What is your current job?
As a consultant, I am working on product and corporate development, and business strategy with startups, and small to medium sized high-tech companies. My title depends on the role, for example Vice President of Product Management. This particular role defines technical and business aspects of a product, what problems it will solve, and for what customer group.
What made you want to pursue a career in engineering?
For the last two years of high school, I went to a specialized math program. Entering, I liked math. When I graduated, I loved math and programming! However, electrical engineering was supposed to be one of the most competitive programs, and particularly the electronics and telecommunications stream. I was competitive. It was the right thing for me.
What’s your favourite part of your job? I love research & development, but more so, I love seeing something I worked on find its way to a real life use!
How do you celebrate National Engineering Month?
By participating in 30 in 30! ????
What advice do you have for young women who hope to pursue a career in your field? Be prepared to stand out, in more ways than one! What I mean is that you will stand out by the mere fact that there are still only a few women in electrical engineering. Especially because of that, do not be shy to express your knowledge and opinions.
___________________________
Dobrila Rancic Moogk has over 19 years of engineering, executive and leadership experience in R&D, marketing, product and people management roles, in high-tech companies ranging from startups to multinationals in North America and Europe.
In her first job, Dobrila was part of a team that designed equipment for testing airplane models in a wind tunnel. After moving to Canada, she first worked on developing the most advanced radio transmission system for digital telephony at the time. Later on, Dobrila participated in the design of the microprocessor for the first Sony PlayStation. Since 2007, Dobrila is working on new technologies, including developing apps for BlackBerry, customer generated on-line games, and others.
Dobrila is currently working on business strategy, product and corporate development with several high-tech startups. She is a big proponent of the lean startup concept, and writes about it (http://timreview.ca/article/535) and other topics on how to increase efficiency of innovation commercialization.
Also, Dobrila serves as a vice-chair with the University of Ottawa Women in Engineering and Computer Science committee, and a vice-chair on the Volunteer Ottawa Board of Directors. Dobrila is also a member of the board of Fellowship Unity Networking for Tech Women, an organization she helped establish, which facilitates building strong networks for women in technology. Dobrila has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, as well as Master of Engineering, and Master of Business Administration degrees from University of Ottawa.
As a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Dobrila enjoys many sports, including running and yoga. In addition she loves spending time with family and friends, traveling and wine tasting (as a certified sommelier).
