Louise Wasilewski BEng Hons Aerospace Systems, 1991

VP Business Development; Narad Networks, Inc, Metro Boston, MA, US

At Southampton I had the opportunity to study across departments. I took German, which was useful when I lived there for three years, and I audited courses in the EE department. It broadened my technical vocabulary, and provided a foundation for my work with MPEG.

What do you do?

I work to position our new technology in the market place. This includes being involved in standards bodies such as the Metro Ethernet Forum (I met Bob Metcalfe, the inventor of Ethernet), and working with partner companies to see how our respective products and technologies complement each other, to deliver useful, revenue generating services. The systems-level understanding developed by the aerospace systems course, provides the basis to identify creative partnering opportunities.

What's the best part of your job?

When something I have worked on makes it into the mainstream. Over a decade ago, I was on the committee that wrote the MPEG-2 standard that is used worldwide for digital video transmission into homes. It's cool to know that that something I did is in a hundred million homes or so. When working for an independent satellite news-gathering company, we provided transmission capacity for ITN for a big hostage release story, and I was able to call my mum and tell her, "When you see that news piece, I brought it in!". Of course, it was also pretty satisfying when the start-up I had been with was acquired, and there is nothing like being with a David-sized company and beating a Goliath-sized competitor.

Why did you go into this career?

I was fascinated by how things worked. After sliding into the television industry, I've stayed here, because I think it's an important part of the democratic process.

What is your education/experience:

Up to age of 16: 10 GCSE at the local state school. Maths/science and foreign languages; After 16: A levels in maths, advanced maths, physics, German, general studies at a sixth form college.

Any advice on getting the first job?

I did work experience in high school (age 15) at the local airport on aircraft maintenance. That encouraged me to look for a student apprenticeship at an engineering company. Southampton recommended me to British Aerospace.

Why did you choose Southampton?

It is one of the top universities for aerospace. I don't like the pollution in London, didn't want to live at with my parents, and I love being near the coast.

What was the best part about studying at Southampton?

I had the opportunity to study across departments. I took German, which was useful when I lived there for three years, and I audited courses in the EE department. It broadened my technical vocabulary, and provided a foundation for my work with MPEG.

What is your advice to potential students?

Develop sound analytical skills, and work on your overall people and presentation skills. Whatever you end up doing, those skills will be useful. I have found at big meetings when I don't know anyone, that a lot of the other people standing around don't know anyone either. They are very glad when someone approaches them to introduce them self.

What are your hobbies?

Running, white water kayaking, cooking.