Jeremy Wentz -  Boeing

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I develop cost estimates, proposals, and business-decision data for product development and established programs. I also develop changes in company products or processes, and other management requests. I use historical data, engineering tasks and hardware descriptions to apply regression analysis or other estimating tools and methods to develop parametric estimates, "should cost" analyses, detail estimates, and make judgments necessary to provide product or process cost and/or price. I develop and maintain estimating tools, data, and cost estimating relationships. I provide cost and/or price information to cross-functional teams, management, and customers. My primary assignments are activities that require a general understanding of industry practices, techniques, and standards. I identify and resolve a variety of problems of a moderate scope and complexity using policies and practices for guidance.

I have only worked on two programs in my two-year career at The Boeing Company. The first program I worked on was the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP). The best part of that program was just learning about business functions and how they work within a company structure. A person does not realize what it takes to submit a winning proposal to the US government. Estimates have to be validated and numbers have to double-checked for accuracy to ensure that what is submitted has current data, accurate pricing, and complete information. The program I am presently working on is the 767 Tanker/Transport (TT) program. C-130 AMP is similar to 767 TT with respect to how the program operates in a management structure. Key management people in the Boeing Company must make reviews of various program aspects. This program has international customers, which may lead to international travel for people who are interested in travel. The best part about my job is working with various business managers and program managers. I get to learn business strategies and hear their suggestions and comments on how to make the tools work better.

The best advice I can give is not to be afraid to challenge yourself and make a change in your life. Originally, I wanted to be a Math teacher. It would have been easy for me to find a job as a teacher, but I wanted to see if I could do something else. I challenged myself to see if there were any jobs out there for Mathematics Majors. I submitted my resume to as many companies as I could over the Internet. Two interview offers came. One offer came from The Boeing Company and the other offer came from the government. I took the Boeing offer because it paid more, and it seemed like a better opportunity. My best piece of advice is if you get a job and you’re miserable, find another one as soon as possible. Where you work and the environment you work in greatly affects your performance and attitude. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a job right out of graduation, I didn’t have one until two months after I graduated. I hope this helps all of you future graduates.