On May 20th, The Gordon
Engineering Leadership Center hosted Dr. Jonathan Arenberg for their quarterly
forum. The forum took place in the Powell-Focht Bioengineering Building ground
floor. Dr. Arenberg gave a wonderful presentation on his work and life
experience working in the interesting and ever-expanding field of industrial
engineering within the realm of physics.
Each quarter, the Gordon
Center brings in professionals within a myriad of industries, such as
bioengineering, aerospace, technology, and more, to speak on behalf of their
experiences. Many of the visiting speakers hold extensive years of experience
within their fields and are able to impart useful knowledge and helpful tips to
the audience.
Dr. Arenberg, with years
of experience working with optical, space, and laser systems, brought to
students words of advice about career decisions, how to advance in a career,
understanding the importance of loving what you do, and being unafraid to
change career paths should you find something you truly enjoy doing more.
In his presentation,
rightly titled "The Adventures of an Industrial Physicist: A Curated
Tour," Dr. Arenberg touched upon his educational growth. Dr. Arenberg is a
UCLA alumni who was initially interested in physics but found engineering to
suit his lifestyle more as he discovered his passion for it via a college
internship. As he decided to apply to graduate programs for both physics and
engineering, he trusted his gut and made the decision to follow through with
engineering school. He claims that this pivotal choice was "the best
decision I've ever made as an adult."
He opened up about the
true reality that is the engineering workforce, remarking that the beginning
assignments may not always be the most fun, but that true satisfaction builds
after having gone through those less exciting assignments and job positions.
Dr. Arenberg also touched upon the fact that engineering is generally a career
path that does not yield immediate satisfaction. Still, despite all of it, he
is glad he made the decision and cannot see himself doing anything else with as
much passion and dedication.
Touching upon his
experience with optical telescopes, helping to create and sell the technologies
helping with discoveries of exoplanets, and the ever-expanding future of
industrial engineering and physics, he ended the presentation optimistically.
As he added in the end, "I look forward to tomorrow's challenges, and look
forward to the promise of the skyline."
We invite the local
engineering community to join or consider sharing their story at our next
forum.
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