Advanced Manufacturing companies offer a diverse array of career paths both on and off the plant floor. To highlight one of many non-traditional advanced manufacturing career opportunities, the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation interviewed, Darren Hooks.
Hooks is the onsemi, formerly known as ON Semiconductor, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist. It is a role he found himself in after previously working as a Program Manager within onsemi’s corporate project management office.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Hooks earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Tuskegee University. Then he headed out West to complete his MBA in Technology Management at the University of Phoenix, and later his Project Management Professional (PMP) training and certification through George Washington University.
A proud veteran, Hooks is a retired Lieutenant Colonel for the U.S. Air Force, where he gave 25 years of service to our country and was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. During this time, he served in Civil Engineering, Communications, Command, and Control career fields. All the while, Hooks remained a community advocate for Human Rights and Social Justice, which brought him into his current role.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role, and why?
A: I enjoy most working for an innovative technical company that creates solutions for a sustainable future and with leadership that drives diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the company culture.
Q: What influenced your decision to pursue a career in manufacturing?
A: I have a passion for engineering and technology, understanding how things work and how to improve. I enjoy interacting with global teams to accomplish objectives.
Q: Describe your career path.
A: My career path introduced me to multiple technology companies and continually evolving career opportunities such as:
- Motorola: Electrical Engineer to Systems Engineer
- Intel Corp.: Tactical Marketing
- Onsemi: Project/Program Management to DEI Strategy Manager
Q: What advice do you have for people that may be interested in a similar career?
A: The rate of change continues to increase exponentially. Hold on, be flexible, and stay optimistic.