Kristi Autote
Interview Posted By: Ashley Smith
1. Can you tell us a little about your background? i.e. Where you grew up, what education do you have, a summary of your resume, did you always want to do what you are doing now, when did you start to become interested in STEM, what internships/ volunteering
I grew up in Woonsocket, RI, where I attended Woonsocket High School. After high school, I attended the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT where I received my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. I recently completed my Masters of Business Administration at Bryant University with a focus in Global Supply Chain Management.
For the majority of my professional career I have worked for Underwriters Laboratories (UL). I have held various positions within UL starting as a Chemist in the lab, then moving to project management, and now I am the Strategic Account Manager for several major North American retailers.
When I was younger, I had always thought that I would be in the laboratory setting most of the time. However, now I mostly handle data management and provide technical expertise.
I have always been interested in STEM. From the time I was really young I was focused on math and the sciences, as this is where I excelled. As I got older I took advanced science courses in high school, and eventually majored in Chemistry in college.
In college, I did an internship with the Research Department at the University of Saint Joseph where I spend all summer synthesizing various chemical compounds to see which compounds would produce the most favorable results for use in student laboratory testing.
I have volunteered in various organizations including an annual STEM event with young girls in Hartford, the Special Olympics, and Relay for Life.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
I am a Strategic Account Manager for several major retailers in North America. I manage the quality assurance for all of the private label products they sell in their stores (the items with the stores brand on them).This includes managing all of the data and testing that is conducted to ensure that products are safe to the end user.
On a day to day basis I review laboratory data, review test reports, handle recalls for products, investigate quality concerns and customer complaints (for example if mold was growing on a food item being sold), develop testing protocols and methods, and communicate any concerns to the retailers. I also manage a team of people dedicated to these quality programs, so people management is a component too.
3. How does STEM relate to your job? How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
All areas of my job are related to science in math. I routinely evaluate testing methods, analytical testing data, and evaluated manufacturing process to ensure that retailers and manufacturers are provided a product that is consistent in quality.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
I thankfully have not been discriminated in my field and have been given many opportunities that I have earned regardless of gender. It is my hope that this is a sign of a movement towards gender equality in the STEM fields.
5. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
For me, this is the most difficult part of having a demanding career. The way I manage this is to always ensure that I set aside specific times throughout the week that are designated as family and friend time. By having prearranged commitments, you will ensure that you don’t let your career take over your personal life.
6. What do you define success as?
There are three things that I used to define success: Integrity, competitiveness, and collaboration. If you can accomplish your daily goals while maintaining these three core values then I think you have achieved success.
7. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
The trait that I think is most important is perseverance. Despite any shortcomings in your background or education, I think you can be successful at any career as long as you work hard and do everything within your power to be the best you can be at it.
I grew up in Woonsocket, RI, where I attended Woonsocket High School. After high school, I attended the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT where I received my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. I recently completed my Masters of Business Administration at Bryant University with a focus in Global Supply Chain Management.
For the majority of my professional career I have worked for Underwriters Laboratories (UL). I have held various positions within UL starting as a Chemist in the lab, then moving to project management, and now I am the Strategic Account Manager for several major North American retailers.
When I was younger, I had always thought that I would be in the laboratory setting most of the time. However, now I mostly handle data management and provide technical expertise.
I have always been interested in STEM. From the time I was really young I was focused on math and the sciences, as this is where I excelled. As I got older I took advanced science courses in high school, and eventually majored in Chemistry in college.
In college, I did an internship with the Research Department at the University of Saint Joseph where I spend all summer synthesizing various chemical compounds to see which compounds would produce the most favorable results for use in student laboratory testing.
I have volunteered in various organizations including an annual STEM event with young girls in Hartford, the Special Olympics, and Relay for Life.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
I am a Strategic Account Manager for several major retailers in North America. I manage the quality assurance for all of the private label products they sell in their stores (the items with the stores brand on them).This includes managing all of the data and testing that is conducted to ensure that products are safe to the end user.
On a day to day basis I review laboratory data, review test reports, handle recalls for products, investigate quality concerns and customer complaints (for example if mold was growing on a food item being sold), develop testing protocols and methods, and communicate any concerns to the retailers. I also manage a team of people dedicated to these quality programs, so people management is a component too.
3. How does STEM relate to your job? How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
All areas of my job are related to science in math. I routinely evaluate testing methods, analytical testing data, and evaluated manufacturing process to ensure that retailers and manufacturers are provided a product that is consistent in quality.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
I thankfully have not been discriminated in my field and have been given many opportunities that I have earned regardless of gender. It is my hope that this is a sign of a movement towards gender equality in the STEM fields.
5. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
For me, this is the most difficult part of having a demanding career. The way I manage this is to always ensure that I set aside specific times throughout the week that are designated as family and friend time. By having prearranged commitments, you will ensure that you don’t let your career take over your personal life.
6. What do you define success as?
There are three things that I used to define success: Integrity, competitiveness, and collaboration. If you can accomplish your daily goals while maintaining these three core values then I think you have achieved success.
7. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
The trait that I think is most important is perseverance. Despite any shortcomings in your background or education, I think you can be successful at any career as long as you work hard and do everything within your power to be the best you can be at it.