We sat down with Madison Koopman, an Electrical Apprentice on our Grand Rapids team, to see what her experience has been at FZ. Here's what she had to say!
What first brought you to the trades? What made you interested in the electrical field?
It was a series of unfortunate events. I discovered very early on that desk jobs were not for me, so I started looking for something fulfilling that would keep me up and moving around. I worked a few jobs but they continued to fall through due to inconsistent work or repercussions from the economy. I can't stand flipping through jobs like that, and it made me realize I wanted to invest in a career that offers long-term security.
One of my good friends works at FZ and one day told me that he thought I would make a good electrician. I honestly hadn't considered it before, but it got me thinking. I've always loved working with my hands and consider myself a lifelong learner. I love change and thrive in new environments. Learning a new trade like electrical stood out as a life skill I could build.
Through that friend, I met more FZers and they all had positive things to say about FZ and the electrical industry as a whole. Given my prior experience with lackluster companies, that felt pretty rare. I decided to apply. I walked out of my interview with a job offer and the rest is history.
What have you enjoyed about the electrical industry?
Like I said before, I love learning new things. I love being challenged and having to problem-solve. The electrical industry combines all of that. Every day, I get to work with my hands, I'm always doing something new, and I'm always learning new skills.
I know it sounds cliché, but it is cool to see the actual works of your hands. Every day you can visibly see progress. Pulling, terminating, testing, and then seeing the power go on - it is so cool.
What have you enjoyed about FZ?
Oh, that's easy. The people. Currently, I'm working on a large electrical construction project and our team has become like a family. I love the variety of different people I get to work with. Even on the hardest days, it's so cool to know that we're all in on it together and are building memories and camaraderie. The people really do care about you.
What are your career goals?
I'd like to get my journeyman's license. I feel like it is something concrete to work towards that I would always have in my 'tool bag.' I'm also interested in working on different projects with other FZ project teams. Service seems interesting, I'd like to give it a try.
I love that there is opportunity to grow at FZ. I know that if I ever become restless or want to keep learning, there are opportunities for that.
What has been your experience working as a female in this industry?
I've had other jobs where I've felt like I was being treated differently, but so far that hasn't happened here. It's apparent that if you work hard and are open to learning, you will be respected. I've always just wanted to feel like part of the team, and I do.
It is funny, I was originally worried that I wouldn’t be strong enough or big enough physically as compared to my peers. But my size has actually become an asset for our team. On my current project, we've run into some situations where they've needed someone small to get into a tight space to complete the work. I've come to realize that my limitations are my strengths.
What would you say to someone who is interested in pursuing the trades?
It's so cheesy to say, but 'just go for it!' You'll never know what you're capable of until you try.
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