Landing the right job is a skill. It involves marrying your abilities and interests with an organization that aligns with your values and perspectives about the future. While the concept seems simple in theory, it’s a bit more complicated–but not impossible– in practice.
And is the story and experience of Katie Slaughter and Komatsu.
Komatsu is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of equipment and technology solutions for industries such as construction, mining, forestry, and industrial machinery. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, Komatsu strives to improve customer operations through advanced products and services. Their solutions are designed to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and support the efficient use of resources, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of a diverse range of industries worldwide.
In addition to its strong industrial presence, Komatsu is also a tech company, leveraging cutting-edge practices to develop innovative solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. Slaughter found her entry point in the company at this intersection, working as an intern and eventually becoming a full-time employee as a mining application engineer.
“I’m a liaison between our customers, the mine sites, and our engineering and product management teams,” Slaughter explained.
Her work includes conducting research to determine the best solutions for mines that want to buy new equipment, repair broken equipment, or invest in greener technology. This excites her because Slaughter believes the mining industry is a space where real change can happen.
“Being with Komatsu, it is a standard corporate role, but at the same time, we’re making new technologies that are going to change the future, and I think that’s really cool,” Slaughter said.
The mining industry is quite male-dominated, but that landscape is changing. With more diverse talent entering the space, the ecosystem is becoming more inclusive, and Komatsu is a champion of that diversity.
Komatsu is open to championing diverse perspectives and voices and understands that the resume doesn’t always tell the total picture. With an array of interests and transferable skills, there is an entire world of opportunities that could be available if you’re open to exploring.
“I definitely won’t stay an application engineer forever. It’s a role where you develop a lot of skills that are necessary for other higher-level roles,” Slaughter said.
She continued, “I’m sure that when a good opportunity comes around, I can trust that my managers and the people that know me will be able to recommend it to me and help me take the necessary steps to get there.”
Click here to learn more about Komatsu and the opportunities that could be a good match for you.
