Julie DuVall Jones   Computer Science

Julie DuVall Jones's Advice:  Make sure you enjoy what you are doing. Sharpen your presentation skills - speaking, documentation. Come into the work force already knowing how to organize your tasks (i.e., planner). Don't be afraid to speak your mind because you are the only woman in the room. When you are the only woman, take the opportunity to show you know what you're doing and know what you are talking about. Do not hide your feminine or motherly side from co-workers, afraid men will think you are weak. As far as school is concerned, study hard and learn how to interact well with others regardless of the situation. Start learning how to balance your personal and work life.

Q: What was your major?

A: Computer Science, Science emphasis.

Q: How did you choose your major?

A: I was previously an Art Education Major. I realized I would be a very strict teacher and decided to change my major. The fact that I would get out of school making less money/year than I owed in student loans helped the decision along. The only other thing I was interested in was computers and it paid well.

Q: What aspects of your college program did you like?

A: I really enjoyed the lab experiences. It's vital to learn how to work as a team and to work with distractions. The most beneficial class was Software Engineering. It really prepared me for what I would encounter in the working world - team atmosphere, life cycle, legal issues, etc.

Q: What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

A: The team atmosphere at Toyota is awesome. Toyota has a different way of doing things and it is quite remarkable. They have some core principles that make working here better than other companies I have worked at. 1. Customer First: any person you give something to is your customer, so you don''t send junk on to the next person. 2. Respect for Humanity: always take the human side into consideration. 3. Elimination of Waste: this goes for inventory, supplies, processes, organization. They also follow TPS - the Toyota Production System. It is a collection of basic philosophies that makes a process more efficient.

Q: What aspects of your job don't you enjoy?

A: The long hours. Working for Toyota, expecially in the supply chain area, is very demanding. Granted, we get paid for our overtime, which most people don't in this field, it takes a toll on you. Your spouse must be understanding of your dynamic schedule.

Q: Is there anything you would like to tell us that we didn't ask?

A: Coming out of college, I went to work for IBM in Atlanta. I was thrilled, but they had no work for me for two months. Needless to say, this puts quite a damper on your enthusiasm. I then went to work for EDS at Saturn. I received two incredible training courses with them. One was business, the other technical. The technical was easy due to my major (many there were math or business majors). The business taught me many practical ways of handling myself and others in the work place. I really enjoy working for Toyota. They have never laid off, so my job is very secure. They provide a large amount of ongoing training and are very smart in the way they work. Best of all, most automobile companies give you the week of Christmas off! But there is a great deal of stress. I am currently, the past 2 years, working on a global project with Japan. It is the new ordering system for Toyota all over the globe. I get to work with a group in Japan that now seems like family, and have learned alot through this project. When it gets difficult, I remind myself how much I like what I am doing.