Mary Straffon
Retired and raising a 4 year old
Q: When you first started your career - what was the biggest lesson learned on the job?
A: There were two major lessons:
- Listen more than you talk. You can benefit from the wisdom of those who have been in the workforce longer. Often times the stated issue is not the most important. Frequently, managers and/or customers have a more important underlying agenda.
- Pay attention to office politics. Understanding your manager's style will help you to communicate with him/her.
Q: What is the underlying foundation for career success today?
A: Being responsible for your own career development. You must set your own goals for where you want your career to go, and find a mentor to help you. No company ever treats you better than when they are trying to hire you. Once employed, it is not always in the company's best interest to make sure your career advances, even if you are ready for a more responsible position. If they feel you are doing an adequate job where you are, it may be more trouble for them to promote you and fill your current position. If you feel your career is stagnating based on the goals you have set for yourself, it's time to move on.
Q: How do you keep up-to-date within your industry?
A: There are several ways: reading technical publications, attending seminars, and building a network outside your company. ASME can help with all three.
Q: What advice would you give a recent engineering graduate looking for work?
A: Don't rely on the want ads. Get involved with your local ASME section (or industry society) to build a network. Volunteer for activities, which will put you in contact with a greater scope of potential employers. Also, these people will be able to see what you can offer them.
Q: Has your involvement in ASME changed or influenced your career path?
A: I currently do not work. However, my involvement with ASME allows me to keep my skills up to date by volunteering at a variety of local and national positions. I have an extensive network of contacts to tap into if I do decide to return to the workforce. In the meantime, I feel that I am still in touch with my engineering background. | 
