Agnieszka, thank you first of all for finding a moment to talk, because I know that there is a lot of work, and due to the fact that you are pregnant, you work mostly remotely. You joined the company in 2017, do you still remember your first contact with FOX? What was your first impression?

It was time to graduate and, like every student, I started wondering what I wanted to do in life, what I liked. 
I didn't really know it then. I graduated from the Krakow University of Technology, specializing in Plastics Technology, and I planned to develop further in this direction, but I have not yet had the opportunity to check whether I would be more happy working in the laboratory, testing plastics, or in plastic processing. I remember a lecturer at university who told us that plastic processing was "a hard nut to crack" - now, after a few years, I can confirm that she was right. I wanted to calmly defend my master's degree and then start looking for a job. While writing, I was looking for companies in my area of residence and checking where I could apply. Then I noticed that FOX was looking for interns for the Quality Department. I read the company's portfolio, which fit my guidelines very well. Unfortunately, when I finished my studies, internships program had already started and there were no new offers, so I decided to deliver my CV to the company in person. I was contacted the same day and received an invitation for an interview. This meeting was one of the most pleasant recruitment interviews I have had so far. This confirmed my belief that I really want to work here. I started working at FOX as an intern in the Quality Department to get to know the process and products. The internship lasted 3 months. During this time, I could verify which direction I wanted to go. 
I noticed that what I enjoy most is operating machines, selecting parameters, and developing new products. 
I was closer to this than to conducting quality tests. After the internship, I became a Polymer Technologist... and here I am :)

Agnieszka, do you remember the first days and weeks when you joined the company?

The beginnings were nice, I gradually got to know the team who willingly shared their knowledge and experience with me. However, I noticed that everyone here is very committed and focused on work. Then I thought that if I wanted to stay here, I had to develop a system of priorities and be able to organize my work station during the internship.

Was there anyone who mentored and supported you during this time?

Yes, my supervisor helped me, directed me, and explained who I could contact at a given stage.

What do you appreciate most about working at FOX? What is most important to you?

First of all, I would like to emphasize that I really liked this job.  There are people who assume that they go to work just to be there for 8 hours and come back home, but I really pursue my professional career during this time. I started working right after graduation, having only theoretical knowledge, but at FOX I encountered practice, which is completely different. I had a lot of freedom to learn, sometimes through mistakes, and we all know that these lessons from the perspective of time are always the most valuable. I could become independent and focus on work, because that was the only way to get the expected result. What I appreciate most is the opportunity to grow and learn that I have at FOX.

After a few months spent at the company, 
I decided that in order to work well, I needed additional teaching support. Thanks to FOX, I was able to take part in various types of fairs, workshops, industry courses, but also complete postgraduate studies in the field of injection mold construction - it was the most valuable experience that showed me my work from a different point of view. I was also able to meet people from the industry, although I must admit that it is always a bit more difficult for women to break into this field. At FOX, however, there are several women in technical positions who perform their tasks very well. Additionally, something I particularly appreciate about our company is the lack of boredom - the completion of one project fuels the development of the next one, which is why I hope that routine and burnout won't threaten me :)

Has a lot changed in the Polymer Department during your work?

A lot, first of all the department has grown. The interns come, they get involved and we are happy that they stay with us. From the perspective of these few years, it is clear that the company's successes drive the need to develop individual areas. Compared to other companies from a similar industry, we are constantly investing in new products and machinery.

What character traits help you achieve success?

I think the main features that helped me were perseverance, determination and ambition. Everyone knows that until I understand the topic and confirm all the options for solving the problems, I will not give up. This worked very well in the position of Technologist and Project Manager, which I have recently been working in.

What are you currently doing as a Project Manager? How have your responsibilities changed?

I manage projects related to the introduction of new products and modifications of existing ones, from the very beginning, establishing the budget and input data, to launching serial production.

What advice would you give to young engineers just starting their career path?

One, simple advice - keep trying and don't give up. This is an advice that is often repeated, but it is true. You should look for "yourself at work" in such way that it brings pleasure and does not be like tiring duty.

Agnieszka, thank you very much for the inspiring conversation. All the best to you and the baby.