I was recently interviewed by Ferris Aitchison, Co-Founder of TECHNE, a talent sourcing company specialising in the automotive and semiconductor industry. I find TECHNE’s strategy particularly interesting: bringing the experience of seasoned professionals to students and young professionals so they are better informed when choosing whether the automotive and semiconductor sector is the right industry for them.
I was pleased to contribute to this initiative and support Ferris and his team. It is, in my view, a brilliant idea — and I hope that my experiences, reflections, and advice will inspire many students to consider the automotive and mobility sector as a rewarding career path.
About the Interview
The discussion was wide-ranging and in-depth, covering many aspects of my professional and personal journey:
- Personal background — passions, personality, and hobbies.
- Career story — education, professional experience, and career progression.
- Achievements — highlights from my work in automotive, electronics, and software.
- Learnings — key lessons from both academia and industry, with advice for students and early-career professionals.
- Industry outlook — insights into automotive megatrends such as electrification, autonomous driving, car sharing, and broader mobility trends.
Ferris is an excellent interviewer with a refreshing and intelligent approach to talent sourcing. His preparation, professionalism, and structured style made the conversation both enjoyable and insightful.
Why Listen
If you are a high school or university student — or a young professional at the start of your career — this podcast will give you my perspective as a director of engineering with more than 20 years of experience in automotive, electronics, and software. We explore what it takes to build a career in this industry, the opportunities it offers, and the megatrends shaping its future.
You also can listen to the full interview on TECHNE’s website