Career Path Based On Three Things, Says San Francisco Marketing Executive
San Francisco students thinking of a career in business management can learn valuable lessons from award-wining tech executive Sonita Lontoh. A green technology expert focusing on the Internet of Things, Lontoh has held a number of management positions including San Francisco-based PG&E and Bain & Company, in addition to her current position as the head of corporate marketing for Silicon Valley-based global smart energy company Trilliant.
What is your background and level of education?
"I have a diverse background, both from educational and professional perspectives. I have a bachelor's and master's degree in engineering (from UC Berkeley and MIT, respectively) and an M.B.A. (from the Kellogg School at Northwestern). I also cross registered at the Harvard Business School while an MIT grad student. Professionally, my experience spans the entrepreneurial, management consulting, Fortune 200 and venture-backed technology companies. I love the intersection of technology, business and policy and am now in the Internet of Things (IoT)/Smart Grid/Smart City space."
How has your education helped you in your current profession?
"My education, both in engineering and in business, has prepared me well for a career in technology. Although I focus more on the business side, my engineering education helps me better understand the technology underlying the offering. I'm not a techie in any sense, but it's important to understand the technology itself in order to articulate the benefits in a compelling way."
What career advice can you share with business majors?
"My journey has taught me many lessons learned. The first is to choose an industry that is a combination of your passion, skills and purpose. I think many people mistakenly only focus on passion (what they like), but I believe true success and happiness come from doing what you love (passion), what you're good at (skills), and what the world needs (purpose). Second, always see the glass half full; see opportunities in everything, and don't be afraid of failures, as failures are just a step to success. Lastly, build a diverse ecosystem of mentors and sponsors, at different levels and from diverse industries. When appropriate, also act as a mentor and/or sponsor for others, as it helps build your leadership capabilities tremendously."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.
