The WCC would like to introduce to you another success story in Kim Martin, who is a Technical Sales Specialist for Bayer Corporation in its Plastics Division. Kim earned a B.S. in Chemistry, with an emphasis on polymer science, from the University of Pittsburgh. Kim won several awards during her collegiate career and has been hooked on chemistry since high school. After college, Kim joined Bayer Corporation as a Central Marketing Representative for 3 years, then she moved into a Field Market Development position. This field marketing position involved calling on OEM's or end users of Bayer plastics. Kim worked with these engineers to qualify Bayer plastics to be used in their parts or applications.
After 3 years in field marketing, Kim decided to move from the Midwest to Southern California to take her current position. She then took advantage of a difference in travel schedules, with the new position, to earn her MBA from Pepperdine University. Kim has been working in Southern California for 6 years now with increasing levels of responsibility. As a Technical Sales Specialist, she sells resin to custom molders who actually make the parts for the end users. When Kim has free time, she likes to exercise, including doing some hiking. She and her husband, Larry, climbed Mt. Whitney in Bishop, California, which is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, in one day. She also likes to relax and watch good movies.
As more and more women with technical backgrounds go into sales jobs, we asked Kim her view on the benefits and drawbacks of working in sales. "The benefits include that you can make your own schedule and have the flexibility that most 9-5 jobs don't have. You can take pride in running your own "small business" because you make your sales territory as successful as you can/want to. You also meet lots of people which is great for networking and you get to travel to many places you may not otherwise have visited." "The drawbacks are that it is NOT a 9-5 job. It can be early and late and weekends and all times in-between. You are often working out of your home, which means that you never leave the office or the work behind. Also it requires a lot of paperwork such as filling out forms, reports, letters and requests. Everyone thought computers would make less work, but sometimes they create more work." We also asked Kim how her MBA has benefited her career. "I have a much better understanding of the entire business now. I feel that I am more marketable or better positioned for promotions because I have a better grasp of the "big picture." Technical skills and an understanding of the business side of things can be a very effective combination." In addition to these questions, below are Kim's views on other career topics.
Q. How did you get started in your field?
A. I had a great, very inspiring, Chemistry teacher in high school, Raymond DelGreco. I decided to take chemistry as a major in college with an emphasis on polymer science. I thought I also wanted to earn a Ph.D. eventually, but I realized after a few semesters of working directly with Professors in the lab, during my junior and senior years, that I would prefer working with people instead of glassware.
Q. What took you to where you are today?
A. A Bayer site was located between my parents' house and the university. I passed it every day on my way to school and knew it was a chemical company. I worked there as a summer chemist for 2 summers, during college, and then decided to work there full-time after graduation. I originally started at the corporate headquarters in Central Marketing for Plastics, but knew that to become more "well-rounded" and prepared for upward mobility, I needed "field" experience. This took me to a field marketing job in Indiana where I was very much on my own. I worked out of my house, which was kind of lonely, and I was always on the road; 4+ days per week. I usually only had time enough to come home, do laundry and buy groceries before having to leave again. Also, I wanted to get my MBA, but my travel schedule wouldn't allow it. Then there was an opening for Bayer Technical Sales in Southern California. I would need to travel each day but I would be home each night and could thus work on my MBA. This is my current position.
Q. What did you have to sacrifice along the way, if anything?
A. In order to get my MBA and work full time, I basically sacrificed my "play time." I had to finish my work by 5:00 PM in order to attend school from 6:00-10:00 PM, 2 nights per week and I studied every other evening. All of my weekends were also spent studying with groups and doing projects. It did pay off with a good general knowledge of business to round out my chemistry/technical background. I still sacrifice some personal/family time by working long hours. However, in general, these were not huge sacrifices, but just typical sacrifices that I am sure many of us make.
Q. How have you changed and/or how has the "work climate" changed since you started?
A. The work climate is much more/too politically correct now vs. when I started in 1987. Yes, we need to be discreet and professional, but I think the situation has gone beyond what is practical and common sense. With regard to seeing more women in this field, I have seen some progress since I started working 12 years ago, but there is still work that needs to be done.
Q. How do you define being successful?
A. By being able to balance work, family and self…and do it sanely! By being respected by your peers and supervisors for what you contribute to the organization.
Q. Does success require compromise?
A. I believe so, at least in the early stages of building your career. However, it should be a compromise that suits not only you and your company, but also your family.
Q. Did/do you have mentors and how have they helped? (i.e. what was most beneficial to you in a mentor)
A. My high school Chemistry Teacher - Raymond DelGreco. He was inspiring, optimistic, and saw potential in me. He had confidence in my abilities and was very encouraging. We still keep in touch today.
Q. How do you balance work and life?
A. Not very well at the moment or in the past. I thought once my MBA was finished, I would have all of this free time on my hands. However work seems to have filled all of that time and more. I was just married last year and really need to do a better job at separating work from home/family and give a fair share to both. Right now it is more work and less family. I really need to make a conscious effort to balance them better.
Q. What worked for you that would be good advice for someone else coming up in their career?
A.
The WCC would like to thank Kim Martin for sharing her thoughts and advice with us. We hope that this interview has sparked ideas which will help you in your career. Look for further interviews with other successful women in upcoming issues of the WCC Newsletter.
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