Name:
David Woessner
Major(s):
Physics, German
Undergraduate Activities:
Cricket Club, KQ&K, Malcolm X Institute, National Society of Black Engineers, Student Senate, Student Senate Activities Council
Graduation Date:
May, 2001
What was your career path after Wabash?
-After graduating in May of 2001, I applied and was accepted to grad school at Georgia Tech where I attained dual Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. On the business side I specialized in marketing and operations. I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2004 and went to work for IBM in their 6-month sales training program. I am currently employed as the Client Relationship Manager for Chrysler Group at IBM.
What courses did you take at Wabash that have helped you succeed in your field?
-All of them. I graduated with a dual major in Physics and German, although now as I look back, the lessons learned in Speech class taught by Prof. Timmerman seem to help me the most in my day-to-day work. Excellent communication skills are of the utmost necessity in my line of work. My job requires me to think on my feet by putting strategies together and anticipating client problems. In this regard, analytical courses like math and science have helped a great deal.
What would you recommend students do if they are interested in pursuing a career in this field?
-Although I went to grad school, a Master’s degree isn’t a necessity in all corporate sales functions. However, if one plans to enter this field he must understand the basics of how corporations and all their divisions function. Understanding finance and marketing are crucial to success in this field.
What is your fondest memory of Wabash?
-There are a lot!…Graduation. It is the culmination of four years of hard work. To be there with friends and family made for a very special occasion.
If you could do it all over again since starting out, would you do anything differently?
-I would have fostered more relationships with alumni. I recommend that students get to know alumni in fields that they are interested in and to talk to them. They are more than willing to help students succeed.