1. 2016 Interview Project Graduate: Chris Durre
Interviewer: Riley Atkinson
IDM 288 Spring 2016

2. Overview Mercer Educational Information Work Environment
Mercer Education Experience
Career Choices
Current Career
Permissions
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

3. Mercer Educational Information
Graduated from Mercer in 2003
BS, in Industrial Management
Licenses/ Certifications
Certified Quality Engineer – ASQ
Lean Bronze Practitioner – ASQ/ SME
Six Sigma Black Belt – ASQ
Master’s Degree
Currently applying for a good program.
How well did Mercer Prepare you
Very well. The blend of Engineering & Business has truly allowed me to be comfortable regardless of the type of discussion or setting.
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

4. Mercer Educational Information cont.
Internship
Unilever Best Foods
Plant Engineering & Maintenance department
Tasks included:
Supported a large capital expansion project as the contractor liaison and schedule manager
Also served as a member of a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) team
Most Helpful Class
IDM 355 Quality Management
Least Helpful Class
CHM 111 General Chemistry
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

5. Work Environment
Interaction with People Outside of the Engineering World
On a daily basis I work with people doing assembly, business support functions (Procurement, Finance/ Accounting, Management) as well as executives
Room for Advancement
It’s very competitive at my local division, but there are many opportunities within my company if I become willing to relocate.
No Travel Requirement
Presentations and Written Reports
Required to lead improvement projects
Often make presentations for my manager to present to corporate executives
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

6. Current Career Work Environment 2
Current Position:
Process Improvement Manager
Daily Routine:
Monitoring Project Status
Providing Leadership
Technical Support
Training
Hours per Week: 45 ~ 55
Weekends:
I rarely work on the weekends unless I have to work around production downtime.
Receives benefits with a competitive salary
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

7. Current Career Work Environment 3
Skills Essential
Organization
Communication
Analysis
Groups or Alone
Mostly in groups, though there are many things I’m solely responsible for that require me to work alone.
Goal in 5 – 10 years
Plan to be the VP of Operations for Manufacturing Company
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

8. Career Path Automotive Industry Commercial Products Company
Quality/ Process Engineer
Commercial Products Company
Supplier Quality Engineer
Aerospace Company
Quality Manager
Production Manager
Process Improvement Manager
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

9. Employment Choices Family Life Influence Choice of Specialty
Yes. After starting to have kids, I begin to transition my career to a path that required little to no travel, and less potential for working weekends
Choice of Specialty
The potential of having a technical background coupled with some of the key components to business management, as with the Industrial Management Major, really appealed to me.
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

10. L-3 Communications – Display System
Current Career
L-3 Communications – Display System
Background
Located in Alpharetta, GA
Founded in 1978
Currently:
Process Improvement Manager
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson

11. Permission
Do you give us your permission to publish your contact information on Dr. Burtner’s website? Yes
Do you give us your permission to publish your interview responses on Dr. Burtner’s website? Yes
Spring 2016
Chris Durre Interview conducted by Riley Atkinson