He was consulting at SRI and knew that the department needed someone with my background. He was the connection, and gave my name to SRI and vice versa. I contacted them, came in for a pre-interview, and was hired in no time. So all along I had it in mind to work in industry. During graduate school I spent summers working for Exxon Production Research and Shell Development Co. in Houston, Texas.
Industry can be different from universities.
There is always noise involved, nothing fits the mold exactly. The problems are challenging, and I enjoy the teamwork involved. I thoroughly enjoyed all my numerical analysis courses and they've all come into play at one time or another. A strong background in linear algebra with the basics of numerical analysis is extremely helpful. Men are much less shy about speaking up in meetings and interviews.