Major: Master of Science in Engineering Management
Class: 2009
Jason Anibas
Major: Master of Science in Engineering Management
Class: 2009
Job: Senior Project Engineering with Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
What are your job responsibilities?
I was the lead electrical engineer for the Velocity chassis design and manufacturing implementation. Currently, I manage a team of 21 electrical engineers and designers that are responsible for the unique electrical configuration of each fire truck.
How did your trip to China help your capstone project?
My capstone project was a report that provided recommendations to my employer on how to gain market share in the Chinese fire fighting apparatus market. The trip to China provided crucial first-hand experience used to help formulate the recommendations.
Are you applying what you have learned in the MSEM program to your current job?
The MSEM program has been an important element in my development as an engineering manager/leader at Pierce Manufacturing. Each course and project completed has increased my awareness of both the technical and interpersonal skills required to lead a successful engineering team in a manufacturing environment. People are often the difference between the success and failure of a company. The MSEM program helped me understand how to motivate, retain, and inspire top talent within an organization.
What are some key takeaways from your trip to China?
China is a complex, dynamic country that is undergoing rapid social change and economic development. Interaction with business leaders during the trip to China provided first-hand insight into how companies are managing some of the challenges associated with doing business in China. Management teams from Williams Controls and Knowles Electronics explained how they have created a family corporate culture that encourages participation, creativity, and continuous improvement. As these companies fight to stay ahead of the changing business environment, it brings to mind a phrase that we heard from many of our guest speakers; anything in China is possible, but nothing is easy.
How did your classwork prior to the trip help you while you were in China?
Dr. Ottman did a great job of preparing us for our trip to China. Prior to the trip we built our knowledge of China’s culture and business environment through a series of guest speakers who have spent time working in China, online discussions with leaders in China, classmate presentations, an interview assignment and independent reading assignments.
What did you do while in China?
We had a full schedule while in China. The knowledge gained during the domestic class allowed us to immediately engage the guest speakers that we visited in China. We were familiar with many of the companies we visited in China from our domestic class studies. As a student panel, we were able to ask intelligent questions and immediately participate in high level discussions because of our preparation.
What surprised you most during your time in China?
China is no longer the world’s factory, innovation is quickly developing.