What a Project Manager at United Launch Alliance Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Aerospace Industry
Even in a highly technical field like rocket science at United Launch Alliance, Joshua, a Project Manager, learned that asking "the stupidest question" is often the most effective way to solve problems, because "no one truly has a full grasp of what's happening". This simple yet powerful approach allows for a fresh perspective and challenges assumptions, proving valuable throughout their career.
Project Management, Communication, Problem-Solving, Confidence, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Joshua Adams
Project Manager
United Launch Alliance
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
MBA - University of North Alabama
Industrial, Supply Chain Management
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Even in complex fields like aerospace, asking clarifying questions is crucial for effective problem-solving. Don't be afraid to voice your perspective, even if it seems basic.
2. A 50,000-foot view is important; stepping back from the technical details to consider the big picture can lead to simpler solutions.
3. In project management, no one has a complete grasp of every aspect. Challenging ideas and offering a fresh perspective is a valuable skill to develop.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I would say, even a rocket scientist doesn't know what they're doing. I say that because when you're in situations, especially as you're moving up through the ranks of an organization, you start becoming part of an audience. You start becoming a bystander.
The most important trait to always keep is being able to speak up and having the confidence to ask the really dumb questions in the room. Coming into a rocket factory with literal rocket scientists was pretty intimidating at first.
You sit in this room full of people who are exponentially smarter than I am, and you hear them talk about situations. Then they start going down rabbit holes about a problem, and you don't know what they're talking about. You don't know the language; they're talking in calculus.
What I've learned over time is that even in the most technically complex fields, being able to pull your perspective back a little bit, get that 50,000-foot view, and ask the stupidest question you can think of is typically the most effective solution to a problem.
For example, if you're doing a crane lift on a rocket, an engineer's mind immediately dives into the strength analysis: if we pick it up, where are the critical failure points on this rocket? I'll step back and ask, "If we pick it up in the middle, does that alleviate everything?"
Everyone looks at me like, "Oh yeah, I guess it would." Then you just move on. Keeping that mindset, yes, I may be the stupidest person in the room, but really, no one around me knows what's going on. Everywhere I've been, I found that to be true.
No one truly has a full grasp of what's happening. No one really knows what the right decision is. So being able to challenge ideas with the power of your own perspective is a pretty key mindset to keep, no matter where you go.