"Could you introduce you and your background ?

I'm originally from Kansas City, MO USA. Earned a BSME from Purdue University in 2002. MSME from Georgia Tech in 2004 and Mastere Professionelle from ENSAM (French Grande École) in 2005. I participated in the Georgia Tech Lorraine program spending 2 1/2 years in Metz, FR.

Could you sum up briefly your professional career ?

I began working full-time in late 2005 for Schlumberger, the leading oilfield service company. Started as a field engineer working on land and offshore drilling rigs. First assignment was in Kazakhstan. Later worked in the USA, Turkey and Scotland. After 18 months I was transferred to one of our engineering and manufacturing centers near Paris as part of Schlumberger's "Tech & Field" development program for new hires.

What does your job entail?

I currently work in the Manufacturing Technical Support Section for Wireline, one of Schlumberger's product lines. I am responsible for a portfolio of tools that we manufacture and it is up to me to resolve any technical issues that arise during the manufacturing process and uphold our high quality standards. I'm also involved in assuring the quality performance of our suppliers and offering support to Schlumberger field locations worldwide.

What do you enjoy about your job? What are the most challenging facets?

I enjoy the fact that everyday there is something different that comes across my desk, that I am considered a person with expertise and that I have responsibility within our group. My job can become challenging when we have an event that degrades the quality of the products we manufacture. Quantities are low but quality standards are very, very high. Some of the equipment we manufacture costs more than most Italian sports cars. When quality is not up to our standards, the culture at Schlumberger is to investigate all the way to the root cause, and eliminate it forever. That is one of the more difficult aspects of my job.

What did you take away from your experiences at GTech Lorraine?

At Georgia Tech Lorraine I learned to work and interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds, I understood what it feels like to be a "stranger in a strange land" and I discovered a lot about how people communicate. I was also fortunate to travel all over Europe, and my experiences during that time have forever shaped me in very positive ways. I would never have had these experiences in Atlanta.

What are the assets of your GTL double degree you noticed through meeting with HR?

A double degree from Georgia Tech and one of its European partner institutions is immediately recognized by recruiters as a world-class education. Having a diploma from a foreign university is concrete proof that you already have international experience. That sets you above the crowd. When the time comes for recruiters to make a hiring decision, having backpacked across Europe for three months doesn't count for much.

How did Tech Lorraine help you get where you are now?

I simply would not be where I am today without Georgia Tech Lorraine. The path I am on began with my decision to study abroad with Georgia Tech. My experiences and how I have developed personally and professionally at Georgia Tech Lorraine have left my future wide open, full of nothing but possibilities.

Could you explain us how the Double program helps you finding a global job ?

Having a double degree shows companies that you can work and function internationally. You immediately become a more attractive candidate for the job. Being "in-demand" offers you many more opportunities."