Hello!
Thank you for taking the time to read/reply to my question.
As mentioned in a previous post, I am a USAF Veteran with 8 years of Meteorology background. Before my service in the USAF I was in Information Technology in a wide range of jobs from phone support, all the way to Director of Network Management and Administration. I am currently an HR Professional within the Department of Defense, working with the Department of the Navy. I have served in this position for almost three years.
My question is would I make a suitable candidate for a position with IBM? How could I best leverage my experience in I.T. and Meteorology with my education to increase the slope of my professional trajectory?
Any and all input would be most welcomed.
Thank you,
Jonathan
Answers
Jonathan - I'd recommend to you the book I've given to my kids and used with my mentees to help them apply proven design techniques (the approach is called Design Thinking - the problem solving methodology IBM uses) to their own lives. The authors teach a very popular course at Standard on the same topic - helping students identify what they want to do with their lives. The book is very well written - very interesting, full of example stories, and very concrete exercises that progressively build on each other as you 'design' your life. The book is called Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Burnett and Evans.
Hi, Jonathan. Yes, you have the right stuff. An MBA was my entry point into IBM. I spent the first half of my career in the chemicals and plastics industry. I wanted to be a consultant and the MBA was the stepping stone that got me to IBM. I agree with Ron. Check out The Weather Company. It's not just about meteorology. We use weather data to improve demand planning, maintenance, retail, etc.
Hello Jonathan -- we have similar stories. I did 10 years AF then got out. I agree with Ron ... you should check out the IBM Weather Company. They are doing so many things with technology you'd probably love it! Mobile compute that provides a unique customized weather forecast no matter where you are ... think about the technology challenges with that! :^ ) To me it sounds like the best of both worlds for you!
You should look at the Weather Company. That seems to combine all your previous experience. https://www.ibm.com/weather
Thank you all for your thoughtful contributions!
I have been to the IBM Weather Site, it does look like a very interesting pathway that could utilize all facets of my experience and education. At this point, it would most likely be matter of speaking with a recruiter to see if I really would be a good fit.
Tim O., I have ordered the book you recommended, it will be here next week. Thank you for the suggestion and I look forward to studying this IBM approach.
Tim St. Onge, I appreciate your encouragement and the information you provided. I will look further into IBM Weather. It is good to know that I have a sufficient degree/skill set.
Brad, I like variety! It sounds like IBM Weather is a fantastic technology, I will be taking a deeper dive into products and services this week.
Best,
Jonathan
Thank you for your suggestion, Ron.
Best,
Jonathan
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