Christina Bernstein
Christina Bernstein
Factory Metrology
Senior Account Manager
FARO Technologies, Inc.
I sort of fell into Metrology. I have a degree in Computer Science from The Ohio State University, I worked for the Walt Disney Company for 2 years following graduation and was a Refractory Applications Engineer for 8 years prior to coming into Metrology. I remember when I interviewed for a support/training role within my current company, I was asked “Where would this position fit within your current qualifications and resume?” Without hesitation, I said that it would make sense of my experience, schooling and training. I LOVE math and the technical aspect of many metrology software packages that fits nicely within my Computer Science University background, I was a Mechanical Engineer by trade following college for 8 years completing 2D and 3D drawings, and my Disney experience gives me the “leg up” regarding customer relations and service. It would bridge the gap between all my experience and education.
How I obtained my Engineering role prior to my current employer was by speaking up. I was an office secretary in the Engineering Department and they were seeking a Mechanical Engineer to fill a role. There was a test they gave each candidate they interviewed. When I heard the discussions of the existing staff not being pleased with a lot of the candidates’ abilities, I asked to take it. I scored higher than most and was hired on a “trial” basis for 6 months as an Engineer. I proved my worth and succeeded within that role for 8 years. I was looking for a change; something that would utilize all my experience, education and traits. When I read the open job description for my current company, it made sense. I recall my husband saying, “don’t get your hopes up, you haven’t even applied yet.”
I started my Metrology journey as an Applications Engineer handling customer service situations, customer trainings and software debugging. I immediately fell in love with my new company and my new role. I quickly became one of those people that enjoyed coming to work every day. I quickly succeeded within this new role and was awarded the Applications Engineer of the Year Award for my first full year employed. I later accepted a Sales position which I currently hold and have become widely successful since.
Women In Metrology Survey Answers...
1. Tell us about the accomplishments that helped shape your growth/career. Was there a specific project that influenced your decision to join or continue down the path of metrology?
Given the opportunity to be an Engineer at my previous company allotted me the opportunity to pursue this Metrology career. Having Engineering experience was required and I received that experience thanks to a boss that believed in me.
2. What was your journey like to get you to where you are now? Was there a particular challenge you had to overcome?
The challenge came when I had to stray a bit from my intended career path chosen in college of computer programming and into more of an Engineering and Mathematic path. I later realize that this is not uncommon; to stray a bit from your intentions in college. I specialized in mathematics academically and still gained the technical knowhow to push me towards more of an engineering role. Given the opportunity to prove myself was the turning point.
3. What is your favorite aspect of your role in metrology?
I love the math. Geometry was always my favorite and now it is the core of what I do.
4. What is the most critical aspect of your role?
Customer relationships and knowhow of a metrological solution to solve a customer’s problem.
5. Who was one of your mentors as you pursued your education and career?
The boss that believed in me at my previous company, the late Ronald Brenneman, was influential in what led me to my current career path. Without that opportunity to become an engineer by trade would have changed my career path.
6. What advice would you give to others who are considering a STEM career?
Never give up, push through and be the outspoken voice. Being a female, you meet a separate qualification and provide a different insight to a career that is particularly dominated by males.
7. When did you get your first chance to work in the Metrology field?
When I was hired on at FARO Technologies as an Applications Engineer. I provided customer support and trainings to existing customers.
8. Describe the value that your efforts have delivered for the systems, products and processes.
I offer a kind and friendly approach to sales. By being a person first to my customer opposed to a salesman, I gain their trust. I like to find the solution to a customer’s problem and propose that solution utilizing my metrology knowledge. Having the customer’s trust and a strong relationship, they feel confident to purchase the proposed solution.
9. Is there anything additional you would like to add?
In my current Sales position, I was (and believe I still am) the only female Factory Metrology Account Manager out of a team of over 40 other salesmen. I have never felt as if I was treated differently than anyone else on my team. My technical experience, knowhow and acumen makes me who I am, not my gender. I am grateful to work for a company that acknowledges this and provides this type of environment. There has never been a moment with my career at FARO where my gender has been an issue or even a topic.
