Lisa Gerbracht - 2019 SPIE Women in Optics Planner
OEM Sales Manager
Motion Control Systems, FLIR, USA
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Country of Birth: USA
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I love that physics is about making discoveries and breaking new ground. It’s funny, I had always thought engineering was boring in comparison, but then my first job out of college was in engineering and I quickly learned otherwise.
I have worldwide responsibility for selling FLIR’s OEM pan tilt positioning systems, which are used for precisely moving cameras, lasers, antennas, and other types of sensors. I work with customers to help solve their technical problems and propose solutions. I also help to define new products, based on what customers ask for, so we can support their upcoming requirements.
A few years ago, the manufacturing facility where I worked closed and consolidated with another facility. Almost everyone I worked with had to leave the company. It was so hard to stay positive in those circumstances. I took it one day at a time, made connections with new colleagues, tried to focus on the benefits for customers, and over time adapted to the new situation.
I wish that I had taken more business classes earlier on. No matter how technical you are, if you want to advance in your career it is helpful to have an understanding of finance, business strategy, and marketing.
If you are considering a career in STEM, that’s so great! Keep going! Take as many math classes as you can. Ask to visit a university lab or local engineering company to learn about what they do. Find something that you are truly passionate about. There is so much opportunity and we need you!