Carl Billingsley is director of the Cost and Requirements Department, Systems Engineering Division. He provides technical leadership in estimating and analyzing costs, developing and managing requirements, estimating and analyzing schedules, and developing and implementing procedures for modeling elements of cost risk for space systems. Billingsley earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. His accomplishments include overseeing several advanced concept studies and strengthening systems engineering processes on key programs. Billingsley was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Detroit, Michigan.

Advice to Students

Develop a plan to complete your degree by a certain time and stick to it, even if it means summer school. Do not be discouraged by temporary setbacks, such as a poor grade or a lack of financial support. Keep in mind that internships and co-op positions are highly regarded by prospective employers. Get as much education as possible. A doctorate demonstrates that you can perform focused research and communicate the results of your research. As a graduate student, you typically get an opportunity to teach. Teaching demonstrates and sharpens your communication skills. Identify the career position you desire and its requirements. Develop all aspects of yourself: mental, physical, spiritual, and social. Develop your interpersonal and team-player skills. Develop financial management skills, such as budgeting, saving, and investing. Develop information assimilation and analysis skills. The advantage belongs to those who can digest the voluminous amounts of information now available, synthesize data, and identify trends.

James Gidney is an engineering specialist in the Astrodynamics Department, Systems Engineering Division. His responsibilities involve mission planning and operations support for critical Air Force space programs. During his 20-year career with Aerospace, Gidney has provided operational support to more than 30 space missions involving a diverse fleet of complex launch and satellite systems. He is also the author of the GPS Bluebook, a valued technical guide to the launch and early orbit operations of Global Positioning System satellites. Gidney, who was born in Philadelphia and raised on Long Island, New York, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Advice to Students

Goal setting is the first step on the road to professional advancement. In my profession, I have learned that every successful satellite mission begins with a goal and the development of an effective strategy to achieve the goal. The principle of goal setting is vital to my career and has empowered me to challenge myself in pursuit of personal and professional objectives. Throughout my career, I have defined both short-term and long-term goals. The short-term goals serve as “milemarkers” of my progress while I move toward my long-term objectives. The most important step in setting goals is to “just do it.” I believe it is not a crime to fall below the line of expectation¾the crime is to have no line.

Michael Hollis, Jr. is a member of the technical staff in the Electromagnetic Techniques Department. He joined The Aerospace Corporation in 2000. He is involved in the design, measurement and modeling of communication subsystems and components for satellite communications systems. Hollis was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Clemson University. While attending Clemson, he worked as a manufacturing engineer at Michelin North America as part of a co-op program. As a GEM fellow, he attended the University of Michigan where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He was an intern at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under GEM in 1998.

Advice to Students

The best career advice I can give to undergraduates is to try to gain exposure to your potential career field as early as possible through co-ops or internships. This will help you determine if the degree you are planning to work for is right for you. This will also provide you with valuable work experience.

Dr. Allyson D. Yarbrough is principal director of the Electronics Engineering Subdivision, Electronic Systems Division. She is responsible for overseeing projects involving the full spectrum of space system electronics engineering from the microelectronic piece-part level to the level of systems and subsystems for launch vehicles and satellites.

Before joining Aerospace, she was an associate professor of electrical engineering at California State University, Los Angeles. She has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University and master’s and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from Cornell University. Dr. Yarbrough was born in England where her father was stationed in the Air Force.

Advice to Students

Focus intently on your studies. Your academic record is an important part of your credentials. Take advantage of summer intern opportunities. They are valuable experiences that will help you identify what you like and might not like about an engineering, math or science career. They helped me zero in on some of my strengths and identified areas I could improve in. They also enabled me to put something on my resume besides classes and helped me make ends meet.

Maintaining balance is critical. If possible, participate in student chapters of professional organizations. Or join honor societies. Also, participate on team projects. Team and group activities are indicative of how work gets done in the real engineering environment. Aim high. If considering graduate school—and I strongly encourage work toward at least a master’s degree—apply to the best schools that will have you. Take full advantage of mentors, which could be professors, more experienced students, engineers, and co-workers, and of course your own parents. All of these have been invaluable in helping me sort through important decisions and avoiding pitfalls.

Karolyn D. Young is the senior project leader of the Advanced Programs Division in the Launch Directorate. The division is responsible for launch vehicle studies and analysis performed for The National Reconnaissance Office. She is responsible for coordinating the efforts of an engineering support staff comprising engineers and scientists from a variety of disciplines. As a mission planner, she provided early orbit operations technical support—determining spacecraft orbit and attitude maneuvers—for twelve GPS missions. Young was born in Detroit, Michigan, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering, specializing in flight dynamics and control, from the University of Michigan.

Advice to Students

Make opportunities for yourself. As a student, volunteer as a host or hostess at career fairs. You will gain access to recruiters that an interview wouldn’t afford. In college and in our professional careers, the best contacts are seldom made through formal channels. Projects that I pursued, rather than those that were assigned, have been the most rewarding.

Perfect your communication skills. Most people make a decision to listen or tune out within 20 seconds. Employers seek those that will be productive and represent the organization well. In the public or private sector, verbal and non-verbal communication skills are your calling card. Choose companions who are positive and hard working. Fellow students and colleagues who strive for excellence foster an environment for success. Maintain your integrity. You will have peace of mind and the people that matter most will respect you.

The Aerospace Black Caucus

Fitzroy Younge, (right) President of The Aerospace Black Caucus

The mission of The Aerospace Black Caucus is to ensure that the perspective of African-American employees is recognized and considered in the formulation and execution of the company’s affirmative action and equal opportunity practices, policies, and goals. The caucus helps to promote excellence in the job performance of all African- American employees by providing mentors for new hires and encouraging continuing education and training for all African-American employees at the company.