Janel has been with Haemonetics for 24 years. She started her career here as an Assembler Specialist in our Leetsdale, Pennsylvania facility for our plasma disposable products. In her current role as a Product Support Trainer, Janel focuses on product support and trains our customers on our devices from a technical perspective.
Janel went to school for business, travel and hospitality, and biology. She previously worked in customer service at various companies including AT&T.
Working at Haemonetics
Q: What initially drew you to apply to Haemonetics, and how has the company changed since then?
A: I’ve always felt connected with Haemonetics, but never as deeply as I did two years ago when one of my colleagues in our Plasma Division started a project to sponsor the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF). We have been doing that walk for two years. When you go to these events, you learn that what you do here at Haemonetics has a direct impact—it either saves lives or it completely changes a person’s life. Also, when you see the families and the people that it touches, it really gives you a personal connection.
Q: How connected do you feel with saving lives of patients or helping the community?
A: Overall I think we’ve got great employees and culture. Folks are very family-oriented and friendly. People are always willing to help each other out. You’ll see this across all areas of the company. As you interact with different groups, you really get to see what awesome people we have working here. It’s common to see people celebrating birthdays, weddings, babies, etc.
Q: How connected is your job with other departments of the organization?
A: I travel often for work, which can make me feel a little disconnected from other areas of the organization. But at the same time, I find that when I am in the office and am working on certain projects, I have to rely on my co-workers in other departments. I often reach out to these different groups even if I don’t have any day-to-day interaction. I regularly work with legal, accounts payable and other areas of the organization. It’s important to maintain a working relationship because you never know when you will need their help.
Q: How do you balance your career at Haemonetics and your family (e.g., the work-life balance)?
A: I have a dog (fur baby) that I love very much, and I am really attached to my family. Haemonetics has given me a chance to have a family life and work balance. It’s about being organized and resourceful—that’s what it’s about when it comes to balance for me.
Job Responsibilities & Projects
Q: Can you describe some of the day-to-day activities of your job as Product Support Trainer?
A: On a normal day if I am not traveling, I am training our customers on Haemonetics’ devices from a technical perspective. I’m mentoring, coaching and teaching individuals all about the devices and how to repair and maintain them. My primary focus has been in the plasma franchise almost my entire career at Haemonetics. The interesting part is that I get a 360 degree view of the franchise—going from manufacturing to working in quality and customer service to my current role in product support.
Q: What has been your favorite project at Haemonetics?
A: The re-launch of our program for specialized training for automated technology—mainly because I have a passion to train and teach people. We teach our customers with a train the trainer approach, allowing them to teach the same class to others. I teach things like public speaking and adult learning also so that the learners know not just the technical aspects of the training, but also how the training should be delivered. Since the program started in 2014, it has evolved and changed along the way. It has been a very challenging and meaningful program to be a part of.
Career Growth & Development
Q: Can you share some experiences of your transition at Haemonetics from an Assembler to a Product Support Trainer?
A: When I started at Haemonetics working on the production line, it was fun putting the product pieces and parts together and ultimately seeing what I built. Finding out the background on the products and what they are used for was exciting. It made me feel like I had a part in helping patients and saving lives. I still feel this way today! I later realized that I was teaching people something that is highly technical. It is amazing how much my responsibilities have evolved and increased. I’ve learned a lot along the way.
Q: How has Haemonetics helped you in your career development?
A: Working at Haemonetics has really shaped my career. My career path has been very dynamic and very rewarding. I have had some great coaches along the way, as well as managers who felt that personal development was a really important piece of my development. It’s not just about coming to work every day and doing your job, but also thinking about a personal development plan for the next five years and beyond. It reminds me that I have a great career path here.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years at Haemonetics?
A: For me, the next five years are the most exciting—probably of my career. The plasma franchise is launching the next generation of the plasma collection device. When I think of all that takes place to accomplish this, I realize that I have an integral part of the process. As the product support trainer, I am in charge of building the training program for the new device, and I have to become the subject matter expert. This is both challenging and exciting!
Tips for Future Employees
Q: What advice do you have for prospective job candidates?
A: Haemonetics offers a wealth of opportunities. Whether you want to stay on your current career path, seek out opportunities that you have never tried or even further your education, it all can be done at Haemonetics. Never be afraid to speak up and say that you want to learn something new. All you need is the passion and drive. You have to be your own pilot in your career.
Q: What skills are critical to your success in your job?
A: The skills are:
- Strong public speaker
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to train in a manner that allows learners/customers to easily gain key knowledge
- In-depth product knowledge; domain expertise
Besides that, be open to change and thrive on it. I am always seeking out opportunities to learn something new. That is one of the things that has helped me along my career path.
Q: What are three tips to be a good public speaker?
A: I would say:
-
Preparation—know your material
- Have a little bit of nerves—it drives you and gets the adrenaline pumping
- Get your audience involved right away. Maybe start by asking a question—it calms you down and it calms your audience down
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