves "creation of technical marketing materials," including writing and video production, and developing marketing strategy by "working with business lines to determine key messages" and exploring new technologies like AI. A crucial aspect of this role is bridging the gap between marketing and engineering, building trust and ensuring accurate technical communication.
A Day In The Life Of A Technical Marketing Manager At Edmund Optics
A Technical Marketing Manager's day involves diverse tasks, from collaborating with subject matter experts to create "a little research paper" for webpages and videos, to coordinating "virtual events, conference presentations, and trade shows." The central challenge is effectively communicating complex technical information to varied audiences, "tailoring what you're saying or writing" for each.
Most Important Skills for a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics
A technical background is helpful but not mandatory for a Technical Marketing Manager position; strong communication skills, both written ("understanding how to craft a story") and verbal, are paramount, along with the ability to adapt to diverse personalities and work styles. Developing these skills through practice is key to success in this role, as demonstrated by the interviewee's experience.
Favorite Parts of Being a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics
Cory, a Technical Marketing Manager, most enjoys "teaching people," ranging from satellite engineers to children—as evidenced by their current children's book, *Larry Laser Finds a Spark*. This passion for education, combined with involvement in projects improving lives ("a satellite that can get amazing images" or "a self-driving car"), makes the role fulfilling.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Technical Marketing Manager At Edmund Optics
Cory's biggest challenge as a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics is "getting a lot of people that don't work for me to do stuff for me," essentially managing cross-functional projects to create marketing materials; this involves "project managing the creation of all these marketing pieces," a task that unexpectedly blends aspects of Cory's initial career aspirations with the realities of their current role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Optics And Photonics Industry As A Technical Marketing Manager
Cory, a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics, enjoys the "small" yet tight-knit nature of the photonics industry, allowing for strong professional relationships and a sense of belonging. This, combined with the "super cool" applications of optics in diverse fields like medical imaging and robotics, makes the work both rewarding and engaging.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Optics Industry, According To A Technical Marketing Manager At Edmund Optics
Success in the optics industry hinges on a blend of technical aptitude—"an interest in science, an interest in technology"—and strong communication skills, as exemplified by Cory's career path in technical marketing. The intersection of technical expertise with marketing or sales offers unique career opportunities, a "gap of people" that translates into a high demand for individuals who can bridge the "left brain, right brain" divide.
What A Technical Marketing Manager At Edmund Optics Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Engineering Industry
Cory, a Technical Marketing Manager, wishes career education better highlighted the diverse paths available after earning a technical degree, stating "the role existed," referring to technical marketing. This lack of awareness limited initial understanding of alternative career options beyond traditional engineering roles.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Technical Marketing Managers Edmund Optics
Cory, a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics, notes that entry-level positions in their field include "product and application support," helping customers find the right products and answer their questions, and manufacturing, where skills in fabrication and manufacturing are highly sought after. A background in one of these entry-level roles is often a prerequisite for advancing to technical marketing, as "all of my hires have been people that were product and application engineers."
Significant Career Lesson from a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics
Cory, a Technical Marketing Manager at Edmund Optics, emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of starting, referencing Hemingway's quote that "the first draft of everything is [bad word]," to illustrate that initial attempts will be imperfect, but crucial for improvement and growth in any career endeavor. This philosophy, Cory explains, has proven invaluable in navigating career challenges and personal life.
College Experiences That Helped A Technical Marketing Manager At Edmund Optics Succeed
Cory's undergraduate experience, particularly the rigorous optical engineering curriculum, taught the importance of "really applying myself" and developing strong study habits, skills crucial for a successful career. The unexpected benefit of creative communication projects, such as transforming video lab reports into a "soap opera," honed presentation and engagement skills equally valuable in their current role as a Technical Marketing Manager.
How Identity Has Influenced A Technical Marketing Manager's Career At Edmund Optics
Cory, a Technical Marketing Manager, noted that their identity as a straight white male has not presented career barriers, unlike those faced by many in other demographic groups. However, managing social anxiety, through practices like meditation and self-reflection, has been a significant and ongoing challenge impacting their work-life balance, illustrating that even those without systemic barriers face unique hurdles in career navigation; "understanding that it's not the end of the world. Everybody has good days, everybody has bad days".
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