ME Alumnus Strike Professional Balance With Law and Engineering
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Lee Osman |
Lee Osman graduated from Colorado State University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. His professional career path since that time is an outstanding example of the many ways in which leadership and determination combined with an engineering education from CSU can open doors in unexpected places and lead to unparallel professional successes.
As Mr. Osman prepared for his graduation from CSU, he accepted a job with Honeywell, Inc. as a semiconductor process engineer in Colorado Springs. However, after two years with that organization he decided to seek "something more." Specifically, Mr. Osman decided to pursue a career that would allow him to continue living in Colorado while assuming a broader role in technology commercialization.
Mr. Osman realized that a law degree would provide him with the professional flexibility to build a career in Colorado while also allowing him to remain involved in the field of technology, albeit not at the micron-scale level. He began his studies at the University of Denver School of Law in 1990, but notes that he did enroll with the specific intention of becoming a patent attorney. He soon realized, however, that in his class of 300 students he was one of only a few who had a technical background. He shares, "Jobs were scarce when I graduated from law school in 1993. Having a niche in both the law and technology gave me an upper hand in securing jobs both during and after law school."
Following graduation from law school, Mr. Osman spent seven years in the Patent Group at Holland & Hart, LLP, a large general practice firm based in Denver. In 2000, Dorsey & Whitney, LLP, recruited Mr. Osman, and in 2001 he was promoted to co-chair of that firm's national Patent Group. In 2003 he was again promoted, this time to the position of chair of the national Patent Group, and in 2004 he became chair of Dorsey's national Intellectual Property Practice. He states, "I truly believe professional satisfaction is linked to the people you work with and for. Dorsey has provided me with opportunities I never dreamed of having, and I am grateful for the firm's trust and support. The attorneys in our local intellectual property practice, as well as in our Denver Office, have also been instrumental in supporting my career."
Mr. Osman has some words of advice for CSU engineering students as they prepare to enter the workforce. He notes, "Engineering is a difficult course of study, but it offers great career rewards. Work hard, do well in school and in your job, but also keep your eyes on the horizon for great opportunities. Seek inspiration from unexpected sources. Of course you should listen to your parents and to your professors, but if you see a connection with someone who has a different view, ask them what they think and listen carefully."
Contributing to the College of Engineering and its programs is something about which Mr. Osman feels strongly. "CSU engineering alumni are collectively fortunate to have had the opportunity to graduate from this university, and specifically from the College of Engineering. For the benefit of our successors, we have an obligation to help this organization thrive, just as our predecessors did for us. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at CSU and in the College of Engineering. I want to give back, and while contributions at all levels are effective, I foresee the level of my support growing. The ability to focus my support is what interested me to start supporting the college regularly."
To learn more about supporting the College of Engineering, its departments, and its programs, visit www.SupportEngineering.colostate.edu or call (970) 491-7028.