Woman of the Month - September, 2009

Name: Karen O’Shea

Occupation: Project Engineer, Engine and Control Systems

Employer: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation

Location: Windsor Lock, CT

Education:

Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ

Woman of the Month Interview

Hamilton Sundstrand promotes women in many ways, one of them being the Hamilton Sundstrand Women’s Forum (WF).  The WF promotes professional and personal development of female employees by providing speakers, seminars, and networking events that help employees develop professionally and expand their network across Hamilton Sundstrand.  Involvement in the WF provides opportunities to work with other employees and executives across the company that you wouldn’t have chance to on a normal basis. 

Q: What role have you played in those efforts?

I am the Chair of the WF, and I oversee a strong group of women; all with the same goal to do our part in helping the growth of individual employees and the company as a whole.  We plan various events and synchronize them so that they are aligned with the goals of both the WF and the company.

Q: What is the mission of the HS Women’s Forum?

To attract, develop, promote, and retain female employees at Hamilton Sundstrand.  The WF focuses on professional development and work-life balance, which is one of the leading challenges for professional women.

Q: What is your current career and what do you do?

I am a Project Engineer for mechanical fuel control units on developmental jet engine programs. As a Project Engineer, I am responsible for planning, managing, monitoring, and executing the project plan. and well as overseeing the assembly and testing of the product.

Q: Is a college degree necessary for success in your profession?

Yes. A college degree is necessary to get into Engineering. Overall the college experience opens up your eyes and mind about everyday problem solving and balancing multiple tasks which prepares you for obstacles in the future.

Q: What hurdles/setbacks that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it/them?

As a project engineer, you are the instant lead on projects, and I am required to make requests of people who have many more years of experience than I.  One hurdle was working on gaining their respect and proving that no matter my age or gender, I am capable of this role.

The lesson that I learned is to not let anyone intimidate you, because the people who will question your competence and challenge you initially will be the same ones who will vocally vouch for you after you earn the trust and respect you deserve.  So prove them wrong, and show them what you are made of.

Q: Given a chance, would you choose a different career? Why (not)?

No. I am happy with I am doing. I am exposed to both the technical side and the management aspect of the project. It’s a mix of people and technical skills in one. It’s a good balance, and I like being the central part that ties in all the components of the project and working with a diverse group of people.

Q: Describe yourself in three words... 

Open minded, passionate, friendly

Q: What are you best at?

Making people feel valued. I don’t judge people; I keep an open mind about people that I come in contact with. I like talking to and meeting people.  And I believe in the ‘Golden Rule’, and think it is important to try to treat others as you wish to be treated.

Q: How do you achieve work/life balance?

Taking it one step at a time; you can’t ever plan for every obstacle. For example I just bought a house that needs a lot of work, now I’m painting, cleaning, and repairing every night, after working all day. You can’t let the stress get to you. Just look at the positive and take it one step at a time.

Q:  Do you have/have you had mentors/role models? What role have they played in your personal/professional development?

I’ve never had an official mentor. However, I have had role models; people that, depending on where I was in life, I could talk to about personal and professional things and help me sort things out.  

Q: What is your favorite quote and by whom? 

Q: What are your interests in your leisure time? 

I like outdoor activities like running, swimming, camping, going to the beach and kayaking. I play on a softball team and am currently taking ballroom dancing lessons. 

I also enjoying volunteering for the Habitat for Humanity, and I recently had an opportunity to put my project planning skills to use as a member of the planning committee of the Climb of Your Life fundraising event for the American Lung Association.

I also spend a lot of time visiting my family in New Jersey, spending time with friends, and I love enjoying a delicious meal, whether it is home cooked or from a unique local restaurant.

Q: Are there any goals/ dreams that you are yet to fulfill?

In the future, my goal would be to master work-life balance and have a family while maintaining a successful career. I would also like to start a swim program for underprivileged families since I’ve always loved working with kids, and swimming.  I taught swim lessons at private clubs throughout high school and college, and only the wealthier families could afford the lessons.  I would love to provide the chance for the kids from low-income families to have that opportunity also.

Q: Networking – What tips can you suggest for successful networking?

A networking tip would be to collect business cards and take notes about the conversation immediately after your discussion.  Jot down if they mention a tough project at work, what schools they are looking into for their Masters, or a child’s soccer game they are attending, etc. 

The WF offers many networking opportunities and when possible, we strive to allot time during events for networking. Personally, I try to attend as many networking events as I can. The more people you meet opens up your mind about what career opportunities may be available.