April 23, 2024 by SME Communications On April 3, 2024, SME Membership hosted, "Rising Stars in Manufacturing: A 30 Under 30 Conversation.” The insightful discussion, moderated by SME’s VP of Integrated Media, Jake Volskco, brought together esteemed honorees from SME’s annual 30 Under 30 program. Casey Ross, Academic Program Director at Greenville Technical College Dr. Emma Betters, R&D Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Hasnaa Ouidadi, Graduate Research Association and PhD Candidate at Arizona State University Dr. Michael Gomez, Principal R&D Engineer at MSC Industrial Supply Co. These rising stars shared invaluable insights into their diverse experiences and paths to success, offering guidance for both emerging and season professionals alike. Here are the top five highlights from the enlightening discussion: Diverse Paths, Common Dedication Despite diverse backgrounds and career trajectories, the panelists share a common dedication to advancing manufacturing through passion and resolve. From welding and machine tool operations to aerospace engineering, their varied paths underscore the multifaceted nature of the industry. Casey’s journey into welding began in high school, where she discovered a passion for inspiring future talent. Emma’s enthusiasm for Mechanical Engineering was solidified in a manufacturing lab where she saw her designs come to life, a reality she experiences every day in her career. Michael transitioned from accounting to manufacturing research during his undergraduate studies, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passions exploring what sparks curiosity. Hasnaa’s love for mathematics paved her way to Aerospace Engineering, where she now pursues and PhD in Smart Manufacturing. Soft Skills Are Key Beyond technical expertise, the panelists underscored the importance of soft skills such as adaptability, continuous learning, and effective communication. Cultivating these skills enabled Casey, Emma, Hasnaa, and Michael to adeptly navigate challenges, contribute effectively to their organizations, and advance their careers. To learn more about the importance of Soft Skills in Manufacturing, check out "Highlights from SME Career Cafe: What are Soft Skills?" Navigating Challenges and Building Credibility The 30 Under 30 Honorees shared insights into overcoming challenges, including pursuing education opportunities abroad, transitioning from academia to industry, and establishing credibility in unfamiliar environments. Hasnaa shared her initial challenges moving to the United States for her master's degree, emphasizing the importance of support from advisors and her dedication to her studies. Casey discussed the hurdles she faced in gaining respect as a young professional in welding. She highlighted the significance of continued learning and determination in establishing her credibility. Michael echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of effective communication, teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning in navigating challenges and advancing his career. In essence, perseverance, support, and commitment to growth are essential for success in the manufacturing industry. Achieving Work-Life Balance In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential. Casey, Emma, Hasnaa, and Michael shared invaluable strategies they employ to prevent burnout and stay energized in their work. These strategies included setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and promoting inclusivity I the workplace. Additionally, the honorees emphasized the importance of dedicating time to activities they enjoy to nurture their well-being. By prioritizing both their professional and personal lives, the 30 Under 30 honorees have discovered a sense of balance. Their insights serve as a reminder that achieving work-life balance is indeed possible. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Cultivating an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected is paramount for driving innovation and success in manufacturing. Casey underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion in education, emphasizing the value of having a diverse staff and faculty. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she believes that representation of diversity fosters confidence among students. Emma expanded on this topic by emphasizing the need to understand and accommodate different learning styles. Both Casey and Emma recognize that embracing diversity in all its forms is essential for inspiring future generations and advancing the manufacturing ecosystem. The insights shared by these rising stars in manufacturing underscore the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect in the industry. Their words leave us with valuable lessons for navigating the ongoing journey of professional growth. Hasnaa reminds us to embrace failure and maintain a strong passion for continuous learning, even when faced with obstacles. Casey emphasizes the importance of confidence in pursuing our passions, leading to greater happiness and respect. Emma encourages us to stay excited, engaged, and open to learning from others. Finally, Michael advises us to build our own community and seek mentorship to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and industry. These insights leave us with invaluable guidance for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in this dynamic and ever-changing field. As SME continues to spotlight and amplify the voices of emerging talent in manufacturing, its 30 Under 30 honorees serve as an inspiration. Each year a fresh cohort of rising stars emerges poised to redefine the future of manufacturing through their passion, and unwavering commitment. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate, nominate them here by April 30, 2024: https://www.sme.org/30U30/
