Andrew Viterbi Worked At JPL
Andrew Viterbi, who donated $52 million to the USC School of Engineering, joined a communications research group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) upon graduating from MIT in 1957. It was “the most intriguing job he was offered”. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1962, invented the Viterbi algorithm in 1966, and founded Qualcomm in 1985. I never knew that JPL had played such a crucial role in his success. What an amazing story. The Quiet Genius (PDF).
Quite an impressive career! His advice is also good. Especially, in light of your prior post about stress and doing 2 full-time equivalent projects this summer.
“Work on something you enyoy – because then it isn’t work” he declared. “Concentrate in an area where you think you’re good at it. Don’t spread yoursel too thin.”
But then again, you really, really wanted to do both. I know it’s a tough schedule, but once you commit, its best to finish it and finish it strong.