Today we visited Titan Cement and the Athens airport, where we learned about their operations, values, and what sets them apart in their industry. These visits have really made me stop and reflect on how I can make a positive difference in the world as a future industrial engineer. I will have the opportunity to work with both customers and teammates to solve real-world problems. One way I can contribute is by creating new products for consumers that fulfill their needs. This is what Titan Cement did for the Elekinon project when they made a special concrete to withstand the harsh conditions of being near the ocean. By finding unmet user needs and creating solutions, I can help make people’s lives easier and safer.
Secondly, I can make sure that I am as available as possible for communication. During our meeting with the Athens airport, we got to speak to the airport manager, who was kind enough to take time out of his day to talk to us. Every so often during our conversation, he would stop to pick up the phone, which not only showed how important he is but also how easy it was to get hold of him. There is nothing more frustrating than not getting a response from someone, and this meeting has shown me that one of the most positive impacts I can make on my future teammates is to be as easy to reach as possible, so that I don’t waste their time, and to get work done as fast as possible.