Entrepreneurship Seminar: Shape Your Career - How to Get the Job You Want

Free and open to the public

Bio: Dave Dimas is a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Director of Information Technology, Engineering and Science programs for the University of California, Irvine Extension. His background centers on consulting and software development for the simulation and design market space and developing and teaching a curriculum of related engineering analysis and product development courses in both commercial and academic settings. His experience includes a number of top-level management positions with responsibilities for Sales, Marketing, Technical Support and other aspects of both large and small companies including startups. This work included taking a company public, working through a variety of complex issues related to subsequent mergers and acquisitions and balancing the interests of both shareholders and customers. His technical background focused on applying theoretical aspects of numerical methods in simulation and design to wide variety of product development issues.

Dave has been a lecturer for the school of engineering for over 25 years. Bringing both his managerial and technical industry experience into the classroom provides significant improvements in student’s ability to learn the theory and "art" of engineering simulation and design. His teaching and research areas include; numerical analysis, engineering simulation, product lifecycle management and effective educational methods in STEM. In his role with University Extension he is tasked to develop short courses and certificate programs than help insure that the US workforce has the skills required to meet the changing needs of the business community.

He also worked at Santa Ana, Calif.-based MSC Software corporation for over 25 years. While at the simulation solutions company, Dave served in a number of executive positions including director of customer support and training services, educational sales and product documentation. In these roles he implemented several analytics-based systems and processes that included a global CRM system that significantly improved the operational efficiency of the organization. In addition, Dave worked for Costa Mesa-based PDA Engineering as director of support and training deploying similar tools and processes to efficiently run the business while keeping customer satisfaction levels high.

Dave attended both UCLA and UC Irvine receiving his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC Irvine in 1978, master’s degree in engineering mechanics in 1979, and a Ph.D. in civil engineering in 1988. Since 1985, he has played an active role in the university’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering serving on School and Department level advisory committees and securing several large donations to the School, valued cumulatively at more than $20 million. He was also honored with the university’s distinguished alumni award in 2006.

The Entrepreneurship Seminar Series provides a real-world introduction to the theory and practice of entrepreneurship. Through a series of presentations by prestigious entrepreneurs and industry leaders, participants will explore the various organizational, strategic and financial challenges facing successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs. Topics include start-up strategies, business idea evaluation, business plan writing, and introduction to venture capital.

• Complete listing of Entrepreneurship Seminar Series guest speakers