Who Is Your Successor?

June 10, 2010
Succession is a word that makes some thoughtful, others squeamish, especially in an industry where small, private firms play such an important role. Many of this industry's smaller companies have been in business long enough for the sons and daughters of ...

Succession is a word that makes some thoughtful, others squeamish, especially in an industry where small, private firms play such an important role. Many of this industry's smaller companies have been in business long enough for the sons and daughters of the founder(s) to take over, and many of this "next-generation" leadership have embraced the responsibility wholeheartedly. Of course, some founders also hold tenaciously to the reins of their company, realizing that a succession plan is necessary, but not today.

During a visit with the ever-gracious crew at ARRA yesterday, the topic of succession came up and, perhaps more importantly, the concept of "continuation." As company founders and key employees get older, the average age in this industry continues to rise. Compared to other segments in electronics, such as computers and software, the RF/microwave industry is not glamorous, and does not readily attract new talent from top universities. But for the industry to continue, this must change. It may be as simple as meeting with engineering professors at a nearby college to talk about this industry. Offering to provide a guest lecture on the industry or your engineering specialty may even help to foster a relationship with an engineering school. An injection of young, talented, and energetic employees can only help your company now and later.

Sponsored Recommendations

Frequency Modulation Fundamentals

March 14, 2024
The development of crystal-clear FM communications was an innovation of genius and toil. Utilized today in applications such as radar, seismology, telemetry and two-way radios...

44 GHz Programmable Signal Generator

March 14, 2024
The Mini-Circuits SSG-44G-RC is a 0.1 to 44 GHz signal source with an RF output range of -40 to +17 dBm with fine resolution. This model supports CW and pulsed (? 0.5 ?s) outputs...

50W SSPA with Built-In Signal Source & Control

March 14, 2024
The RFS-2G42G5050X+ takes Mini-Circuits robust line of solid state, connectorized, high-power amplifiers for RF energy to a new level by integrating the versatility of a signal...

Webinar: Introduction to OTA Measurement for mmWave and Sub-THz

Feb. 19, 2024
Join Jeanmarc Laurent, a leading expert from MilliBox, for an exclusive live webinar showcasing a complete Over-the-Air (OTA) testing system setup. In this immersive session, ...