How Identity Has Influenced a Manufacturing Engineer's Career at a Medical Device Company
Emma's involvement in her company's LGBTQ+ employee network group significantly advanced her career, leading to a leadership role "within [her] first year" and providing exposure to upper management. This experience, including attending conferences and networking globally, demonstrates how leveraging employee resource groups can foster both professional growth and visibility within an organization.
Leadership, Networking, Employee Resource Groups, Mentorship, LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Emma Stramberg
Manufacturing Engineer
Medical Device Company
Cal Poly SLO
N/A
Engineering - Biomedical
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain
Operations and Project Management
Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Emma's involvement in her company's LGBTQ+ affinity group provided her with significant exposure to various departments and upper management, leading to leadership opportunities.
2. Participating in the employee network group allowed Emma to attend conferences, expanding her professional network both domestically and internationally.
3. Emma highlights the importance of employee network groups in connecting with colleagues, fostering a better workplace, and advancing her career, encouraging others to join and seek leadership roles within such groups if it sparks their interest
Transcript
As someone who identifies as queer, how has that impacted the way you've navigated your career?
My company has different employee network groups, like an LGBTQ+ affinity group, the Black Business Network, and Flex. You can join based on how you identify and what you associate with.
I joined our Pride Network group and eventually moved into a leadership role within my first year at the company. Stepping into that leadership role at a younger age was significant.
It gave me exposure to different groups on-site that I don't work with daily. I got to know many people and gained visibility with upper management.
Working with divisional vice presidents and directors, I helped spread the word about our network, what we stand for, and why investing in it makes our workplace better. This has been very beneficial.
It also provided opportunities to attend conferences and network with people from other sites, both in the US and globally.
I recommend joining an employee network if your workplace offers them. If it sparks your interest, consider pursuing a leadership role. This has helped me stay connected with my work and other aspects of my job.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com.in/estrambe