NAME: Emily Simon
TITLE: Account Management Trainee
Company: Millcraft
Company URL: https://www.millcraft.com
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemily

Did you choose print or did print choose you?

Print 110% chose me. I went away for school, not knowing what I wanted to do, but knowing that I wanted to be gainfully employed at the completion of my degree. Looking into the programs that had good job rates after graduation, printing science and supply chain management both had 100% job rates after graduation for their students. I enrolled in the first print course at WMU, where I learned that the program also offered paid internships as well as scholarships for travel and competitions. Full Stop. I was in.

My first internship was working as an in-plant intern for Sun Chemical. I was able to experience many different types and sizes of commercial printers. Seeing multiple press rooms and operations fueled my passion for technical customer service. I was also able to travel to Germany for DRUPA, attend the Flexographic Technical Association conferences and participate in TAGA (Technical Association for the Graphic Arts) student competitions while in the program at Western Michigan University.

These experiences fueled my passion for print and hunger to learn all that I could about printing and communication. I continue to draw on these experiences and hunger for more as I progress in my career.

How do you establish credibility with colleagues, clients and bosses?

Communicating is the best way to establish credibility. The old adage of “see something, say something” comes to mind for me. If I am presented with a task where the execution is not completely clear, it is better to say something as soon as I know that I need clarity or more details, to complete the task. This type of clarity will help close the tasks out more quickly and with better service.

In 50 words or less tell us your mission for elevating Print this year.

Creativity in communication and being open to try new ways to connect with people will continue through 2021. Sharing knowledge, success, and failures can help organizations stay focused and positive. Getting involved in industry-related groups and content is also an asset and driver of elevating print, knowledge is power!