THE ENGINEER AND THE CONSULTANT

How Engineers Can Have Successful Careers in the Consulting Industry

Presented by Booz | Allen | Hamilton

Agenda

• Welcome and panel introductions • The Development Engineer vs. the Consulting Engineer • Keys to a successful career in consulting • Consulting at Booz Allen • Applying engineering expertise to consulting: a case study • Questions and answers

Panel and Hosts

Dr. Christal Gordon Associate, JCC Account Group

Andre Lewis Associate, JHT Account Group

Richard-Duane Chambers Associate, JCC Account Group

Arnett Brown III Senior Lead Engineer, JCC Account Group

Veronica Nelson Senior Associate, People Services

Truth in fiction?

Tony Stark: The Engineer

Origin: billionaire engineer discovers the weapons he designed are being sold on black market; builds armored suit to get them back.

Tony Stark: The Consultant

After a rocky start, Stark provides S.H.I.E.L.D. with repulsor technology, improved Quinjets – and one megalomaniacal android.

(Not everyone is cut out to be a consultant!)

Truth in fiction? (the sequel)

“APB” – new TV series

Premise: billionaire engineer brings next-gen technology to police precinct to fight crime.

Episode 1 – officers given advanced Tasers instead of guns.

(Didn’t go over so well.)

Lesson learned: you can’t just drop technology on a problem and expect it to be solved.

What’s in a name?Research vs. Development vs. Consulting

Engineer in Development • Creator • Focus on the project • Leverages the science • Occasional contact with the client

Engineer in Consulting • Adviser • Focus on the market • Sells the science • Frequent contact with the client

Engineer in Research • Pioneer • Focus on the subject • Discovers the science • What client?

The Consulting Engineer’s Toolkit

Gained in college: • Analysis skills • Research skills

Gained on the job: • Project management skills • Technical expertise

Gained with time, exposure: • Understanding of the technology space • Communication skills

The DARPA Model(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)

Nearly 100 program managers (PMs): • Come from industry, academia, or other government agencies • Each has a 3-5 year term • Responsible for 2-3 programs, as well as other seedlings and studies

Systems Engineering Technical Assistants (SETAs) support the technical offices • Manage PM schedules and budget, arranges funding for performers

• STEM background not required • Provide technical advice to the PM, support new program starts,

assist in managing performer deliverables, reports and transition activity

• STEM background and experience required • Support office directors in program oversight, recruiting, and office

technical strategy • STEM background required

YMMV(Your Mileage May Vary)

Booz Allen Hamilton: 3500 Engineers (not in consulting roles) • Some serve in different roles for multiple clients

Today’s seminar is focused on “Management Consulting” • Consultants can support development and even research

Independent Consulting • Professional registration is a legal requirement to “practice

engineering” • Professional Engineer (PE) license requirements:

• Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program

• Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam • Complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE • Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam

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