On Tuesday, October 15, the Career Connections Center hosted a dynamic conversation on “Women in Manufacturing.” College students had the opportunity to hear from Jessica L. Gomez, Founder and CEO of Rogue Valley Microdevices, and Scarlett Godeniz, Senior Product Development Engineer at 3M, as they shared their experiences and insights into the industry.
Access the workshop recording.
Workshop Recap:
Entering the Manufacturing Industry
Both Jessica and Scarlett emphasized that their paths into manufacturing stemmed from being open to new opportunities and a commitment to continuous learning. Scarlett highlighted her attraction to 3M due to the direct impact on customers and the chance to solve real-world problems.
Industry Changes and Staying Up to Date
Jessica discussed how manufacturing is evolving, noting a rise in women and younger professionals entering the field. She explained the shift from individual achievement toward a more collaborative work culture, alongside efforts to make the industry more inclusive.
Scarlett added that staying current through conferences and university research is key to thriving in such a fast-changing environment. Both speakers touched on the challenge of women exiting the workforce and stressed the importance of family-friendly support systems in retaining talent.
The Importance of Soft Skills
Both panelists underscored the importance of soft skills in the workplace. While technical expertise is essential, the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate, and think critically is what truly sets candidates apart. Jessica emphasized that traits like humility and a willingness to learn are highly valued by employers. She pointed out that earning a degree demonstrates your ability to learn, not that you’re fully equipped for the job from day one. Employers are investing in your potential, so show passion, commitment, and an eagerness to grow.
Scarlett echoed this by noting that, when job hunting, many candidates will have similar technical qualifications. She recommended the book Networking for Nerds as a great resource for improving interview skills.
Misconceptions about Manufacturing
Manufacturing is far from dull. The excitement of seeing ideas come to life is part of the appeal. However, scaling up production from small-scale models involves trial and error, and the ability to “fail fast” is crucial.
Mentorships and Networking
Both speakers stressed the importance of mentorship and networking in building a successful career. Scarlett advised students to actively seek out mentors and embrace the flexibility of these relationships. She highlighted that mentoring evolves throughout your career, and it’s okay if not every mentor is a perfect fit.
Jessica spoke about the value of both formal and informal mentorship, as well as sponsorship—having someone who advocates for you and helps clear the way for your growth. The panelists encouraged students to follow up after the event to keep building connections.
This event provided invaluable insights into navigating the manufacturing industry and highlighted the importance of continuous learning, networking, and soft skills.
Related C3 Resources:
– Building Connections Guide
– Mentorship Guide
– Informational Interview Guide
