Interview with Mohammed Abueed – IPC Student Member and Scholarship Winner

Mohammed Abueed earned a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Auburn University and is working towards his Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering at Auburn while also working as a research assistant in The Center for Advanced Vehicle and Extreme Environment Electronics (CAVE3). The CAVE3 is dedicated to working with industry in developing and implementing new technologies for the packaging and manufacturing of electronics with special emphasis on the cost, harsh environment, and reliability requirements of the vehicle industry. 

As an IPC scholarship winner and Vice President of the IPC Student Chapter at Auburn University, Mohammed’s passion and inquisitiveness in exploring dynamic systems such as electronics, how it works, and root causes for its failure drove him to join the mechanical engineering department. He joined the department to learn more about statistics, systems reliability, and to enhance his knowledge about lean principles. 

Prior to joining Auburn University, he received a bachelor's (2011) and master’s (2014) degrees in mechanical engineering in his home country, Jordan, and has a few years of work experience as a manufacturing and quality engineer.  

Charlene reached out to Mohammed and asked him a few questions about his academic pursuits, advice regarding his professional journey, and his career aspirations within the electronics manufacturing industry.

Charlene: “What valuable tips do you wish to share with likeminded students about your past internship experiences?” 

Mohammed: “Set goals and be focused to achieve planned outcomes of your internship. It is totally different environment than academia; more dynamic and aggressive so be prepared mentally. Having an internship will allow you to see and investigate what you have learned in college. Be motivated to learn to the maximum otherwise you will miss a lot. It is the right place to polish your skills. Listen and do not be afraid to ask questions, because to be curious and inquisitive will help you learn and grow professionally. Be open to discovering as much as possible even if it is not your field.”

Charlene: “What are your plans to grow professionally during the summer?”

Mohammed: “I am planning to join different professional training courses, webinars and technical sessions offered by several specialized parties in electronics such as IPC and SMTA. I’ll expand my knowledge about reliability tests in addition to the field of manufacturing and process of electronics from experts in the field.”

Charlene: “What have you learned from professional work experiences?”

Mohammed: “Life is not easy-going, and it requires hard work. There is a gap between academia and industry, and I am working on reducing the gap. You should always be motivated and have the passion to learn. Focus on other non-technical skills such as leadership and communication.

Charlene: “How do you prepare for an interview (internship/job)?”

Mohammed: “I have learnt that the following can help:

• Read about the organization, its visions, structure, and products
• Focus on the job requirements and required role qualifications 
• Try to contact one of my connections in that organization for further details 
• Explore deeply the generic description and expected outcomes of that specific role 
• Examine-in detail each role requirements to enhance my knowledge and review my information about requirements that I lack.”

Charlene: “What attributes of an employer are attractive to you?”

Mohammed: “An employer that offers the following: A dynamic environment which requires to be flexibility and motivation. An employer that evolves quickly and inspires employees to be driven, to keep learning and stay up to date with cutting edge technologies. A friendly and collaborative environment are essential for success and it allows employees to learn about other disciplines. A place driven by continuous improvement and lean principles.”

Charlene: “What accomplishments are you most proud of?”

Mohammed: “I am proud to serve in many leadership positions. I serve as the Vice President of IPC Student Chapter and as President of SMTA Auburn Chapter. Another highlight was winning an IPC Education Foundation scholarship in 2019.”

Charlene: “What are your goals in terms of engineering today?”

Mohammed: “To find a position that suits my qualifications and experience as a reliability and testing engineer. To add value to my engineering discipline and to employ what I have learned in my engineering career and experience and apply it in the field.”

Charlene: “What do you love about the industry in general?”

Mohammed: “I believe that it’s the place where I can fulfill my passion and enhance my professional skills. Due to the industry’s dynamic nature in general, it drives me to be highly motivated for quick adaptation and fast-paced learning, because the industry is highly competitive.”

Charlene: “How would you describe the term “Engineering”?”

Mohammed: “To be flexible and dynamic and capable to solve problems in innovative way with minimum cost or loss.”

Charlene: “Do you have short term goals?”

Mohammed: “Yes, I wish to apply for an IPC scholarship. I am working on publishing two journal papers by the end of this year and I am planning to apply for the IPC emerging engineer program. I also want to participate in the IPC project management training course.”

Charlene: “Thank you, Mohammed.”

Mohammed: “Thank you, Charlene. It was my pleasure.”