International Women’s Day 2019 – Emma Honey

Emma started working at Alan Snow Ltd five years ago as Service Manager where her role included managing the flow of work through the workshop, as well as booking in all service and break down repairs. On returning to work after maternity leave last year Emma was offered flexible hours to suit her family commitments and has recently been promoted to Aftersales Manager. With great support from her employer and flexible working hours, Emma is an example that women can develop a successful career and raise a family. 

In her new role as Aftersales Manager, Emma supervises the workshop and aims to offer more aftersales support to customers to make sure their needs are fully met. Here she gives us an insight into why she chose to take up this career path and some of the key steps to her current management position, “I am a farmer’s daughter and wanted to have a career in the agricultural industry. I was offered an apprenticeship within automotive parts at an agricultural engineering company I previously worked for. I chose this career because I knew that I could gain further qualifications and progress in the industry to management roles which have been very rewarding.”

Emma adds, “It is a rewarding career and it gives you great job satisfaction that you can succeed in a male dominated environment. It would be great to see more women in the industry.”    

Overcoming Challenges

The agricultural industry can be perceived of as a predominantly male sector and Emma explains that she has faced and overcome barriers within the workplace. “I find customers and mechanics do assume you can’t do the job and that you don’t know anything about agricultural machinery. But with my experience and knowledge I prove that I can do the job successfully and gain their respect.” Emma has often found herself as the only woman present at service meetings and training sessions but she is unfazed and advises, “You just need to have confidence in yourself and contribute, don’t just sit there quietly.”

Balance for Better

Reflecting on gender equality within the agricultural industry, there is positive news and the sector is building a better balance. Emma explains, “There are equal opportunities in the industry. I think it needs to be promoted more so that women are aware that they can pursue a career path like mine. Importantly you can still have a successful career when you have a family.”

Emma agrees that diversity is an important factor influencing the modern business environment. “It brings more talent and skills to a business, it would be great if jobs weren’t perceived in terms of ‘male’ and ‘female’ roles.”

For women seeking to pursue a similar career path Emma advises, “From my own experience my advice would be you need to be willing to learn and listen to others. Also be strong minded, stand your ground and persevere. It was difficult when I was training as I didn’t have the knowledge or experience but now I have that, I can prove to mechanics and customers that I understand what they are talking about which gives you great job satisfaction.”