GW Engineering’s Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) prepares students for careers that enhance management and decision-making across fields. On March 26, the department hosted three GW alumni at the Science & Engineering Hall, giving EMSE undergraduates direct insights into career pathways, leadership, and professional branding from professionals who once sat in their seats.
Sonia Schmitt, CCAS B.S. ‘95, GW Engineering M.S. ‘95 and D.Sc. ‘02, initiated hosting this interactive Q&A session as a chance to share her experiences with current students. She is a Strategic Enterprise Capture Executive at SAIC and a member of GW Engineering’s National Advisory Council (NAC).
Joining Schmitt were Alison Reardon, GW Business B.A. ‘98, Director of Technology Transitions and Partnerships at MITRE, and fellow NAC member Ed Ghafari, GW Engineering M.S. ‘96, D.Eng. ‘24, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ICES Corporation.
Each with a unique background, the alumni demonstrated the range of careers available and the interdisciplinary nature of systems engineering. Ghafari explained that, because the field bridges so many areas, it was once thought unsuitable to be taught at the undergraduate level. Now, EMSE students at GW are required to take a minor to connect their engineering studies with other disciplines and uncover how they fit together.
As NAC members, Ghafari and Schmitt help enhance GW Engineering’s educational programs and opportunities. This event allowed them to support EMSE students directly by sharing tips tailored to where they are in their careers. For instance, many attendees are preparing for internships this summer and asked how to stand out and secure return offers.
Drawing on their own experience hiring and managing interns, the alumni emphasized the importance of engaging with colleagues and suggested that introverts prepare questions in advance to ease nerves. Undergraduate students left the event with practical tips to apply immediately as they begin their internships and future careers.