Early Career Profile: Megan Lally
- Class Year: 2001
- Position: Software Engineer
- Company: Stratus Technologies Fault-Tolerant Computer Servers
What she does:
Megan is a software engineer specializing in low-level programming for specialized devices. She writes Windows-based drivers for devices that are included in Stratus' fault-tolerant servers. She is responsible for reading and understanding the technical manuals for the devices, designing a driver that meets Stratus' needs, implementing the software, and then debugging problems and maintaining the software. She works with engineers who develop firmware that resides on the devices, as well as engineers who write software. "Teamwork is an essential part of my job here at Stratus at every step of the development process."
Math on the job:
Although she does not apply a particular branch of mathematics on the job, Megan claims that the skills developed as a mathematics student are very valuable to her. A significant part of her job involves debugging problems with limited data. "Oftentimes I piece together scenarios and investigate how a problem could have happened, using logic and deduction to eliminate some paths until I arrive at the root cause of the problem."
Megan's background:
Megan entered WPI with an interest in both mathematics and computer science. In her second year she took advantage of WPI's Co-operative Education Program to experience working in computer science at Stratus. She found that she enjoyed the challenge and the type of work. Ultimately she decided to obtain a B.S. degree in math with a minor in computer science, and she took a full-time position at Stratus. "The co-op experience was invaluable to me in obtaining a job after I graduated, and it helped to put my coursework in perspective."
Advice to students:
- "My advice to students is to take an opportunity to gain industry experience before finishing undergraduate studies. It's a good way to get insight into a career before committing four or more years to a major. Having some experience will also help to jumpstart the process of finding a job."
- "Be diligent in searching for career opportunities in your major. Professors and advisors can be very helpful in this area. It's better to prepare for interesting careers in mathematics while still in school, rather than finding out you are missing key courses and skills after you've already graduated."
- "When choosing a company to work for, try to look at companies that have a good reputation in their industry, and look for groups that have an atmosphere that focuses on teamwork. There is much to learn in your first "real job" and it's important to work with individuals who are willing to help you learn and grow."
Last modified: September 25, 2006 11:35:45