Contact Information:
Name:
Ms. Crysti Blakemore

E-mail address:
cblakemore@dow.com

Education Information
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering

Degree Received:
BS

Graduation Year:
1997

Activities, student organizations, leadership roles, etc. in which I was involved at UT:
AIChE-President, Student Engineering Council-Director of Outreach and Boy Scouts of America Program, Undergraduate Enhancement Committee, Tau Beta Pi, Delta Delta Delta Sorority,Career Services Volunteer, Black Cultural Center Tutor, engineering co-op program participant.

Job Information
Employer Name:
The Dow Chemical Company

Employer Web Site:
http://www.dow.com

Present Job Title:
Senior Account Representative

Brief description of my job responsibilities, e.g. a typical week in my job:
I am a Sr. Account Representative for Dow and work in our Industrial Chemicals business.  I sell heat transfer fluids to chemical distributors across the United States.  These are low temp thermal fluids and the major markets for these fluids are the HVAC, Food, and the Oil & Gas Industries.  I communicate pricing, establish contract call-offs, provide market leads, technical assistance, and solve invoice discrepancies.  While in the office, I interact with my customers over the phone/internet.  I also work closely with Dow's customer service and marketing groups.  This job requires a flexible schedule since some travel is required.

Suggestions I would give to undergraduate students with regard to courses, internships, and other means of preparation for my career field:
In regards to courses, I would suggest a public speaking course or technical writing class since communication is such a key part of today's workforce. Even more importantly, I recommend that all students participate in the co-op and/or internship program with the Universtiy. That introduction to the industry puts the student at a great advantage when it comes time to interview for full-time employment. It is also helps the student decide what avenue they might initially want to take when they graduate and allows for a better "match" when they accept their full time job.

My career path in getting to this position:
I have been active in the chemical industry for almost ten years now.  I was first introduced to the chemical engineering while in undergraduate school at UT.  I participated in both the co-op and internship program.  During those terms, I was introduced to various businesses in both manufacturing and research positions.  Once I graduated, I accepted a full time position with Dow Chemical's Polycarbonate group where I worked as a manufacturing and project management engineer. My next role within Dow was a technical service and development position within Dow's Polyolefins Food and Specialty Packaging Business.  Currently, I am a direct seller for heat transfer fluids and work with chemical distributors across the United States.

Other advice for students interested in gaining entry into and pursuing a career in this field:
Aside from gaining work experience while in school, it is also important to get involved with your department and groups on campus. Take advantage of recruiters' time on campus to network and learn more about the diverse groups of companies which hire in your field of study.


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