Becky Cater

Product Development Manager, Sleep Number

What problem(s) are you working to solve?
Working in product development, I am continually challenged to find a way to deliver the best possible customer experience while at the same time meeting cost targets and other organizational goals. Engineering is about more than just finding a technical solution to a problem or customer need. It is also important to consider the impact on your organization, so you can deliver a solution that best meets the needs of both external customers and internal stakeholders.

What makes the Minneapolis and Saint Paul region (MSP) a great place to grow your career?
One of the great things about the MSP region is the diversity of industry. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in manufacturing, industrial equipment, chemicals and consumer products to name a few. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to challenge yourself and advance your career.

What do you think surprises people about MSP?
Many people don’t realize how strong our education system is here. Starting with early childhood education through graduate studies, there are so many great schools, both public and private. This makes the MSP region a great place to raise a family and to continue your own education.

What advice do you have for women engineers starting in their careers?
Be open to new career opportunities that come your way and don’t be afraid to try something new. Some of the most rewarding steps along my career path have come about as a result of taking on a role that was well outside my comfort zone and sometimes even outside my definition of what I thought of as an engineering role. If you keep an open mind about your career path, you may find you wind up somewhere better than you could have imagined.