Emily O'Dea
Emily O'Dea
Commercial Services Process Manager
Hexagon
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?
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2. What was your journey like to get you to where you are now? Was there a particular challenge you had to overcome?
My career in Metrology started in 2004 when I was offered the position as an application engineer for a software metrology company. I really haven't looked back since. I was an application engineer for 6 years and ended up specializing on Laser Trackers. I transitioned to the position of Applications Manager and managed a nationwide team of engineers. My current role is as a Commercial Services Process Manager and in that role, my team and I provide internal support to the service and applications teams, factories and other divisions within the company. Finding the work/life balance can be challenging. I was very fortunate to have a supportive company and a career that adapted and grew as my family grew.
3. What is your favorite aspect of your role in metrology?
One of the main things I love about the metrology world is the community. Many people who start their careers in Metrology also end up retiring from there. Though conferences such as CMSC, the opportunity to meet, interact and build relationships with fellow metrologists is fantastic. Many of the people you meet end up being lifelong friends.
4. What is the most critical aspect of your role?
In my current role, the most critical aspect is making sure that the services and applications department run as efficiently and smoothly as possible throughout all aspects of the business. Making sure the teams have all the tools, knowledge and lean processes necessary, ensures not only that they are successful, but the end goal is that our customers are sucessful.
5. Who was one of your mentors as you pursued your education and career?
One of my favorite past mentors has to be Jean Gardiner. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to work for Jean when I was an application engineer. As most are aware, the % of women in metrology is fairly low. It was nice to have Jean as a mentor as it showed that it was possible to sucessed as a woman in metrology. She was living proof. Through her support and mentoring, she gave me the courage to apply and secure my first managment postion within the company.
6. What advice would you give to others who are considering a STEM career?
A STEM career pretty much gaurentees a lifelong opportunity to learn. There are always new technologies, products and industries to discover. Never be afraid to learn something new... who knows what opportunities and doors it might open.
7. When did you get your first chance to work in the Metrology field?
My first professional position after university was in Metrology and I have stayed in this industry ever since.
8. Describe the value that your efforts have delivered for the systems, products and processes.
Throughout my career I have assisted customers by providing a solutions to their needs. This could be in the form of demonstating and assisting with the sale and support of metrology equipment/software, application projects and programming, and also training users. Knowing that the customer has a solution that has made them more effecient and knowlegable about their own products/processes is rewarding. Currently my customers are internal but the goal is the same, to provide solutions, this time through process managment and software.
9. Is there anything additional you would like to add?
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