A Day in the Life of Nicholas Gomersall, GB'17
“One of the things I like most about my job is that there are very few typical days.” New Jersey-native Nicholas Gomersall, GB’17, shared a glimpse into his work as new product development program manager in the research and development (R&D) department at DuPont Teijin Films.
Gomersall explained, “We make polyester films for applications including touch screen electronics, components in solar panels and food packaging. I spend most of my energy at work talking to people, which challenges my introverted nature. Between collecting input from customers and sales, devising potential solutions with our chemists and working with the manufacturing team to bring lab solutions up to production scale, all the while discussing the merits and timelines of the projects with management, I’m communicating all day.”
He gave a snapshot of his typical work cycle. “The manufacturing plant where I work runs at all hours. Due to the nature of new product development, we can start a trial at any time, whether it’s 7 a.m. or 11 p.m., and it depends on what other products are running. There’s a planning phase that precedes trial days, and we conduct data analysis following trials.”
Gomersall described the planning stage. “I spend a lot of those days in meetings. During this phase I inform the manufacturing group on the intent of the trial. I develop a trial plan with instructions for each of the groups involved, which are typically the logistics team, the manufacturing team, the quality team and the R&D support team.”
He delved into trial days. “I arrive early and run through a pre-trial checklist which includes making sure we have the necessary raw materials in the correct places, ensuring that the operating team has the right set of conditions and addressing any last minute questions. After that, my day is consumed with making sure the work instructions are followed and the critical data collection occurs. Often we’ll have to do some troubleshooting if the process doesn’t go as planned. These tend to be longer days and can require several days where some of the other program managers help to provide relief so that I can get some sleep.”
“Following a plant trial,” he continued, “I work through the data, fine-tuning the process where I can and identifying any possible points of error. The trial polyester film is then shipped to the customer, we solicit feedback and the process repeats. We get some projects right the first time, but usually we undergo two or three iterations before the customer is completely satisfied with the new product.”
When asked about a program he’s managing, he shared, “One of the programs I’m working on that I think has great potential is a type of cook-in packaging. Let’s say you go to a store and choose our product, which contains a whole seasoned turkey. You bring it home and place the whole package in the oven. You never touch the turkey, eliminating the potential for cross-contamination between raw meat and your kitchen surfaces. This could be especially useful for the food service industry.”
“As cliché as it may sound, the best part of my job is completing a successful project,” he revealed. “Sitting on a conference call with a customer and hearing them say the product works great is the part of my job I look forward to the most, especially considering the amount of effort that went into every step of the process leading up to that moment.”
Gomersall’s background in mechanical engineering prepared him for the technical parts of his job. “I work well with my chemist colleagues, but I’ve had a more difficult time adjusting to the business aspects of my job. Since starting graduate school at The Richmond MBA last August, I’ve grown more confident presenting proposals to our product approval committee, and I feel as though I’m more able to speak the language. My biggest takeaway from the program has been that business isn’t a black box process that’s only meaningful to those in upper management, but it’s something in which every employee can take part. Every customer interaction is a marketing opportunity, every bill of materials entry can be seen as accounting and every presentation is a chance to build upon my personal brand.”
In the past several months, Gomersall’s typical day has changed greatly with the birth of his first child. “I was able to work with Lois Vogle to see what extra classes I could take last fall so that I would be able to take an easier course load once my son was born. Because of the extra homework, studying and class time I had then, I really improved upon my time management skills. Now that I have new responsibilities at home, these skills are paying off, and I'm able to balance work, school, childcare and my hobbies much better than I think I otherwise would have.”
Photo (left to right): Andrew Basile, Gomersall and Nick Baldaino during Opening Residency 2014