From programming for NASA to creating a voice messaging processing system for the NSA, Rush Kester has truly explored the computer sciences throughout his career.

Last Wednesday, Kester, currently a System Security Engineer for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, spoke to students during both lunches as a part of a speaker series sponsored by Whitman’s Engineering Society. He discussed his career and offered his STEM-related advice as part of a presentation entitled “An Evolving Career with Computers.” Kester emphasized the importance of engineering in day-to-day life, as well as on a larger lifetime-long scale.

“I never thought I was going to use [trigonometry] when I took it in high school, but when I got to this job I did,” said Kester, referring to his former position testing a missile guidance system at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Kester said that getting real-life experience through a job or internship would always be more valuable than abstract research work. He also discussed the importance of networking with other people both inside and outside your field.

STEM-loving students packed the room and eagerly asked Kester questions. Kester responded to each one in detail and also went around the room to ask each student which branch of STEM they prefer.

“It’s very interesting to talk to another engineer and see where he started and how well he’s doing now,” sophomore Katie Shaffer said.