Alumnus Dr. Taylor Byrum of Texas Instruments Opens Spring 2017 Physics Careers Series

The Spring 2017 Physics Careers seminar series opens on Monday, Feb. 27, 2017 with  Dr. Taylor Byrum of Texas Instruments:

Time: 11 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2017 (refreshments served at 10:30 a.m.)

Location: 204 Loomis Laboratory (Interaction Room)

Title:  A Physicist's First Year in Industry

Speaker: Dr. Taylor Byrum, Texas Instruments

Abstract:   When I was in the Physics PhD program, I assumed I would apply for jobs in industry.  I also assumed the job I would eventually get would likely not be related to my PhD research topic.  However, it seemed odd to me that I could be hired for a position for which I wasn't really qualified, at least not obviously.  I thought my skill set was too specialized and I didn't feel particularly capable, since I was surrounded by a lot of smart, capable people in the program. 

For the last 9 months, I've been working at Texas Instruments in Digital Light Processing (DLP).  I am not obviously qualified for my current position.  However, through my brief employment, I understand a little better why Physics PhDs get hired for jobs that are even outside their areas of expertise.  In this seminar, I'll describe my experience in industry, discuss DLP technology and the projects I work on, and present a scenario that I think highlights the benefits of a physics education in industry.  My hope is that you'll better understand how your skill set is actually quite broad and is very valuable in industry.

Bio: Taylor Byrum received his PhD in condensed matter physics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2016 under the guidance of Lance Cooper.  He currently works for Texas Instruments in Digital Light Processing (DLP), where he continues to refer to himself as a physicist despite the fact that his job title includes "engineer".  Taylor and his wife live in Dallas, TX, and are looking forward to welcoming their first child in June.

Note: While he's in Urbana, Dr. Byrum may be available to discuss career opportunities in industry, and at Texas Instruments in particular. If you would like to meet with him on Monday, February 27, please send me an e-mail, slcooper@illinois.edu, and I'll try to arrange a meeting.

You can see the rest of the Spring 2017 Physics Careers Seminar series here: http://physics.illinois.edu/calendar/careers/