connecting COMPUTER SCIENCE and ENGINEERING students with paid internships
Lynn Mortensen - Raytheon
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Networking - A Key to SuccessAs I continue in my career, I find that the most valuable assets that I take with me from role to role are the relationships that I’ve made. Today we call this networking, but early in my career, networking wasn’t discussed and I didn’t think about its value. What I’ve learned is that I often call upon colleagues to help me find the right information and to help me solve problems. My network makes it easier to do my job and makes me more successful. My suggestion to you is to begin networking while you are in school. Build networks of peers and leaders at school, in the community, and in professional and industry organizations. Look for mentors and other whom you can mentor. By connecting with each other, we expand our horizons while supporting each other. It may help you with projects, give you opportunities or even help you find career opportunities. At Raytheon, networking inside and outside of the company is essential. Connecting employees in virtual teams across the company helps us give our customers the best solution for their missions. It also helps us attract talented employees and connects us to our communities. However, networking isn’t easy for everyone. Some of us have to challenge ourselves to actively connect with others. The payoffs are big, as you can learn so much from each other and understand diverse perspectives to make better, more informed decisions. It also maximizes your resources and leverages your knowledge. You have an incredible base of knowledge and experience at your fingertips through your network. If you reach out and create and use your network, you will be positioned for success.
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Biography
Lynn Mortensen, Director of the Texas and Raytheon Vision Systems Engineering for the Network Centric Systems (NCS) Business of Raytheon, joined Raytheon in 1982 and began her career working on large air defense systems for international countries. Ms. Mortensen leads the engineering organization in the design, development and support of integrated ground combat surveillance and target engagement solutions as well as network-centric warfare capabilities for international and domestic customers. Ms. Mortensen holds a BS in Computer Science from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona and is also a Qualified R6Sigma Specialist.
Prior to her current position, Ms Mortensen was the Director of the Software Engineering Center of the Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) Business of Raytheon. The Software Engineering Center designs, develops, and supports software systems for major space and airborne missions.
Ms. Mortensen previously served as the Air Command and Control System (ACCS) Mission Planning Program Manager for Thales Raytheon Systems. The ACCS program is a military defense program for NATO. Ms. Mortensen also served as the Engineering Manager for the Command Management and Air Traffic Control Operations for Network Centric Systems in Fullerton, CA.
Ms. Mortensen has spent over two thirds of her 25+ years at Hughes/Raytheon working to develop products and product organizations in support of Air Traffic Control, Air Surveillance and Command Management – all large software intensive systems. Her time in these various areas has given her a great deal of understanding for all phases of the business from business development, through program development, to installation at customer facilities and finally, for support to a customer through the warranty and support periods.
Ms. Mortensen was the recipient of the Hughes Aircraft 1995 Malcolm R. Currie Award for Innovation for her work in the development and deployment of Commerical Off-the Shelf products for Air Traffic Control and Air Surveillance customers.
As a leader in Raytheon’s MathMovesU initiative, Ms. Mortensen continues to support educational activities providing opportunities for students in math, science and engineering. In support of increasing the number of Engineering Graduates from universities, Ms. Mortensen participates on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Technology Workforce Development Grant Advisory Committee and the Collin County Community College Global Edge Tech Prep Consortium.
Ms. Mortensen and her husband currently reside in McKinney, Texas.
Featured Professional
By corresponding with industry professionals, students are able to:
- Discover new internship opportunities
- Make contacts with specific companies
- Enhance overall knowledge of the engineering and computer science field
- Learn basic concepts on succeeding in the work place