When João São José moved from Portugal to the Netherlands three years in the past, it was to do greater than begin a brand new job, it was a leap into a very new atmosphere, language and profession path. What drew him in? The popularity of the workforce, the possibility to be taught one thing new day-after-day and the chance for private {and professional} progress.
“I’d at all times been eager about additive manufacturing,” João explains, “however I didn’t really feel very assured in my English, so I made a decision to take a extra hands-on function to construct that confidence whereas additionally studying from the within.” A suggestion from his brother Tiago who was already at Shapeways painted an image of a collaborative, open firm tradition — and that was sufficient to spark his transfer to Eindhoven.
Ranging from the bottom up
João joined Shapeways as a Manufacturing Technician. It was a task that gave him front-line publicity to all the manufacturing course of from dealing with components straight out of the printer, checking high quality, ending them, by means of to getting them prepared for purchasers. “Regardless that the method might sound repetitive, no two days are ever the identical,” he says. “Each tray of components is completely different. Each half brings new challenges. That’s what retains it thrilling.”
From day one, João was already excited about enhancements. “I had concepts about how you can make sure steps extra environment friendly, however I used to be nervous to share them at first as a result of I used to be new and didn’t understand how folks would react. However the workforce was superb. That second actually confirmed I used to be in the fitting place.”
Stepping up and standing out
João’s curiosity grew along with his confidence, particularly by way of how jobs had been ready earlier than printing, how the workforce managed tight buyer deadlines and the way so many components might be produced with such precision. That curiosity led him to affix the Planning workforce and later step into the function of Course of Technician.
Right now, he works as a Senior Manufacturing Technician, planning all incoming orders and ensuring printers are operating as effectively as potential. He additionally works instantly with prospects to evaluate whether or not their designs are appropriate for the chosen know-how and, if not, helps them modify for a greater final result.
“I really like the problem-solving facet of this job,” he says. “Becoming advanced orders into print trays, discovering methods to optimize workflows positively retains you sharp. And we’re at all times in search of methods to automate and enhance what we do.”
Development is a byproduct of belief and teamwork
João is fast to credit score his growth to the workforce round him. “Since day one, I’ve felt supported. Persons are at all times keen to reply questions, share what they know and provides trustworthy suggestions. That gave me the boldness to strive new issues.”
The belief positioned in him made an enormous distinction too. “Each time I confirmed curiosity in one thing new, my managers inspired me to go for it. Whether or not it was studying about planning or optimizing a workflow, they gave me area and help.”
That openness to progress is one thing João sees as core to Shapeways. “There’s an actual tradition of steady studying right here. When you’re proactive and wish to develop, that is the fitting atmosphere.”
Balancing complexity with calm
With so many alternative prospects, applied sciences and jobs to handle, João admits it’s not simple. “It’s numerous quantity and numerous shifting components, so we’ve got to remain targeted to ship high quality on time.”
“That you must keep calm beneath stress. If one thing goes improper, you search for an answer, not somebody responsible. And when you see an opportunity to stop future issues, you’re taking it.”
A workforce that displays the world
Working within the worldwide, cross-functional workforce at Shapeways Eindhoven is one thing João clearly values. “We’ve acquired folks from throughout which creates this mixture of concepts and views that you just wouldn’t get wherever else.”
That variety, he says, is without doubt one of the workforce’s strengths. “Everybody brings one thing completely different. We’re all studying from one another and there’s an actual sense of collaboration. It’s open, it’s supportive and it actually works.”
Classes in management
Trying again, João sees adaptability, curiosity and a focus to element as key elements for fulfillment in his function. “Issues change quick — new orders, new priorities — so you must keep versatile. However communication is simply as necessary. You need to work throughout groups, clarify selections and keep aligned.”
“When it comes to my abilities I might say planning, optimization and time administration have all grown massively. However truthfully, one of many largest issues has been my confidence in English. I by no means imagined I’d be doing this sort of work in a second language.”
What’s subsequent for João? In all probability one other problem. One other enchancment to chase. One other course of to fine-tune. As a result of for somebody pushed by progress, that is simply the following layer.