Peggy works for ITT Industries, Fluid Handling Division, in Buffalo, New York. As a Direct Account Manager for ITT Standard, her responsibilities include selecting appropriate equipment based on specified requirements, customer service and marketing. ITT Standard is a leading manufacturer of heat exchangers. These include shell and tube, plate and frame, brazed plate, and air coolers. She manages sales for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in MI, OH, Western PA, WV, KY, and IN. Peggy resides in Pickerington, Ohio.
Peggy deals with customer issues that vary by the minute. It is her responsibility to assure that her customers’ problems are resolved quickly, their quotations are completed in a timely manor, and to assure any questions are answered immediately.
Peggy’s work day varies from a minimum of 8 hours to more like 9-10 hours, depending on the issues/problems that arise that day. Working from home, there are many hours that go unaccounted for because it is simple to slip back into the office. In order to be successful, she must travel to visit customers, causing her to be on the road about 50% of her time.
Peggy got her Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Youngstown State University and her Masters at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. Peggy’s Masters has given her the opportunity to teach a few courses in computers for Carlow University.
Her initial experience in engineering came through a co-op with Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Coke Plant in Wheeling, West Virginia. “ It was an exciting time where everything was still new. The hands-on experience was priceless,” says Peggy.
Her first position after college was with an excellent engineering consulting firm, ChemTech Consultants Inc. in Pittsburgh as a Process/Project Engineer. She eventually became a Sales Engineers and rose to Sales Manager.
As a little girl Peggy wanted to be a lawyer. Her career goal changed during her junior year in high school. Her guidance counselor invited an engineering professor from Youngstown State to speak with the Junior and Senior Classes. He introduced, in detail, the various fields of engineering. The presentation inspired her to research the field and learn more about it. Her love of math and chemistry translated this into pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Peggy describes an exciting experience that made her proud to be an engineer: “During my co-op for Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, I was invited to provide a very important presentation to the Coke Oven Blast Furnace Association. My presentation discussed the large capital project that was completed during my period with Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel. It was my first professional presentation made to fellow engineers and managers. It was intimidating at first; however it ended as a huge success. From that presentation, to approximately 75-100 men, I earned my first professional engineering interview with ChemTech Consultants, followed by my first job.
Though this was an exciting moment in my career, I have to say that another proud moment and perhaps the most enjoyable in engineering is the first year I volunteered to serve on The Future City committee in Pittsburgh, PA. This program reaches out to 7th and 8th grade students and educates them in engineering. It was so exciting to see these young students and experience the thought and energy they placed into their projects. I was honored to be part of the committee that provided these students the opportunity to participate in such a first class program. This program has been part of my life for 6 years.”
Being a female engineer has never been a disadvantage for Peggy. “My experience in engineering has been excellent. I have been very fortunate to work with engineers that were progressive in thinking. Personally I feel that being female has been one of my biggest strengths in being an engineer. I have been able to provide ideas and concepts to projects that are different than our male counterparts.”
The engineering field is excellent for women who enjoy a challenge. You have to be prepared to work hard for your goals. Engineering opens a variety of doors, providing skills that are applicable to many professions. Employers are always looking for people with the ability to solve problems and the confidence to pursue solutions.
Although the field of engineering is still male dominated, it is changing. Peggy advises young women to “not let that discourage you. Women engineers are able to contribute a whole new way of looking at a problem and that is what a company needs to be successful.”
Peggy advises all of us: “It is critical to keep yourself networked within the technical society. Being a part of SWE has enabled me to meet many successful women who have been able to provide important advice and career guidance. Professional organizations are a key to keep you apprised of the new technologies, theories, and new job opportunities.”
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