Aimee Whaley (McCord), a 1995 MEM Nicholas School Graduate, has worked at Agilent Technologies for 13 years.  During that time she’s had the opportunity to manage a number of different programs and teams including Agilent’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report and efforts to improve the global environmental-friendliness of Agilent’s products.  Over the years she has gone from a project associate to a manager of worldwide teams.

There are two things that make Aimee passionate about her work.  First, the work, teams and products at Agilent make a difference in world in terms of social and environmental improvements.  Second, always doing something different in her job is what makes it fun.  Any given project might include elements of environmental and social responsibility, finance, quality, manufacturing or supply chain management.   The Nicholas School was a key factor is setting Aimee’s career path.

Thanks to Duke, Aimee was able to take her engineering background (Northwestern University Civil Engineer) and add the management and policy elements needed to find solutions for technical problems that could be utilized and communicated at a strategic business-level.  One of the most important take aways from her education was that, in business, a person always has to be able to communicate the business and financial impacts and benefits of any project —whether it be introducing a new product to test for water or soil contaminants or an plan to install solar panels on a manufacturing facility.

As part of her job Aimee has been able to travel all over the world and meet co-workers from an immense variety of backgrounds.  Whether in Malaysia, China, Italy, or Germany Aimee has been able to not only experience local customs, festivals and traditions but also to see what a ‘normal’ business environment looks like.  Those experiences come into play every day as in talking with co-workers and engage in the local community.