The below interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. 

How did you get to where you are today? What was your training and education? 

I’ve been fascinated by technology and engineering since a young age—I loved tinkering with gadgets and coming up with innovative ideas. This early interest shaped my decision to study engineering in college. I got my first real start in a technical career through the military, where I honed my skills collaborating with diverse, global teams to solve complex problems. I developed strong abilities in communication, organization and cultural awareness while serving. 

Transitioning out of the military, a neighbor helped get my resume to a veteran in a position to hire me as a project manager. This aligned well with my experience leading mission-driven teams in the service. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work at Qualcomm with a team that includes other veterans. We bring a servant leadership mentality and camaraderie cultivated in the military to our civilian roles. Overall, my lifelong interest in engineering combined with the problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills I built in the military prepared me for the challenging, collaborative work I do today.  

Describe your job and some of the most important skills you use in your work. 

My daily work involves collaborating with IT facilities and engineering departments, in addition to consulting with technical subject matter experts who were involved in the design, construction, launch and decommissioning of our organization’s IT data centers and critical infrastructure spaces. On a typical day, I lead many project meetings coordinating with cross-functional teams from around the globe. In these meetings, we discuss project ideas, status updates, and troubleshooting of any problems that arise. My team members also bring innovative solutions for my projects. 

The most important skills I use in my work start with strong technical expertise, which I’ve built through my education and practical on-the-job experience. Being highly organized is also critical for me. I need to be familiar with project management, product best practices, and standard processes. Additionally, I find it essential to be personable and able to work well in teams, collaborating smoothly with people from diverse cultures in our global environment. I aim to be friendly and build connections across teams to achieve shared goals. My interpersonal skills and ability to thrive in diverse settings are just as important as my technical capabilities. 

What do you love most about your job? 

What I love most about my job is the people I get to work with. I feel extremely fortunate to collaborate with incredibly intelligent, knowledgeable colleagues who bring innovative solutions to my projects daily. 

As a veteran, I also deeply appreciate the support Qualcomm has provided me, my family, and my ongoing military service in the Naval Reserve. Qualcomm has empowered me to continue serving while also backing me fully during my deployment. Their support of my dual career in tech and the military sets Qualcomm apart. I’m grateful to work with brilliant minds here who enhance my projects with their expertise, while also receiving encouragement to keep contributing through my military role. Qualcomm’s people and the culture of service make this an ideal workplace for me. 

What do you find challenging about your job? 

One major challenge I face is effective time management when coordinating with global teams in various time zones. Managing projects and people across the world with differing schedules can be demanding. 

Another hurdle early on was transferring my military experience into applicable skills for STEM and project management roles. On the surface, my service background didn’t seem directly relevant. To overcome this, I leaned on fellow veterans who had successfully transitioned for guidance on communicating how my experience did apply. With their help, I learned how to convey the value of my military service and make connections to skills needed in technical roles. 

Though it was difficult navigating global teams and articulating my transferable abilities at first, dedication and advice from my network empowered me to turn these challenges into strengths I rely on daily. 

What advice do you have for others thinking about working in technical project management? 

For students considering a technical career, my advice is to get exposure to different fields like mechanical and electrical engineering, systems design, aviation and more. Discover where your true passions lie. 

For fellow veterans, know that your military service and experience are invaluable assets. Lean on other veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian roles to help guide you in researching and identifying impactful positions that interest you. Your discipline, skills and teamwork abilities can make you a standout candidate.