Unlocking Talent Potential: How to Drive Career Growth in the Dynamic Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

Plant Manager, Chris Strauss, shares his insights on how you can proactively maximize your opportunities for career growth within EMD Electronics

Slow times in a cyclical industry like ours can be an extraordinary opportunity to seize the moment and find opportunities for career growth. Christopher Strauss, a newly promoted Plant Manager at our Allentown, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, shares his journey within Delivery Systems & Services (DS&S) and sheds light on how young talent can be proactive in their career development.

Two years ago, Chris joined our team as a manufacturing engineer. Leveraging his strengths in process improvement, he quickly identified an area in the manufacturing setup that was draining capacity. Chris not only spotted an opportunity to optimize processes, but he also took the initiative to lead the process improvement efforts as one of his first projects. In turn, he delivered immediate capacity and cost savings for the company.

Recognizing Chris’ potential, his supervisor found ways to enable and accelerate Chris’ growth. "I had exposure to different departments, upper management, and worked with a lot of different people… my supervisor did a great job introducing me to subject matter experts within the company where I was able to work with them on specific projects or just be involved,” Chris said when praising his former boss.

Applying a growth mindset to his work, Chris was able to take advantage of the exposure he had and learn new skills and processes, utilize his one-on-one experience with his supervisor to set goals, and over time position himself as a successor to his boss at the time.

Our succession planning program was created to put structures in place that support talent development preparing individuals for the next level of their careers and enabling the organization to promote from within. Chris’ journey demonstrates that with dedication and effort, this program will prepare team members for what’s next. Rob Mortensen, General Manager for DS&S North America and Europe, spoke to Chris’ journey...

This is a great example of how if we do it right, we can be prepared in the organization, and we don't have to experience an unsettling transition when somebody leaves because we have employees who are prepared to step into critical roles.

In the semiconductor manufacturing industry, we are guaranteed highs and lows. Chris believes that high-potential employees have a chance to shine during the lows. The lows bring a slower pace of work that provide time to take on additional tasks, revisit and optimize processes, share ideas, and upskill through training. His advice to young talent is to “take advantage of those low times to really showcase your skill set and your ability to step up to the plate.”

Preparing future leaders through activities like development programs and mentorship is always a priority for us. Talk to your supervisor about your goals, find opportunities to take on new responsibilities, and remember that we want to support your growth. Chris’ journey is proof that efforts to rise to the challenge will be recognized and rewarded.

Are you ready to unlock your potential? Learn more about EMD Electronics and maximize career opportunities that will empower you to reach your goals.