Rebekah Morote
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 Western PA, and Florida. I went to tech school in 1984 because I had no idea what I wanted to do. My parents were loving and supportive but it seemed like since I was the last kid of 5 the whole college thing was worn out. The 4 kids before had depleted their energy and patience and funds. At 18 I was on my own. I went to tech school for 18 months and received a 2 year technical degree in Electronics. The tech school placed me in a little town called Deleon Springs, FL and I started working as a bench tech, or troubleshooter. I volunteer with First Robotics Competition as a Safety Adviser.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
I am a Lead Field Specialist for Underwriters Laboratories. 23 years ago I was hired as a Field Representative and rose up to become a trainer and leader. As a field rep, I visit manufacturers that make product with the UL label on it. I perform follow up inspections on those products to UL standards to verify they still build products safely. I have my own accounts but I also train and shadow other field reps in the southeast. I am also a Certified Quality Auditor through the American Society for Quality.
3. How does STEM relate to your job? How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
I use my degree every day. I was not the math whiz, but electronics theory was not that difficult. I used it daily. I read line drawings, schematics and work with building prints. I witness testing and need to know about test equipment. I use calipers and micrometers to measure dimensions.
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?
When I first started I have to admit, it was difficult. It seemed I had to be more business like and semi stern with the men I encountered. Once they saw I meant business, my clients were more accepting and receptive.The job I do is ,and was ,a mans job exclusively and I was one of a very few women at that time. Since then,more women have been hired for the position I am in.
5. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis? What do you wish you could change?
The best is, I make my own schedule, I work out of my home. I love my boss. I don't have a worst part.. but if I had to come up with something it would be I travel a bit more, now that I am a trainer/ technical leader...but I do get to schedule when I travel so that's good.
6. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
I have a very supportive family. My boss is so great and is very understanding if I have a sick child, etc. I can work at home those days, etc. Secrets/Advice: Don't ask anyone to do something you would not do yourself. Do what makes you happy. Lead with care and empathy.
7. What do you define success as?
Success is having peace in your heart. Being satisfied you have done a good job.
8. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
Humility.
9. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!)
What did they teach you? How did they impact your life? My first boss at UL was quirky. He was rough around the edges, but he taught me valuable principles I use every day. One boss taught me diligence and patience. Some bosses you have will be micro managers, hopefully you have one of these first, then you can appreciate the boss that lets you manage yourself .
10. What do you think is the best advice you've ever received?
What advice would you give your younger self if you had the chance? What’s one piece of advice you can pass on to us? The best advice I've ever received is: Be Kind, you never know what someone is going through.Advice I would give my younger self: Sometimes there are people you think have your best interests, and they do not. Learn from your mistakes. One piece of advice I would pass on: Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow isn't here yet. All you have is today. Live it to the fullest.
I grew up in Western PA, and Florida. I went to tech school in 1984 because I had no idea what I wanted to do. My parents were loving and supportive but it seemed like since I was the last kid of 5 the whole college thing was worn out. The 4 kids before had depleted their energy and patience and funds. At 18 I was on my own. I went to tech school for 18 months and received a 2 year technical degree in Electronics. The tech school placed me in a little town called Deleon Springs, FL and I started working as a bench tech, or troubleshooter. I volunteer with First Robotics Competition as a Safety Adviser.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
I am a Lead Field Specialist for Underwriters Laboratories. 23 years ago I was hired as a Field Representative and rose up to become a trainer and leader. As a field rep, I visit manufacturers that make product with the UL label on it. I perform follow up inspections on those products to UL standards to verify they still build products safely. I have my own accounts but I also train and shadow other field reps in the southeast. I am also a Certified Quality Auditor through the American Society for Quality.
3. How does STEM relate to your job? How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
I use my degree every day. I was not the math whiz, but electronics theory was not that difficult. I used it daily. I read line drawings, schematics and work with building prints. I witness testing and need to know about test equipment. I use calipers and micrometers to measure dimensions.
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?
When I first started I have to admit, it was difficult. It seemed I had to be more business like and semi stern with the men I encountered. Once they saw I meant business, my clients were more accepting and receptive.The job I do is ,and was ,a mans job exclusively and I was one of a very few women at that time. Since then,more women have been hired for the position I am in.
5. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis? What do you wish you could change?
The best is, I make my own schedule, I work out of my home. I love my boss. I don't have a worst part.. but if I had to come up with something it would be I travel a bit more, now that I am a trainer/ technical leader...but I do get to schedule when I travel so that's good.
6. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
I have a very supportive family. My boss is so great and is very understanding if I have a sick child, etc. I can work at home those days, etc. Secrets/Advice: Don't ask anyone to do something you would not do yourself. Do what makes you happy. Lead with care and empathy.
7. What do you define success as?
Success is having peace in your heart. Being satisfied you have done a good job.
8. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
Humility.
9. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!)
What did they teach you? How did they impact your life? My first boss at UL was quirky. He was rough around the edges, but he taught me valuable principles I use every day. One boss taught me diligence and patience. Some bosses you have will be micro managers, hopefully you have one of these first, then you can appreciate the boss that lets you manage yourself .
10. What do you think is the best advice you've ever received?
What advice would you give your younger self if you had the chance? What’s one piece of advice you can pass on to us? The best advice I've ever received is: Be Kind, you never know what someone is going through.Advice I would give my younger self: Sometimes there are people you think have your best interests, and they do not. Learn from your mistakes. One piece of advice I would pass on: Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow isn't here yet. All you have is today. Live it to the fullest.
