What is your current profession/job? What did you study at Yale? When did you graduate?
Currently I work at consulting in Technology and Finance. I studied Physics at Yale and graduated in ’74.
What do you like most about your current role? What do you find most challenging and/ or rewarding?
I have always liked working with complex and challenging issues; both Technology and Finance have both. My most rewarding experiences have been in managing large teams in complex projects which at times have run over years – and delivered results; especially when the naysayers kept telling us that it couldn’t be done.
How did your time at Yale shape your career trajectory?
Yale made me work harder than I ever thought I could and made me deliver real, meaningful results that made other people sit up and say: “Wow”! That experience set me up never to be afraid of taking on something new.
What are the main skills that you acquired as a PhD student which help make you successful in your current career?
Without a doubt, mathematic ability to analyse issues – this comes in use surprisingly often. But more importantly Yale taught me how to ‘learn’; so that when a new issue arose, I knew how to hit the books to understand it or, if necessary, attend lectures and seminars.
Did you acquire any professional experience related to your line of work while in graduate school?
No; I was too flat out finishing my PhD as quickly as possible.
What advice would you offer PhDs who are interested in your line of work?
Two things; first, focus on getting that PhD – don’t be distracted or delay: that’s what you are at Yale for, so keep powering on. Secondly (and I owe this to a friend who raised it at the latest Yale Graduate School Alumni Board program with students) don’t procrastinate too much over your first job choice! Over your career, you are likely to have many jobs and several careers – that’s the way work is these days. So the first one is just the start of a long line ahead; it certainly does not define you