Julie Harclerode is an engineer today because she was in the right place at the right time - and had the right skills. This member of the Bedford High School Class of '94, graduated four years later from the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown with a Bachelor of Science in biology, but no job. She worked for several years in part-time service jobs, and one day a friend told her that Bedford Materials was hiring. She registered with Thomas Temporaries and the next day was interviewed at Bedford Materials for a position in the company's engineering department.

"The company was interested in me because of my science background, especially my coursework in chemistry and physics," she says. Two years later she now spends her days testing viscosity of resins, certifying the quality of material that goes out the door and compiling daily environmental reports. "It's not what I envisioned when I went to college, but I love working here," she says. "I enjoy the people and the challenge of the job." She says while her education got her in the door and gave her some basic background, most of her day-to-day skills have been learned through experience and from other members of the five-person engineering staff. "The department works very well together," she says. "Everyone has always been very supportive and generous helping me learn the ropes. The senior engineers are great teachers," she says. In addition to the technical skills she's learned on the job, Julie says she has learned responsibility - gained the ability to take on a task and see it through from start to finish.

"This is my first real, full-time job," she says. "I've learned to stand up for myself and trust my abilities. Plus the skills I've gained here are almost like getting another degree - It's definitely been an educational experience. And she says one of the most important benefits of her position is that it has allowed her to stay close to family and friends. "We're very family oriented, and I never wanted to leave the area. I'm very fortunate to have found this position - one that will help my family build our future right here in our hometown."

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