Ep. 188 - Lessons from the Factory Floor: Career Advice for Manufacturing Professionals

Manufacturing Hub

Manufacturing is a fast-moving industry with evolving technologies, shifting business priorities, and increasing demand for skilled professionals. Whether you’re just starting your career, looking to deepen your technical expertise, or considering a move into management, knowing how to navigate your journey can make all the difference.

In this episode of The Manufacturing Hub, Vlad and Dave share career stories, key lessons, and valuable advice from their years of experience in manufacturing and industrial automation. They’ll discuss what it takes to grow in the industry, the skills that have been most valuable in their careers, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.

Topics covered in this episode:
How to transition from an entry-level role to an advanced technical position
The key skills manufacturing professionals need to stay relevant
What engineers should consider when moving into management
Lessons learned from real-world manufacturing projects
Common pitfalls to avoid in career development
The importance of networking, continuous learning, and adaptability
Vlad and Dave will also be answering live questions from the audience. If you’re listening to this as a podcast, remember that you can join the conversation live every Wednesday at 4 PM Eastern / 1 PM Pacific on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Beyond career advice, this episode will also provide a sneak peek into The Manufacturing Hub’s 2025 plans. The podcast has long focused on monthly themes covering a wide range of manufacturing topics, from automation and digital transformation to industrial cybersecurity and AI in production. Vlad and Dave have been working on new themes for the upcoming year, and they’re excited to hear your thoughts.

If you have suggestions for future topics, guest recommendations, or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out. This community is built around shared knowledge and open discussions, and every contribution helps shape the conversation.

Why This Episode Matters
For anyone in the manufacturing space, career growth is not just about mastering technical skills—it’s about understanding industry trends, learning from others' experiences, and positioning yourself for future opportunities. As automation continues to reshape the industry and new technologies emerge, professionals who can adapt, lead, and problem-solve will be in high demand.

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Join Vlad and Dave live each week to engage with the community and stay up to date on the latest trends in manufacturing, automation, industrial software, and technology.

About Manufacturing Hub:

Manufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly!

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
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