As companies expand operations overseas, enter new markets, and develop international partnerships, the value of global experience in the professional world is growing. Science and industry, in particular, increasingly depend on international expertise.
On Friday, December 13, 2013, hear industry experts in Chicago address the significance of experiences abroad in enhancing one’s career in academia and the business world. In an interactive setting, they will discuss how to translate these experiences into career success with a focus on questions such as, how do I determine whether an experience abroad would be beneficial for my professional development? Why are companies seeking out candidates who have lived outside of the United States? How can I successfully leverage skills developed abroad to enhance my career?
David E. Baker, Vice President for External Affairs at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Executive Director of the University Technology Park at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Chairman of the Heidelberg Club International in Chicago, will speak at the event. Mr. Baker is responsible for the University’s governmental relations, technology park development, and trustee relations. From 1992 to 2009, he managed all university strategic plans. Formerly, he also helped to create the Perspectives Charter Schools/IIT Math & Science Academy and now serves on its Board of Directors. Prior to joining the University, Mr. Baker served as President of The Illinois Coalition, whose mission is to strengthen the Illinois economy through science and technology. He previously held the position of Executive Vice President of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest business advocacy organization. Mr. Baker holds an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and an A.B. in History with a minor in Economics from Stanford University. He will be joined by Mark E. Evans, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Building Technologies for Siemens Industry, Inc. This division’s annual revenue exceeds $2.7 billion with more than 8,000 employees in 110 branch offices in Canada, the U.S. and South America. Mr. Evans has broad international and general management experience in all aspects of strategic planning, finance, accounting, business development, and project management in the solutions and manufacturing industries. His personal career also benefited from experience abroad. From March 2009 to February 2011, Mr. Evans served as Vice President of Finance and Business Administration at Siemens AG’s Mobility Division, Turnkey Solutions, in Berlin, Germany.
This panel discussion will take place on Friday, December 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Goethe Institut (150 N. Michigan Avenue, #200, Chicago, IL 60601). Interested in attending? Space is still available. Register by December 12 by clicking here.
This event is co-sponsored by the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) and the Heidelberg University Association. The German Center for Research and Innovation provides information and support for the realization of collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21st century, GCRI hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, GCRI was created as a cornerstone of the German government’s initiative to internationalize science and research and is one of five centers worldwide.
Media Contact: Jennifer Audet
