Kettering University Grads Are "Mobile Professionals" as They Help IBM Develop Global Network Capabilities

Business Wire, April 24, 2008

FLINT, Mich. -- IBM, one of Kettering University's key cooperative education partners, is reshaping how it operates and conducts business in a globally integrated environment through the work of its mobile professionals, several of whom are Kettering/GMI graduates. (See Kettering's story and photos on "The Mobile Professional" at: http://www.kettering.edu/visitors/storydetail.jsp?storynum=2743)

The firm uses technological platforms that enable the connection of businesses, workflow, transactions, individuals and millions of companies and networked devices, and allows for the free flow of information and simpler integration of technologies and business processes. The goal: utilize technology to be responsive and innovative in offerings, and create efficiencies in conducting business.

"Every professional in sales who deals with our customers every day are all mobile," explained Deborah Nemesi, vice president IBM Central Region, General Business, and a member of Kettering's Board of Trustees. "Companies should consider the use of the mobile model in order to survive in a rapidly changing global business environment," she added.

Meg Selfe '94, vice president of GM Infrastructure Integration Management for IBM Global Services, finds that working as a mobile professional is extremely beneficial for her customers. "It allows us to put the right skill set of the professional in the right position to help our customers quickly and efficiently," she said. "If the professional with a skill set that a customer requires is logistically many miles away, our global network capabilities allow us to connect very easily. It's very powerful and when clients see that power applied in the right manner and what it can do to help them facilitate their business and processes, they recognize the tremendous benefit it offers and how it can accelerate their own globalization efforts."

Karen Bachelder '81, Business Development executive for IBM Financial Services Sector, said that she also finds herself to be much more productive as a mobile professional instead of one tied down by an established office.

For Nemesi, the Kettering co-op experience provides graduates who are exceptional examples of how a mobile professional can indeed help the company succeed while allowing the flexibility necessary to keep family happy.

Located in Flint, Mich., Kettering University is the home of the country's most modern professional co-op program. For more on Kettering, visit: www.kettering.edu.