December 2023

December 2023
Vincent Daempfle

(BS, Computer Engineering, ’08)

Q & A:

1. What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
    My fondest memory of Hofstra University is the incredible friendships that I made during my years there. These connections remain very special to me today and are a reminder of the fantastic times I had at Hofstra. I am grateful that my university experience not only provided me with an education but also introduced me to lifelong friends who remain a cherished and integral part of my life's journey.
2. What was your first job after graduating Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
   After graduating from Hofstra, my first job was with Telephonics Corporation as a software engineer in the Radar Systems Division. This experience proved invaluable, as I had the privilege of working alongside seasoned professionals who became my mentors. Their guidance, expertise, and willingness to share their knowledge fine-tuned my skills and significantly shaped my trajectory as an engineer. The most valuable thing I learned during this time was the importance of mentorship and the immeasurable impact it can have on one's professional growth. Today, I am deeply committed to paying it forward by mentoring new engineers entering the workforce, just as my mentors at Telephonics did for me.
3. What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
   My field of specialty is software engineering, and my passion for it was ignited during my early years. Growing up, my father played a pivotal role in nurturing my interest in technology. He recognized the potential computers held for the future and introduced me to them at a young age. This early exposure fueled my fascination with technology. My journey into software engineering began in middle school when a generous neighbor gifted me Microsoft Visual Basic. After receiving this software, I taught myself how to program and laid the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the software industry.
4. What advice would you give to Hofstra students?
   My advice to Hofstra students is to be persistent in chasing your goals. The path to success is rarely a straight line, and setbacks are part of the journey. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and never lose sight of your aspirations.
5. In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
   Inspiring. At Hofstra, I encountered a diverse range of courses and professors who pushed me to think critically, explore new perspectives, and strive for excellence in my academic pursuits. The dedication to academic rigor inspired me to excel in my field.
6. What is a typical day like for a software engineer at Meta?
   A typical day starts with checking messages and project dashboards to stay up to date on urgent matters. We hold a morning team meeting to set daily goals and address any obstacles that we are facing. Much of our time is spent on designing new features, writing and testing code, and reviewing our peers’ work. Meetings are also held with cross-functional teams to discuss project status, review designs, and plan product roadmaps for future work. Breaks during the day to bond with colleagues are also important, and together we enjoy the campus amenities like walking trails, cafeterias, and game rooms.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
   My favorite aspect of my role is the opportunity to continuously innovate and enhance the Facebook app by introducing exciting new features. It is incredibly rewarding to witness firsthand how these innovations positively affect the experiences of the billions of users who rely on our platform. Creating inspiring and user-focused solutions is not just a job for me, but also a passion that fuels my dedication to delivering meaningful value to our vast and diverse community of users.
8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you see your career progressing?
   I plan to stay in the individual contributor track, as I am deeply passionate about the technical aspects of projects and continuously learning new things. I aspire to be recognized as a subject matter expert in my field, contributing to innovative and impactful projects that leverage my expertise. My goal is to remain at the forefront of technology, consistently delivering high-quality solutions and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of software engineering.
9. What is the single most rewarding/exciting experience in your career thus far?
   The most rewarding moment in my career was when a radar system that I had worked on, Telephonics' AN/APS-147 radar system, played a pivotal role in saving a U.S. Navy sailor who had fallen overboard on September 11, 2014. The MH-60R helicopter equipped with our radar system located and rescued the sailor after hours in the water. Knowing that our work directly contributed to saving a life is a memory that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
10. Can you describe the process you went through to receive your patents?
    Receiving patents during my tenure at Zebra Technologies was a gratifying experience that underscored the company's strong culture of innovation and patent creation. In my case, the patents I received were a result of extensive work on groundbreaking products in the loss prevention category. This involved cross-functional teamwork, brainstorming sessions, and countless hours of research and development. Zebra Technologies provided ample resources and support to help translate these ideas into tangible inventions. We followed a structured process, which included drafting detailed patent applications, working closely with legal teams, and undergoing rigorous reviews to ensure that our inventions met the stringent criteria for patent approval.