Olivia Demkowicz – Product Marketing Analyst at Emerson
Before a new product can be released it goes through a series of steps in which it must meet certain criteria with the aim to attract additional investment for further development. It’s a process in which only the strongest contenders (products) make it past the gate.
Through this blog series, we are highlighting those who are currently or have completed the Engineers in Leadership program.
The Emerson Engineers in Leadership Program is a two-year rotational program for undergraduate engineers to gain experience in a range of functional roles and assignments, including engineering, product development, supply chain, operations, and sales and marketing.
In my interview with Olivia Demkowicz, an Emerson Product Marketing Analyst, I learned more about her role and how her work brings new products through the development process, and what she likes to do in her free time.
How long have you worked at Emerson?
I joined Emerson in August of 2020.
Where did you grow up and where are you based now?
I am originally from Shrewsbury, MA. Currently, I work out of the Florham Park, NJ Office.
What brought you to the company?
I joined Emerson with the Engineers in Leadership Program straight out of college. I was excited about the program because I knew that through it, I could try different roles outside of engineering across various business units, and locations, and would have the opportunity to travel and experience new things.
What was your experience like in the Engineering in Leadership program?
I’ve enjoyed my time in the program. It has been an altered experience because of the pandemic, but I’ve learned a lot about the business as a whole. It has been great to interact with leadership and experience how different departments and roles fit together to make an engineering company successful.
What does your job entail? Can you take us through a day in the life at Emerson?
I work as a Product Marketing Analyst for our Fluid Motion & Control business. So far, I have worked towards bringing a new product through the development process. We have a Stage Gate process, where the first Gate assesses the business case of why this product is worth developing, who it is helping, and what it will look like. Recently, I’ve done a lot of market research and collected voice of the customer data by collaborating with our sales and business development teams as well as across marketing and engineering to ensure that the product will meet customer needs and ultimately benefit the business.
What do you like most about being a Product Marketing Analyst? I like that I get to engage from the starting point of the design process. At the beginning stage, we are answering the questions of why are we making this product, who are we making this for, and why the customers need it.
We then brainstorm ways to solve the customer challenges. I find this part rewarding and like to set the strategy for what we’re going to develop, while also interacting with customers and being their advocate during the product development process.
Overall, learning about marketing in this role is something new and exciting for me as a trained engineer.
What do you like most about working at Emerson?
I really like the people here. This was one of the things that brought me to the program from the start. While going through the interview process, everyone was so kind and supportive.
With the EIL program, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people across business units. Last year I was in Ohio; this year, I’m in New Jersey and everyone I’ve encountered has been very willing to answer my questions and offer advice along the way. This fosters a very open and encouraging culture for people who are newer to their careers like I am.
And now some fun ones!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to be active and go to the gym, as well as do yoga or dance. I’ve danced my whole life so I’m trying to keep up with that. I also really like drawing and painting when I have the time for it.
Tell us something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a triplet. It’s my go-to fun fact!
If you won the lottery what is the first thing you would do?
I would pay my student loans and also pay my sibling’s student loans.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
Newport, Rhode Island. I grew up in Massachusetts, and while most people would go to Cape Cod, we went to the beach in Newport. It’s beautiful there, especially in the summer.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Two bits of advice. Treat everyone with respect no matter their status or title. And be true to yourself regardless of who’s in the room.
Don’t change your demeanor or not share your ideas just because there’s a leader or CEO in the room, and you’re worried about how you may be perceived. Everyone is a person at the end of the day and you want to be true to yourself.
If you’d like to learn more about Olivia, check out her LinkedIn profile.
