Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1083315
36 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2019 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE tric who were my mentors. Working with those guys and seeing what they were doing was impactful. When I think about memorable moments, I also think about the mentoring that occurred when I was a kid and the evolution of that and how it continues through your life. Then, of course, there is the usage of the specifications and seeing the specifications you helped devel- oped being used in various industries includ- ing automotive, telecommunications, etc. However, the computer people are all gone. We don't deal with them anymore because they're so big and they have their own people, but I guess that's the way it is. Of course, seeing the growth of the industry is pretty memorable in itself as well as the shrinkage of the product. When you used to look at a com- puter, it filled a room. Now, it's on a phone. There have been a lot of changes in the indus- try related to that sort of thing. Goldman: We sure have seen a lot of changes over the years. Lambert: It has been crazy and amazing. You sit back and think, "The technology is still the same to fabricators; they just shrunk it." At home, I think, "What does that mean? What do I have to work with now?" Before, we were dealing with big components, but we're now dealing with stuff that's the size of a speck of pepper. Goldman: That's true. What advice would you give to people, especially first-timers, at a meeting? I always say, "Get involved." Lambert: Getting involved is one thing. There's also a part related to getting permission to go to the meetings. I know when I was working for Digital, you had to write a letter and memo to justify your reason for going to every meeting. When I came to work at EPTAC, I didn't need a reason for going; you'd need a reason for not going. You have to go because you're involved. I think getting involved and having companies committed to sending people is important, and we're trying to start new mentor programs. There are a few young people that have started coming to the meetings, which is good. The days of working at the same company and job for 20 years are a thing of the past. "Where do you want to be in five years?" was a typical question we were used to hearing. Today, young people are different. They're not going to take a job for 20 years. They want to move on. They have to develop a love for it, which is tough to do. What about their job is interesting enough that it's going to keep them coming back and con- tributing? You can men- tor somebody for three or four years, but they're going to get an opportu- nity to move on. I've seen it with my own kids, too. So, getting involved with the people and ask- ing them to participate is one thing, but giving them responsibility is another thing entirely. When they take on a responsibility, they become more committed. You have to find something that tickles your fancy and stick with it. I think that's the answer. You have to make sure people get that flavor, you can't make it painful for them; they must develop a liking or a love for whatever it might be. Find something that you're dedicated to and piques your interest every day. What is in it today that's going to be different from yester- day? Soldering is soldering, but there is always new equipment, materials, and people. And