Jamie Headey from Seraph recently spoke at Eagle Technologies in Stevensville, MI to inspire women who are considering a career path in manufacturing. Jamie spoke about the common issues when beginning a career in a male-dominated industry, and how focusing on professionalism and excellence led her to where she is today.
It’s no secret that a woman beginning a career in a male-dominated industry can be difficult, however in Jamie’s experience, the manufacturing industry was inviting of women being involved in leadership. In the beginning of her career, she worked in customer service at a manufacturing plant. Throughout her tenure, she focused on continuing to learn as much about the business operations as possible. Jamie offered to learn more about scheduling logistics and soon worked her way up to becoming a customer service manager, as the only woman on the team.
“The men I worked with were great. I was always treated with respect and held to the same standards as the rest of the team”.
Jamie Headley, Seraph.
During Jamie’s career, she kept an open mind and expected to be treated based on the results she produced, not her gender. In her experience, this was exactly the case and what led to her becoming a VP of Operations during her career.
“Manufacturing is a very results-driven industry, and it is hard to ignore results. When you begin a career in manufacturing or any industry, it is best to take gender off the table and focus on being excellent.”
– Jamie Headley, Seraph.
Jamie also encourages a career in manufacturing due to its longevity and broad scope of work. Manufacturing has evolved and most jobs are no longer the hazardous and dangerous work environments from the past. From marketing and sales to finance and cybersecurity, Jamie encourages women to continue exploring new opportunities in industries once almost exclusively male dominated, such as manufacturing.
It is no secret that manufacturing is fast-paced and often demanding of your personal schedule, yet Jamie says she gets a feeling of accomplishment when she sees the results of teamwork and collaboration first hand.
“Manufacturing is a very collaborative industry to work in because you have a lot of different people, personalities, and business backgrounds that need to work together or the result you’re expecting won’t happen.”
– Jamie Headley, Seraph.
It is enlightening to see the path Jamie’s career has taken, and the influence she has been able to provide for women seeking a career in manufacturing. We at Seraph are proud to have Jamie Headley as part of our team and look forward to the insight and leadership she brings to the table every day.
