Lawrence physics graduates contribute in fields far removed from the subject of their undergraduate studies. Susan Cook’s career trajectory provides an excellent example.
After graduating in 1976 and taking the summer to backpack through Europe with other Lawrentians, Sue went to work for Control Data Corporation in Chicago. Her focus: helping their clients solve complex computational problems using Control Data's time sharing services and big vector processors. She went on to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University for a Masters in Business Administration in 1981. She says, "Everyone in business school was focused on consumer products and financial services. I was one of the few interested in combining technology and business. My background in physics combined with business made for a unique combination."
Hewlett-Packard soon recruited her to their Palo Alto headquarters, and she spent 22 years at HP in a variety of positions, ultimately as VP of Global Operations. Along the way she managed groups in marketing, services, and software, along with corporate engineering and marketing, and part of the global supply chain. "I always focus on understanding what customers want to do with technology, and help translate between the customer and the product development teams. Don't underestimate the importance of what you learn in a liberal arts education, especially about communications, writing and culture."
After a sabbatical from her career to focus on family she, along with some colleagues, started Spearfish Innovation, a consulting business that helps innovation teams bring new products and services to market.
Sue reflects, “ I never thought this would be the direction my career would take when I was at Lawrence. But I do know that having my physics degree made a big difference in getting a job, in opening some doors along the way, and now in working with startups and executives.”
