Careers @ LI-COR

New degree in hand, this young engineer began her job search with no intention of leaving Arizona. A native of Mexico, she knew "absolutely nothing about Nebraska."

But fate, and a couple of LI-COR engineers searching for new talent, influenced her, her husband, and their young son's move to the Midwest a year ago. She joined LI-COR as an optical design engineer.

"I have been surprised, in a very positive way," she said. "Lincoln is a very nice place to live, and LI-COR is a very nice place to work."

She added that co-workers have been very helpful, willing to share ideas and help out however they can. That's a very different picture than she expected. This is her first career position, but through her husband's work, her concept of the corporate work atmosphere was one of very aggressive competition.

"When I first came here, that is what I expected. I was a little bit anxious," she admits. "It was a surprise to encounter such a friendly and open atmosphere, but it was a nice surprise."