Author's Background Jim McDonald's industry experience ranges from chemical process engineering to research and development, from civil engineering to defense electronics, from semiconductor manufacturing to information systems, and construction management. His forty-year career started in industrial relations for FMC's Inorganic Chemicals Division in Newark, California. In addition to his experience as a human resource consultant, Jim's corporate experience included positions for Stanford Research Institute (SRI International), Bechtel Engineering, Textron's Dalmo Victor Division (later acquired by the Singer Corporation, General Instrument, and the Litton Defense Industries), IT Solutions, and, finally, the URS Corporation. Jim's perspective on occupational success is rooted in his own experience in managing employee and corporate change during periods of substantial economic growth and recession, corporate acquisitions and divestures, and general upheaval. His experience spans the human resources life cycle, from employment to downsizing, from domestic to international compensation, from employee relations and unions to management training. Jim's experience has provided a unique insight on how individual strengths and smart occupational strategies have led many to occupational success. Professional Recognition In 2007, the Northern California Human Resource Association, a chapter of the National Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), granted Jim an Emeritus status for his leadership to NCHRA and for his dedication to the field of Human Resources. Jim is currently a member of SHRM, and the AOC, a national association of defense electronics organizations and specialists. Educational Background Jim received a BA in Psychology and a MS in Industrial Psychology, from San Francisco State University. His thesis, Measurement of Self-Perceptions of Supervisory and Subordinate Nursing Personnel, was funded under a grant from the State of California.