Galen Mittermann

BS mechanical engineering '02

(MBA '10 University of Oregon)

Occupation: Founder & CEO at Dyscover.Me and principal at Brownpaper Consulting, LLC
Residence: Portland, OR

Why did you choose to attend the University of Rochester?

Scholarships

When and how did you choose your major?

In high school, I studied overseas and majored in sciences. It seemed like a good idea.

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

Crew. I gained discipline, leadership skills, organizational skills, and teamwork skills.

SACC. I got my first taste of management and business.

What resources did you use on campus that you recommend current students use?

Student activities

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

I moved to Seattle to look for work and to be an athlete. You only live once.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

I am a market research analyst. I fell into this after graduate school – it is not where I see myself in 5 years. I also do small business consulting with my wife.

What skills, tools, or knowledge from your major have been most useful to you since graduation?

Basic engineering skills. I designed consumer products for a few years.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

Aggressively.

Where would you like to be in five years?

Managing a division of my company

How are you still connected with the University?

Newsletters

What advice do you have for current students?

Do those things today that in 20 years you will be happy that you did. Your career will change several times before you are 30. Start your job search early. Go to graduate school.