Networking and Collaboration Between Roles Ensures Success
Encouraging conversations about career aspirations helps build motivation and puts employees in the driver’s seat for working toward the future they crave.
At Saint-Gobain® Tape Solutions, in-person networking events such as career-day, company picnics, tradeshow events, community gatherings or volunteer work are essential for employee development. They help build teamwork and camaraderie, resulting in a positive culture and overall business success.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what happens at in-person networking events, the lessons learned and follow a few of our very own Tape Solutions team members as they recap their own career journeys.
"Every role and person within Tape Solutions is equally important to getting the job done and achieving success. Everything is one big web and each department plays an important role. We need to understand this integration, stay focused on the tasks at-hand and also be willing and able to help others along the way. In the end, the success of one ensures success for all". - James Weeden, Second Shift Supervisor
Commitment to Career Growth
We caught up with four individuals: a star intern and three Tape Solutions employees who shared stories about their career journeys. These individuals are William Sparks, Engineering Intern and recent graduate of Hoosick Falls High School; Julie Luciano, Process Engineer; Eric Manning, Production Manager and James Weeden, Second Shift Supervisor.
When asked why in-person networking events are important, the answer was unanimous: They help empower employees to ask the right questions, find the right mentors and learn about personal passions.
Check out excerpts from some of the conversations we had with our fellow team members and learn what excites them in their current roles and beyond.
Tell us about what brought you to Tape Solutions?
William Sparks: My teachers asked me if I would prefer spending my time in an internship position rather than study halls. Of course, I said yes! My teacher helped me get an interview at Tape Solutions and I was able to start my internship the following week. This experience allowed me to get hands-on learning and understand what it is I’m getting into as I embark on my journey toward a Mechanical Engineering degree!
Julie Luciano: By trade I am an engineer, but I initially came to the business in a technical support role for the Sales team. After some time, my interests shifted to the more technical side of the business. I helped move the business to the digital era, implementing new paperless software and expanding the use of Salesforce as a robust platform to support global business needs. Later, I was promoted to a Sr. Customer Experience Specialist and Global Salesforce Trusted Advisor role. I eventually transitioned back to my engineering roots as a Process Engineer when I brought my goals and aspirations up to management.
Eric Manning: I am originally from Hoosick Falls. After college an Administrative Assistant position opened up. It was the perfect opportunity to be back home and gain some work experience. Following this role, I pursued shift supervisory positions and I applied for and got the 3rd shift supervisory position. I stayed within that role for about four years until I became the first shift supervisor for PSAT (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes). Once I knew the ins and outs of the position, my manager helped me move to a Supervisor II position and then to the production manager position. What started off as a temporary position became a career journey.
James Weeden: I started out as a night shift employee and had the drive to pursue a move to first shift. I also looked for management opportunities and was able to gain additional experience as a warehouse lead, within the scheduling department and, later, as a second shift supervisor. I am constantly looking for learning opportunities and assessing how I can apply what I’ve learned to mentor others who are starting off similarly to me.
What do you value most about your career and experiences thus far?
William Sparks: I value the opportunity to be in a work environment at such a young age and meet with people of different levels, backgrounds and experiences. This will help me with my studies at Marshall University and with my role as a Division 1 baseball player with my university team. The lessons about communication and teamwork will extend far beyond the four walls of the plant.
Julie Luciano: I value the wide array of knowledge within our Tape Solutions teams, including historical knowledge about products or processes. Saint-Gobain supports seeking out additional learning through Boost, Unicampus or classes related to your daily work. If you put yourself out there, the people from within are often willing to take a chance on you.
Eric Manning: I value the team. I’ve been in a lot of different roles so I am aware of how heavy the workload can get. My roles have taught me to trust in the group — that the planners, engineers, supervisors and others will do what needs to get done. Understanding how roles integrate helps everyone anticipate and address problems sooner.
James Weeden: Even though Saint-Gobain is a global company, Tape Solutions has a very hometown feel. Employees know and support one another. Everyone shows pride in their individual roles and doing them well. I value that there are lots of opportunities for growth and development.
Based on your own career growth, what lessons can you share?
William Sparks: The more experiences you expose yourself to, the better. Every experience teaches you new lessons, helps you find your passions and builds up a strong work ethic.
Julie Luciano: There is a ton of knowledge that can be gained from your internal network of peers.
Eric Manning: Despite the unknowns, you need to trust in the skills you have and be open to growth and development. Everyone has a job to do and success in one job impacts success in the next. By being open to new experiences, you can figure out a lot about where you’re headed.
James Weeden: Patience is key and it is important not to let today’s frustrations negatively impact tomorrow’s successes. Rely on your teams for advice and for helping you set goals and achieve them.
"Career Days and other networking events are important because they show employees that the company supports their personal growth and career aspirations. And, employees can feel empowered to take on new challenges". - Julie Luciano, Process Engineer II
Promoting Collaboration and Camaraderie
Regular networking events provide a platform for individuals such as William, Julie, Eric and James to connect with each other, share insights into their career trajectory and highlight available opportunities. Through such events, employees build camaraderie, learn from one another and drive collective success.
Learn more about how our collaborative environment is key to ensuring employee and customer satisfaction. Because collaboration is at the core of everything that we do, our teams are better equipped to provide exactly what our customers need for success. Our regional teams, backed by global support, are always ready and eager to address customer questions, understand pain points and tackle the challenge together.
Connecting with Team Members at Social Events
The Tape Solutions team celebrates an end-of-summer cookout to celebrate achievements, connect with each other and enjoy good weather and good food.
