UND’s Odegard School hosts career panel

Leaders from Northrop Grumman encourage UND students to be inquisitive, expand their networks as they launch their careers

Last month, executives from one of the nation’s foremost defense contractors visited campus to outline the myriad career paths available to students in the fields of aerospace engineering and national security.

On Monday, September 21, UND students and executives from Northrop Grumman gathered at Robin Hall for a panel discussion. Robert Kraus, dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, served as the event’s moderator.

The panelists oversee a variety of divisions at Northrop Grumman, ranging from the company’s efforts in nuclear deterrence and counter unmanned aircraft systems, hypersonic missile testing and aerospace engineering. They are as follows:

• Jim Kalberer, vice president of Northrop Grumman’s propulsion systems business unit.
• Cathy Scott, director of strategy and growth of intercontinental ballistic missile sustainment.
• John Myers, director of strategy and growth for Northrop Grumman’s AiON fire control system. The system provides defense forces with counter UAS capabilities through detection and targeting technology.
• Mike Fridolfs, director of site operations at Northrop Grumman’s Grand Sky location.

All five panelists offered students in attendance advice on pursuing a career in their fields.

Scott encouraged students to build a robust professional network and seek out mentors who can assist in their career progression.

“We often say here at Northrop ‘define possible,’” she said. “Part of that is defining what you want to do, and having a mentor help you.”

Kalberer, who is a native of Bismarck and earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UND, stressed the importance of collaboration and communication – irrespective of one’s career path.

“As you embark on your careers, you’ll be leaving this university with a world-class education,” he said. “That will provide you with your opportunity. Building your network and working with teams is extremely important. When I was in engineering school, I underestimated the importance of written and verbal communication skills – how you are able to translate complex technical thoughts to the right audience.”

Fridolfs, added that students should be flexible and open to all opportunities – including many available in Grand Forks.

“Don’t be afraid to make a big change,” he said. “I’m like this test case for Grand Forks – I packed up and moved from San Diego with my wife, and it was the best thing I ever did. There is so much opportunity here, in terms of autonomy and all the defense contracting we are doing.”

Myers advised students to be inquisitive and adaptable, chronicling his own career journey that has seen him work in both aerospace and software engineering, to his current role in counter UAS.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks or fail,” Myers added. “I’m somebody who started in aerospace engineering, and then I changed careers completely. What you’re studying here is going to be the foundation of what you do, but don’t let that constrain you.”

The panelists added that Northrop Grumman offers a variety of internships, as well as a “pathways program,” for new hires. The latter program allows new employees to explore different business, products and teams within the company.