Networking and lending a helping hand to other SGPers is an essential component of the SGP. Visit Andrew Hyder to learn how this is put into everyday practice.

I had always planned to find a career where I could obtain highly technical experiences from various perspectives/positions within a single company while developing my leadership skills.  I was surprised to discover that such a program existed.  When I learned about the international opportunities, the SGP complied perfectly to my ideal entry-level position.

The SGP offers a commitment to us to expand our horizons.  It not only provides the high-level on-the-job training, but it also facilitates our interpersonal networking and communication skills with annual conferences and social gatherings.

So far during my first assignment I have been able to learn new technical skills, like modal analysis and FEM, as well as facilitate and organize research and development projects.

I was preparing to benchmark a large motor and needed to organize the testing process with multiple people from various departments.  When I would approach someone I had not previously met, who was also working on their own project, and they would greet me with a smile and tell me exactly what I needed to do.  I was very impressed with the willingness of the Norwood staff to go out of their way to make sure I was prepared for my next step.

The style of my mentoring team is exactly what I need to succeed.  They are always available to answer my questions or refer me to someone who can, but they do not impose their learning styles on me.  Part of the SGP is being able and willing to take the initiative, and whenever I express interest in a topic, I have all the support I need to carry a project to the finish.

Each year, there is a conference where each SGP member can interact with all of the other active “SGPers” and learn about their assignments and goals.Each SGPer also has the opportunity to participate in an introductory conference with only the recent additions to the program to bounce ideas off each other and grow together in the program.Each month, I have been joining SGPers from around the country in informal gatherings to socialize and share experiences.  There are also routine “Community Calls” where we can learn about the company and stay up to date with ongoing projects.Each day, I have the opportunity to interact with every SGPer (Through Office Communicator) to keep in touch.  Additionally, I have been able to mingle with colleagues from my plant as well as those I have met from outside my first rotation.

Since I have started, I have been true to my personal and professional standards and have never felt like I should do anything but.