Jane Huot observed her one-year milestone with Accede Mold & Tool last summer, took her first business trip and attended a “Women in Plastics and Rubber Industries” conference. We shared her initial impressions last month and then I got a request for more details to further educate and excite other women about the career opportunities in moldmaking.

So, I went back to the source. Here is more on Jane's journey, her experiences and their impact on her moldmaking endeavors.

Q: What specific challenges did you encounter in the moldmaking industry that were highlighted during the conference, and how did the insights gained shape your approach to overcoming those challenges in your professional journey?

Being confident at work was challenging for me, especially working primarily with employees with years of experience under their belts. I was insecure about the knowledge gap between the senior mold designers and me, being new to the industry. Plus, I don't share many common interests or hobbies with the men at work, like sports. At the conference, I realized many women in the plastics industry also felt unconfident and like they didn't fit in. I was comforted when I realized I wasn't alone in these feelings. Confidence (and women's lack of it) was a common theme at the conference. Many presenters shared how they continuously push through discomfort to build connections at work and grow in their careers. I've used their insights to build relationships at work and I'm now more comfortable with being uncomfortable. I ask more questions, which has helped me learn more and I realize how much the people around me want to help me succeed. Taking time away from mold design to send me to the conference and visit customers demonstrated how much the company believes in me. They are invested in my success.

Q: Can you share a specific instance or connection from the conference that significantly influenced your career, and how did the advice or educational opportunities you gained contribute to the specific growth or opportunities you've experienced since then?

Lisa L, a presenter at the conference, shared an approach she uses at work to build morale. She appointed herself as the "Director of Happiness" – doing small things for others to bring positivity to her workplace. So, I did the same! When I visited my home state of Maine, I chose to buy some of my favorite snacks to share with everyone in NY. I brought fun stuff like whoopie pies, blueberry soda and the most exciting for everyone - bright red hotdogs! This was a lot of fun for everyone's team and helped us connect. I'm more comfortable with my coworkers now, making asking questions and having conversations more effortless. In turn, this accelerates my learning and professional growth. Accede leadership has an open-door policy, whether it's help with a school or a mold design. I realize now that everyone is genuinely happy to help me grow. They saw potential in me that I didn't even see in myself.

Q: How have the insights and perspectives gained from conferences like these influenced your day-to-day work or decision-making processes, and how do you measure the long-term impact of these investments on your overall professional development?

Many presenters and attendees at the conference shared their experiences of "having to prove themselves" at work. This insight inspires me and prepares me to work hard and take on more rather than feel defeated or afraid to push forward through challenges. Overall, being resilient benefits my professional development. To measure the long-term impact of the investments, I will continue to reflect on where I was over a year ago. Seeing my very first design and comparing how far I have come is the best reflection of what I have learned at Accede and how much I have grown in my professional development.

Q: Could you share a specific example or instance where your mentor, Brett Lindenmuth, played a pivotal role in guiding you through a challenge or providing valuable insights that significantly contributed to your professional development in the moldmaking industry?

In my college program, we didn't learn anything specific about moldmaking. My program is predominantly solid modeling. So, Brett has worked to bridge the gap between my formal education and my mold design and project management work. He's very open to sharing his experience and knowledge. He encourages me and provides opportunities to get as much hands-on experience as possible.

Q: What insights gained from cross-training in sales and marketing directly influenced your approach or decision-making within your primary role, and how has this cross-functional experience contributed to fostering collaboration within your team?

My biggest takeaway was how comfortable the interaction was between Camille and our customers. I realized how important technical competency is. You need to know engineering and manufacturing for moldmaking sales. I saw that when you have hands-on experience, you gain credibility and the customers' confidence. Because of the shadowing experience, I plan to spend more time on the shop floor and mold sampling. Brett has me on track to help with mold assembly rather than just observing as the mold designer.

Q: Where has your diverse perspective directly influenced the innovation process or outcome in a project, and how do you see continued efforts to empower women contributing to the overall progress and success of the industry?

Generally, it seems that soft skills such as being empathetic and friendly are easier for women. Better interpersonal relationships and communication – with customers and coworkers – foster collaboration, yielding a better mold build that meets the customers' needs. A specific example where my perspective and skills helped a process was when I helped our manufacturing engineer with a modeling technique. I can't go into the details because of privacy, but I was respectful and patient while teaching him and it ended up saving him a lot of time and frustration!

Q: Can you share a specific instance from your early experiences when embracing the unknown or stepping out of your comfort zone led to a valuable connection, insight or learning opportunity that had a lasting impact on your professional growth?

I thought it was a long shot to ask career services at my college if they could connect me with the job at Accede, but I figured I'd try. I didn't expect it to go anywhere because I didn't think I brought enough to the table. However, Accede felt it would be great to teach me moldmaking from the ground up. Taking the leap at putting myself out there led to something great! I never thought I'd be in this position today, but because I tried, I am.

Q: Is there a specific project at Accede where applying principles like mentorship, experiential learning, diversity, job shadowing or cross-training directly influenced the outcome or success of a particular initiative, and how has this transformed your approach as a professional?

Without mentorship – learning from people who have been in the industry a long time with lots of experience – I wouldn't know about mold design. Since getting into the industry, I've looked for resources and they're not in-depth enough to learn the types of designs and builds that Accede is doing. The company has a long history and track record, especially in two-shot and cube molds. Their mentorship transformed my approach. I take the initiative and ask questions. I make sure I'm always connecting with the senior team and they are always happy to help and share their advice.

Q: Share a time when embracing change, fostering mentorship or valuing diversity led to a positive outcome or innovation within Accede?

At Accede, we have diversity in all ages and generations. The younger generation is sharing tools, techniques, applications and technology to be more efficient. The older generation has a lot of experience! We help each other. I've been able to help more senior designers with modeling techniques so they can do their work more efficiently. The culture of sharing and learning fosters a positive environment and innovation in mold design.