Every Thursday for the next few months, we will feature a new female leader from around the globe, highlighting their career achievements, biggest influences, and the advice they would give to other young women considering a career in the automotive industry.
MEET THIS WEEK’S LEADER: NATASHA URDEA, SERVICE MANAGER, VOLKSWAGON SOUTH COAST
“IF YOU WANT SOMETHING IN LIFE YOU NEED TO WORK FOR IT. DON’T EXPECT SOMEONE TO HAND IT TO YOU.”
First Automotive Job: Appointment Coordinator
PAG Tenure: 1 year
What attracted you to the automotive industry? I stumbled upon the industry. I was working for a temp agency, and I was assigned as a receptionist at a Volvo dealership.
Most satisfying part of your job: Being able to teach my employees.
Proudest professional achievement: My promotion to Service Manager.
Who was the biggest influence in your career? My mom has been my biggest influence. She was a stay-at-home mom for seventeen years and went back to school to get her masters and is now a CFO. My mom taught me that if I want anything in life I will have to work hard. No one is going to hand me anything for free.
Looking back on the last decade, how have you seen the automotive industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women? I see more women today compared to when I started in the industry. And more women are now accepted.
What hobbies do you enjoy? Skydiving, hiking, and going to the beach.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I hope to continue working for PAG.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the automotive industry? It is a wonderful and exciting industry. No one day is ever the same.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received? If you want something in life you need to work for it. Don’t expect someone to hand it to you.
