How I Made It: Nushrat Ahmed: CNC Swiss Operator

My high school’s auto tech teachers were teaching me how to drive, and I realized, ‘I like the vibe of this place. Maybe I should learn how to take care of my car.’ The following semester I joined auto tech, and I really liked it. I got along with my teachers really well and they saw potential in me. So I pursued an education at NASCAR Tech, taking auto and NASCAR classes.

I needed to work while at NASCAR Tech, so I looked into machining because CNC is huge in Mooresville and found Victory 1 Valves. It was really clean, really organized. It was a good place to start because I didn't know what CNC was. Victory 1 Valves transferred me to Trend Motorsports, where I work now.

I love the hands-on stuff. I love almost cutting my finger by accident, having to actually be careful. I love the feeling of setting up and hitting go and making sure everything's okay.

I want to influence younger people, immigrants and first generation Americans to lead them in the direction of manufacturing, which I kind of have been doing with my extended family and the younger kids I'm around.

Don't let anybody talk you out of it. A lot of people are going to tell you it's dirty or you can't grow, but there are so many avenues outside of being a machine operator. It's a really rewarding field, you’ve just got to stick with it and find the part that clicks with you.

My dad sometimes says, ‘Maybe start looking at desk jobs.’ I was able to change his mind, but I feel like girls’ parents are going to push back on them harder. Don't listen to them. Do it for yourself.

The young generation wants things to be more inclusive. My family is Muslim, and I’d like to have Eid off, but I know that’s not always possible.

During the day I’m working with machines, manufacturing metal parts. And in the evening, when I'm crocheting, I’m manufacturing things again. I'm taking material, putting it through a process and coming out with the finished product. That is manufacturing. I've even learned how to price my items from my job.

Sometimes it might feel hard to move up. But the more you advocate for yourself, the more people actually hear you.

It’s harder for women because we have to prove ourselves even more. It’s not anything we're not used to, but that doesn't mean it's okay.

It may be annoying when your male counterparts get applauded for doing something that you’ve been doing, but instead of internalizing it, point out to your bosses that you can handle more responsibility, and your work ethic and results can prove it. Your bosses will look at that and say, ‘She’s taking initiative. She wants this and she’s hungry for it.’