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Michael Schechter
Director of Engineering at 2U
Professional Background
Michael Schechter is a highly accomplished professional whose diverse background spans engineering, education, and creative video production. With a career that includes pivotal roles in technology and dynamic outdoor sports, Michael has proven to be a versatile and adaptive leader. Currently serving as the Director of Engineering at 2U, a leader in higher education technology, he drives innovation and pushes the boundaries of online learning. Michael's role allows him to blend his technical acumen with his passion for improving educational experiences for thousands of students worldwide.
Previously, Michael showcased his coding expertise as a Software Developer at 2U, where he contributed significantly to various projects aimed at enhancing online academic offerings. His solid foundation in software development was further strengthened during his studies at General Assemb.ly, where he honed essential skills in web development. Michael's early career also included a notable position as the Director of Manufacturing at Taza Chocolate, where he played a key role in overseeing production processes and maintaining quality standards in the company's uniquely crafted chocolate products.
In addition to his technical prowess, Michael is no stranger to high-adrenaline environments. He has embraced adventure as a Tandem Skydiving Instructor and Videographer at multiple world-renowned skydiving centers, including Taupo Tandem Skydiving, The Parachute Center, and Skydive Hawaii. This experience not only showcases his adventurous spirit but also his ability to engage and educate individuals in unique and challenging situations.
Education and Achievements
Michael's educational background is grounded in his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government, as well as Philosophy, from the University of Vermont. This academic foundation represents his critical thinking skills and understanding of complex systems, which he applies in both his engineering pursuits and managerial roles. His studies have shaped his analytical capabilities and have provided him with a unique perspective on technology's role in society.
Further enhancing his skill set, Michael pursued web development at General Assemb.ly, where he acquired in-demand technical skills that positioned him for a successful transition into the tech industry. This commitment to professional development demonstrates his desire to not only keep pace with industry trends but also to lead in innovation and creativity.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, Michael has achieved a remarkable blend of both leadership and hands-on experience. As Director of Engineering at 2U, he has spearheaded several initiatives that foster collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, leading to improved project outcomes and innovative educational solutions. His time as a Software Developer at the same organization allowed him to contribute to the technical backbone of 2U, ensuring that students receive exemplary online learning experiences.
Michael's tenure at Taza Chocolate highlighted his ability to manage and optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring that product quality remained paramount. His leadership in such a creative and tactile environment facilitated his growth in logistical planning and strategic operations.
On the skydiving side of his career, Michael’s roles as a Tandem Instructor and Videographer provided him with unique storytelling capabilities. Capturing exhilarating moments in the sky, he has been able to engage audiences through captivating visuals while prioritizing safety and participant experience. This unique fusion of adventure and responsibility feeds into his engineering leadership, where he values motivation, clear communication, and innovative thinking.
tags':['Director of Engineering','Software Developer','Web Development','Political Science','Philosophy','Educational Technology','Manufacturing Leadership','Tandem Skydive Instructor','Adventure Sports Instructor','Videography'],
questions':['How did Michael Schechter's background in Political Science and Philosophy influence his approach to engineering and technology?','What essential skills did Michael Schechter acquire during his time at General Assemb.ly that have helped him in his career at 2U?','How has Michael Schechter’s experience in the skydiving industry shaped his leadership style in the tech sector?','What are some of the most significant projects Michael Schechter has led as Director of Engineering at 2U?','In what ways does Michael Schechter integrate his knowledge from diverse fields into his engineering role at 2U?']}
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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