Jill C. Anderson
Engineer
Consolidated Edison of New York

Q: When you first started your career - what was the biggest lesson learned on the job?

A: The biggest lesson for me was that I could take on as much responsibility as I desired. When I first started, I waited to be given projects and assignments. Now I seek out responsibility and even start working on my own ideas and concepts. As long as I am keeping up with my regular job functions, my manager is more than happy to let me take on any other project that interests me.

Q: What is the underlying foundation for career success today?

A: Presentation - a very important part of success is packaging. A great concept in a draft format is not very convincing. I treat every deliverable, presentation, and task as if it was crucial to my job. I am regularly asked to create presentations for managers because they know that my own presentations "look so good." Effective and confident public speaking skills are also a crucial piece to a successful packaging. People are more likely to trust and believe someone who looks and sounds professional.

Q: How do you keep up-to-date within your industry?

A: I use professional and trade magazines to find out new technologies and products in the energy industry. I also attend professional society meetings and conferences that focus on energy and utilities.

Q: What advice would you give a recent engineering graduate looking for work?

A: Keep an open mind. It is very difficult to know exactly what you want to do with your life before you even start working, so don't be rigid in what companies and job functions you are considering. Also try to be flexible about location. If you start your career with a specific geographic area as the most important factor in your job, you will be greatly limited in your choices.

Q: Has your involvement in ASME changed or influenced your career path?

A: My involvement in ASME has helped me succeed in my career in so many ways. I won an award through the society during my first year at my current company. My company was so proud of this honor they published a story about the award on our website. I still get recognized in elevators and receive congratulation notes from my co-workers. I have also used my ASME contacts from my local sections to directly help me solve problems in my job.