Alumni Profile: John Bowler
I have a science background and an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry, but my expertise is in building teams. For the past thirty years, I’ve worked in a variety of organizations that specialize in science-based products and support – most rewarding of which was supporting the Human Genome Project. Both of my SNHU programs gave me additional experience and credentials in building the right team and the right culture for any particular challenge.
My wife, Deborah, received her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies in Education in 2007 – with a perfect grade point average, by the way. My daughter Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2013 through the online program and is currently wrapping up her MBA, and my son Johnathan is pursuing his master’s degree in Cyber Security online. We’ve each been able to find the programs we want and the schedule we need.
Rethink Robotics is a completely new type of adventure for me. Our robots are a cost-effective way for manufacturing plants to increase their productivity and safety. But what sets us apart is the fact that our robots are collaborative, designed to interact with human employees and augment their work, rather than replace it.
These robots are incredibly easy to use; not needing a full-time programmer on site to function. In fact, they can be taught by just about anyone – easing the human resources burden on companies that invest in “cobot” technology. But, these robots are not one size fits all. They are meant to be customized. They fit into a company’s culture and address a specific need. My goal is to build long-term relationships with our customers, adding value to the pre and post-sale experience through support and partnerships.
I recently wrapped up a research project on how a leader’s empathy – or lack thereof – impacts a team, so I started thinking about what I could do with my free time. I wanted to find some opportunities to give back, as well as to learn other perspectives and further challenge myself. Since I’ve always appreciated learning and teaching, and since I think mentoring is critical for both the mentor and the mentee, I started brainstorming with the folks at SNHU. The new College of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics will afford many opportunities to connect with students and faculty through mentoring and project work.
First, ask good questions in interviews. One of my favorites is: what can someone in this position do to really impress you in six months? That shows that you’re interested in making a difference and not just doing the job, but doing it really well. And second, remember that it’s not a mistake until you make it a second time. Learning is part of any job. Use the opportunity to grow and get better, and you will stand out.
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