Nicole Odum

Senior Research and Development Engineer at AM/NS Calvert

nicole.odum@arcelormittal.com

What is your mission as a company?

Our mission is Innovations in Steel, Strengthened by People. Our values of sustainability, quality, and leadership stand on a foundation of health and safety.

 

What is your company culture?

We are driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for excellence. Boldness is rewarded and curiosity is valued. We see the opportunities in challenges. Never content to stand still, we are on a journey that aims to push the boundaries of possibility in our industry. We are reducing the carbon footprint of steel, discovering new ways to build buildings, and we’re using advanced technology to improve the efficiency of the steel manufacturing process. Believing no one ever reaches their full potential, we encourage our 168,000+ employees to challenge themselves so they can develop, grow and progress.

Safety

Wherever we are in the world, safety comes first. Building and maintaining a safety first culture is a daily commitment and one that relies on the full engagement of our leadership and workforce. Rigorous safety procedures, combined with thorough training and a culture of shared vigilance where people are encouraged to speak up are in place across our operations. We have further to go on our journey to zero but there is no more important result in the company than our safety performance.

Boldness in business

Boldness is at the core of our culture. We want to encourage and lend profile to businesses that demonstrate the attribute that underlines so much of what we do.

ArcelorMittal has supported the annual FT ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Awards since 2009. The awards recognize companies and individuals who have challenged the status quo and taken calculated risks to drive their businesses forward in the face of economic uncertainty.

 

What are your recommendations for seeking mentorship and support in the workplace

Employees should contact HR and determine if they have a mentorship program in place already. If so, become a participant in the company’s mentor program. If not, I would suggest observing the work ethic of the people within your department, as well as those you come in contact with, and look for a person who has qualities, characteristics, and accomplishments similar to what you are envisioning. Approach them and ask them if they would be interested in being your mentor. The key is to be prepared when you approach them with an outline of why you choose them, what you expect from them and anticipated meeting times/dates. Those items ensure that both parties obtain the maximum about of benefit from this relationship. I would even ask the mentor how I could help them and agree to some terms. Mentorship should never be one-sided.

 

How do I ask for help as a professional?

Simply ask. No one knows it all and not being afraid to ask when you don’t know is a major key in being a professional and to excel in your chosen career.

 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to your college-aged self?

Do not be afraid to do the things others around you are afraid to do— such as studying abroad and networking.

 

How can my Auburn Engineering education best prepare me for the world of work?

Completing the Auburn Engineering education is all that you need. It is curated in a manner to help you excel in just about any situation.

 

If you were to hire someone to work with you today, what factors would be most important in your hiring decision and why?

They need to exhibit the following characteristics: be a continual learner, learn to get along with all people, and be a hard worker. Grades are important to give an outlook on potential performance, but to me, they do not weigh as heavily.

 

What types of experiences, paid employment, or otherwise, would you most strongly recommend?

I strongly recommend being involved in organizations centered around your discipline and network with as many people as you can. Please co-op or participate in an internship—the earlier the better. I would also suggest pairing with a professor to perform some activities on their research work—this would provide an extra look into engineering.

 

Sponsor Website Careers Page