Tim Lynch (MSEM ’22) is a consultant at Guidehouse and is based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Tim works on a team that produces manufacturer impact analyses for the U.S. Department of Energy’s appliance standard program. His team interviews manufacturers about how new efficiency standards would affect the industry, and through these interviews and market research, the team then builds a model that illustrates whether these standards are “technically feasible and economically justified,” (i.e. how they will affect the industry’s financials, manufacturers, and domestic employment) US DOE Rulemakings and Notices. Their findings are included in the rulemaking and eventually become law once published in the Federal Register.
“It may be silly but what I enjoy most about the role is that I know a lot about different appliance brands now so when I see a convection oven or dishwasher in someone’s house, I usually can tell who manufactured it and where. I have also enjoyed interviewing manufacturers and learning about their operations,” Tim said.
Solving Real-World Problems
Tim working in the Johns Hopkins Hospital on the MSEM Hospital Project.
Tim’s interest in consulting developed throughout his experience in the Johns Hopkins MS in Engineering Management program. Beginning with case studies and then through real-world engagements, Tim had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients “from an established power solutions company, to several start-ups, to researchers working on an idea for a new product. [He] learned the type of skills necessary to be a good consultant while continuing to build a strong technical background in manufacturing and engineering,” Tim said.
When Tim was finishing his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Bucknell University, he realized that he may not have the level of experience to begin his ideal career. He debated whether to pursue a master’s in mechanical engineering or apply to MBA programs because he wanted to work on solving business problems and would have a wider range of opportunities. When Tim learned about graduate engineering management programs, he knew he had found the program that would meet his varied needs.
“The more research I did into the programs, the more it became clear that pursuing an MSEM degree would allow me to build the skills gained by doing an MBA while also still being able to apply my background in engineering to solve real problems for real clients,” Tim said.
A Stool Missing a Crucial Leg
One of Tim’s most memorable moments in JHU MSEM program is competing in and losing a case study competition. He was confident his team had produced a strong and innovative proposal as compared to other competing teams. After his team’s loss, he visited former MSEM Director Pam Sheff’s office, where she gave some insightful advice that Tim has since carried with him.
“She told me the winning team had built out a solution. She said they were the only team who had provided an actual pathway to solving the problem. While our team had come up with a fun and novel approach, we had failed to establish a plan on how this solution could be fit into the company’s current model. Her analogy of a stool missing a crucial leg stuck with me and has continued to be important in how I work today,” he said.
Sustainable Futures
MSEM Alum Tim Lynch ’22.
While Tim enjoyed the subject of thermodynamics during his undergraduate studies, he also became increasingly concerned about climate change and energy security throughout his time in the JHU MSEM program. As Tim approached graduating from Hopkins, he knew he wanted to make a positive impact in the energy sector. “There were three different arenas [I thought] I could work in and have a positive impact: electrification, energy production, and energy efficiency. Now that I have worked in the arena of improving energy efficiency for several years, I feel that I have a better understanding of how complex the problem truly is,” he said.
Based on his experience in manufacturing in the US, he seems optimistic about the future of the sector. “As I currently spend much of my day studying various domestic manufacturing industries, I have been happy to witness the recent growth in the manufacturing sector. I think we should all be optimistic in the future of American manufacturing as companies bring back high-skilled jobs and look for ways to innovate in America,” Tim said.
Real Experience with Real Clients
Tim and his team at the Johns Hopkins Hospital during the MSEM Hospital Project.
Would Tim recommend the Johns Hopkins MS in Engineering Management program to others interested in working in energy and manufacturing? “A million percent, yes,” he said. “I have interviewed several engineering students, and while they have done well in courses and had some interesting research experience, they have lacked real experiences with real clients. MSEM brings students into contact with the professional world and gives them the experience they need to make positive impacts,” he said.