Jim Schaefer

I've been a CEO, President, VP, etc., at large firms (e.g., British Petroleum) and small. My passion has been helping American families and communities facing the trauma of likely closure of major manufacturing facilities. By my sharply changing business strategies and capturing the amazing (usually overlooked) brainpower of employees I helped save 5000 US jobs. In all cases we made huge environmental improvements as well.
Two books written by university professors, including "Rust Belt Resistance", feature these job-saving successes.
My interests include hiking, tennis, Spanish, bicycling and travel. I once traveled around the world for 88 days on a ridiculously tight student budget.
I have a Chemical Engineering degree and an MBA. My wife Joan was a Harvard Business School classmate. For ten years we hosted African students attending college in the Midwest. Our daughters' families live in Boulder and Charlotte, each with two energetic young boys.

My advice to students...

In starting your career, consider joining a well-regarded organization in your field of interest. It will provide great experience, training opportunities and credibility as you move forward.
Aim for growth industries unless you are passionate about a mature industry.
Consider getting work experience in your desired field for 1-2 years before committing to any graduate program. This will either better prepare you for grad school or help you realize that your desired field may not be a good fit for you after all.
As you gain experience and maturity, you’ll likely change employers and career paths multiple times over the years. Network, network, network to learn from peers of your age, create friendships and expand your knowledge of your and other fields.
Work hard, be upbeat and be a good person that other people want to be around.