Paula Cote Stiffler

Why did you decide to enter a technical career field?
At the time I graduated high school in the 70s, the work force demand was in Nursing or Engineering, I pursued engineering.

What has been your career journey so far?
Most of my career was in supervision moving up through the ranks and relocating to different parts of the eastern US at various locomotive shops.  At the end of my career, I now maintain the locomotive database that keeps NS compliant with EPA and FRA regulations at NS headquarters.

What does a typical day involve for you?
 Analyzing data to improve locomotive reliability.  Working with I.T. to improve the database used by locomotive shops in their daily production of work.  Leveling known scheduled production in locomotive shops, to continually help to drive down the bad order ratio of locomotives in the shops.  Locomotives sitting in shops, are fewer locomotives being used by transportation to haul freight.

What aspects of that are the most challenging?
When in supervision, the most challenging aspect was how to motivate a union labor force.  (And handle discipline in a fair and equal manner.)

What do you like most about your job?
The benefits and wages.

What motivates you to put forward your greatest effort?
The company pension is dependent on great employees keeping this railroad alive, continuing this benefit for future employees.

What would be your advice to young women entering the industry?
Look for opportunities to make a difference in the railroad through improved technology to save time and money. Always strive to be an asset to the company.