Women at Panasonic Heating and Cooling Solutions Europe

Welcome to our latest interview where you will be diving into the HVAC industry through different women perspectives and careers.

How do you started in the HVACR industry?

I started through an internship as a back office engineer in a HVACR manufacturer while I was still studying at university.

What are some common misconceptions about working in the HVACR industry?

I don't think there are any conceptual errors, but perhaps a lack of knowledge about the industry itself from the outside. In other words, the installations in general are elements that the user is not used to perceiving and is not aware of the design difficulties that they may have entailed.

What do you enjoy most about working in Panasonic?

There are many aspects that I could highlight, but perhaps what I like the most is the human team that makes up Panasonic. There is a great work environment that then translates into great teamwork. There is always someone willing to help you with a difficulty or query.

What qualities do you think are essential for success in HVACR?

In my opinion, a good technical and academic background is very important since it is a market of very specific and technical products, but today what differentiates you are the personal skills (soft skills) and values that allow you to connect with the customer. It is your personal brand that allows you to establish trusting and lasting relationships.

It is also importat, being able to adapt quickly to a sector that is constantly evolving and for which you need to have the ability to anticipate and be in continuous training.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in HVACR?

That they have confidence in themselves that they can contribute a lot to a company.  When you start a professional career, certain fears are usually generated due to lack of experience, but the reality is that a younger profile always brings new approaches and ways of doing things. Experience is acquired over time and it is precisely this symbiosis between junior and senior profiles that makes a company evolve, in addition to of course, guaranteeing generational change.

How can we support and encourage more women to join the HVACR industry?

Perhaps giving greater visibility, not to the industry itself but to the possible professional opportunities it offers, which are many. From the design and R+D part, marketing, engineering, sales, after-sales, etc... The range of professional opportunities is really wide and covers very different types of professionals.

How do you continue to learn and expand your knowledge in HVACR?

I always try to be in continuous training and for this I like to be present at the different training sessions offered by the sector, both internally in the company and through informative organizations. Also through more specific courses or by carrying out a master's degree.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in HVACR?

It is a very changing market in which it is necessary to be in continuous recycling of both new products, technology, regulations. What I try to do is to continue training day by day through the different training sessions in the sector, related news, etc...

How do you foster teamwork and collaboration among your colleagues?

In every company, it is essential that there is a good work environment and promote teamwork. For my part, I always try to face the challenges of the day to day with a good attitude and positivity since it is what you transmit to your colleagues and what I would like to receive from them. In addition to this, I think it is important that there is good communication within the team and knowing how to value individual opinions.

What role do you see sustainability playing in the future of HVACR?

Without a doubt, a fundamental role. We must be aware of the impact that our activity has on the environment and try to minimize it as much as possible. That is why the sector must be in continuous evolution so that this allows us to have new technologies and more sustainable solutions.

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