This post is also available in: Deutsch
In our NORMAPeople series, employees around the world talk about their day-to-day work, how they came to the company and what they appreciate most about their jobs.
David Carosella, Director Strategic Footprint, and his daughter Jillian, who was an intern in the Engineering department, worked together this past summer at the NORMA Group site in Auburn Hills, USA. In this interview, they tell us about their experiences working as father and daughter in the same company and the dynamics this brings to their professional and private lives.
Jillian, how long is your internship and what are you studying?
My internship lasted from May to August during my summer break from university. I’m studying mechanical engineering at Michigan State University and was working at NORMA Group as an engineering intern. I was an intern at the company last year and I am happy to have been given the opportunity again this year.
What does your job involve?
Together with the Application Engineering department, I worked on a project to reduce the number of parts for the NORMA Quick Connectors C-Series. The objective of the project is to standardize and reduce part numbers to save time and money and increase overall efficiency in the production cycle.
I started the project last summer and have been able to continue it this summer. I also helped with a few other projects like collecting and consolidating data.
David, can you tell us a little bit about your job?
One of my key tasks is to support business development in the Americas region. The focus in recent years has been on establishing the new production site in Lithia Springs, Georgia, specifically for NDS. I previously played a key role in the successful establishment of our sites in Atibaia, Brazil, as well as Tijuana, Mexico.
These projects were important milestones in the expansion of our company and have made a decisive contribution to strengthening our presence in those crucial markets.
Jillian, why did you decide to do an internship at NORMA Group?
I have always been inspired by my father and the things that he has achieved, and that led me to pursue a career in engineering. I decided to do an internship at NORMA Group because I wanted to deepen my knowledge in the field of mechanical engineering.
“And where better to do that than at NORMA Group, a company I grew up with.”
What’s it like for you to work in the same company as your father?
My father travels a lot for work, so we haven’t see each other at work every day. The days when we worked together were unique and extremely valuable. This experience has enabled me to understand my father in a new way and to strengthen our relationship both personally and professionally.
David, what has the experience been like for you?
I certainly value the time we can spend together in a professional working environment and also enjoy our work-related discussions at home. The internship program is a well-organized process and an excellent opportunity for me to observe Jillian interacting with others, both in the office and with members of the project team.
Jillian, are there any challenges or advantages that you have encountered in your work environment because of your family relationship?
I think working alongside my father pushes me to always give my best and strive to be the most professional and hardworking version of myself. Plus, he sometimes took me out to lunch, which was great!
What are some of the things you have learned from your father?
First and foremost, the importance of collaboration, leadership and diverse perspectives when it comes to solving challenges and making decisions. He has also shown me how to balance work and personal life.
Apart from work, do you also have common interests?
When both of us are at home, we enjoy planning and preparing family dinners. Also, this summer, we found some time to play disc golf together.
David, what are your goals for the future?
I want to continue to deliver on my professional responsibilities and help others to achieve NORMA Group’s growth objectives.
“And from a father’s perspective, I want to enjoy the journey and support my children as they start their careers.”
And you, Jillian?
I would like to continue my work in mechanical engineering and plan to look for a position in this field after graduation. I want to contribute to meaningful projects and have a positive impact on the world around me.
