United States Coast Guard Lieutenant Geremy Kendrick graduated in 2023 with his master’s degree in systems engineering. Read more about his career and advice for students below.
What is your current position?
I currently serve as a member of the United States Coast Guard’s Office of Strategic Workforce Planning and HR Analytics.
Why did you pursue this career path? What motivated and attracted you to it?
In undergrad, I started out wanting to be a mechanical engineer. Due to various reasons, that didn’t work out for me. So I switched to the Operations Research and Computer Analysis major. I found this major to be better suited to me. Everything in the world revolves around mathematics in some form. It spans beyond language, geography, and creed—it’s interdisciplinary. As a Coast Guardsman, I realized that my calling was to lead with compassion and inspire those around me to do things in a more innovative way. Leave the world better than you found it. In a funny way, I think that is what also drew me to Johns Hopkins! Everyone there thinks in this way; and if you want to be the best, you must surround yourself with the best—“birds of a feather!”
What attributes, skills, or knowledge are needed to be successful in your field?
To be a good leader, Coast Guardsman, Data Professional, and Systems Engineer, you need to be quick on your feet. You need to be able to have pragmatic solutions for complex problems. Be willing to learn even the most menial of things. Focus on your process: Results will come eventually, but if your process is solid, you will be unshakeable. I heard a quote once that says “you live by values, but you die by process.” That is to say that if your process is bad, then it will eventually be your demise, regardless of the integrity the rest of the subject holds.
What are the biggest challenges in your field—not just for you, but for all leaders in this area?
Being vulnerable. As a military leader, it can be hard to show weaknesses. I believe that my organization is slowly starting to realize that vulnerability makes the team stronger.
We would love to hear about any noteworthy professors or pivotal experiences you had at the Whiting School.
There are so many teachers that were influential to me—Beryl Castello, Lauren Gardner, Gonzalo Pita, Yury Dvorkin—and that’s just to name a few. Within that group you have people who have literally changed the world! From a COVID 19 Dashboard to leaders in the Renewable Energy space; if you come to Hopkins, you will learn from the best.
Describe a significant professional accomplishment that makes you proud.
Graduating from Johns Hopkins is what makes me proud. I didn’t graduate high in my undergrad class. I’ve had to fight for everything I have. My story is a testament to the benefits that can come from hard work and perseverance through adversity.
What advice would you offer students preparing for a career in your field?
Think outside the box… pretend that there wasn’t a box. Be unique.