For women considering a job in manufacturing, finding a place in the industry can be just as much about determining the right connections and career path as it is finding opportunities to get started. To help, organizations such as the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Association foster those connections, provide opportunities for professional growth and show the many possibilities available beyond the shop floor in that industry. For Jennifer Chance and Nancy Bailey, WiM Indiana helped them navigate careers they never originally planned to pursue and created opportunities for them to also support other women following similar paths.
Discovering an Unexpected Career Path
Manufacturing was never part of the original plan for either Jennifer or Nancy.
With Jennifer’s degree in psychology, she never dreamed of working as a QMS management representative at Modern Forge Indiana, and certainly not for over a decade. However, when her esteemed colleague decided to retire and recommended her to fill the open position, Jennifer decided to take the leap of faith and see what it might have in store for her.
In her current position, Jennifer oversees process audits at the company. Her psychology background has still proven very useful in the manufacturing field, particularly when communicating with employees on the shop floor.
“I still use my psychology degree daily when I interact with people, whether in the office or on the shop floor,” Jennifer noted. “A big part of my role is to communicate with others and make sure they understand what’s expected of them so that we’re all on the same playing field together.”
Similar to Jennifer’s experience, Nancy also found her way into manufacturing somewhat unexpectedly. After earning her degree in engineering from Purdue University, she originally took on work as an engineer until she realized she preferred the hustle and bustle of hands-on work. As a customer account manager at Howmet Aerospace, she actively works in sales and supports everything from quoting and estimating to long-term customer contracts.
“My current position allows me to get creative in ways that engineering couldn’t let me,” said Nancy. “With what I do now, I can problem-solve with customers on the spot, and maybe it works out and maybe it doesn’t, but that creative freedom is always there.”
Building Connections Through WiM
While both women’s career paths are not mirrors of each other, each has found significant value in their shared network of women in the industry.
Jennifer was introduced to WiM by the colleague she succeeded in her position and encouraged her to attend one of the association’s events. For her, the organization has provided great opportunities for networking, learning and demonstrating that manufacturing is always an accessible career option for women.
“I always thought I’d be working in a high school, not in a manufacturing facility,” Jennifer notes. “If it weren’t for the connections I’d made and for the WiM community, I might never have given that role a chance.”
Nancy first became involved through Howmet Aerospace’s corporate membership and later took on the company’s WiM liaison role. Her involvement with WiM Indiana also allowed her to provide something she didn’t have earlier in her career: a mentor or someone to turn to for advice.
“When I joined this organization, I knew my purpose was to provide guidance to women who were walking in the same shoes I was,” Nancy reflected. “I wanted to make sure they knew they were never walking this path alone.”
Creating More Leadership Opportunities
For Nancy, WiM also offers a way for women to develop leadership skills without having to relocate. By volunteering with a local chapter or serving on a board, employees can step outside their comfort zones, demonstrate their abilities and gain experience that can support future career opportunities.
Both women believe one of the biggest challenges is helping people understand just how many career paths exist for women within manufacturing. The industry may immediately bring to mind sweltering, physically demanding shop floors, but there are so many other opportunities that exist – from quality assurance to sales to accounting to operations and more that some women don’t even know are out there waiting for them.
Forming a New Perspective for Women
When it comes to giving advice to women considering joining the industry, Jennifer and Nancy agree that taking the first step is the hardest part.
“Just try,” Jennifer encourages. “Go for it, look into it and research it. You’ll never know until you give it a chance, and it might even hand you opportunities you never knew existed. I know that was the case for me.”
“Reconsider your perception of this industry,” Nancy advises. “Nine times out of ten, women perceive this field as hard physical labor being a requirement. There is so much more to this industry than just that.”
For both women, finding their place in manufacturing opened doors they hadn’t originally expected. Their shared community through WiM Indiana has helped them continue learning, build connections and create opportunities for all the other women following in their footsteps.
For more information on the Women in Manufacturing Association and what resources it provides for women in the industry, please visit their website.