End of an era - Clare Rayment to retire from Atlas Copco after 37 years
We speak to Clare to find out what her highlights have been and what advice she would give those joining the Group
Clare Rayment has been an integral part of the business for 37 years! Having started as an administrator for Atlas Copco Compressors at just 19 years old, Clare has worked as a Product Engineer and a Sales Engineer before returning to the office to head up the team which focused on the customer relationship management system, master data and customer experience. Earlier this year Clare made the decision that it was time for her to retire early from her role and say goodbye to Atlas Copco. We caught up with Clare to find out what she has enjoyed most about her time with the Atlas Copco Group.
What are you most proud of over your career at Atlas Copco?
I am really proud of the way the team has been built over the years and how much they have grown over time – I think they are amazing! People have said that I have been part of other people’s development, not just my own – that makes me proud.
What will you miss about Atlas Copco?
I will miss the people massively, especially the interaction with the sales engineers and the global team and being the person that could find a solution to things for them. I’ll also miss the work, as I’m very proud of my job, and the fact that our customer relationship management system has gone from strength to strength.
How has Atlas Copco evolved in 37 years and how do you think it should continue to evolve in the future?
It’s evolved massively, but at the same time nothing has changed. Technology wise, Atlas Copco has greatly evolved, especially in compressors as they had only just introduced Elektronikon® when I started. Atlas Copco is far more interested in the career and personal development of their employees now as well, so a lot has changed for the better. In terms of continuing to evolve, although Teams meetings and online communications are great, I think it’s important for us to keep that face-to-face interaction going forward, to ensure customer experiences are the best that they can be.
What advice would you give to people joining Atlas Copco?
Make sure you join the pension scheme early!! Seriously, my advice would be to go for other job roles you may be interested in if they become available, don’t be in the mindset that you must stay in your current role forever. Atlas Copco offers so many different roles, so take advantage of them and don’t be scared to jump into something you may be unfamiliar with, as you will quickly become familiar with it.
What are you most looking forward to after leaving your role at Atlas Copco?
I am really looking forward to my reinvention, after a couple of weeks of retirement I decided I still want to be a part of something, so I’ll be going back to my roots and hope to eventually work with young adults in assisted living. That’s my goal. I’m also really looking forward to spending time with my mum and my family, and just doing things for me.
As a woman in this industry, how do you feel empowered by Atlas Copco, and who empowered you?
There have been times in my career when I’ve been sat in a room with only men, but I have never felt like I'm the only woman in the room. My male colleagues have always empowered me, they would say “well, why wouldn't you be able to do it if I can do it?” Atlas Copco has always treated me as equal. Since the day I walked through the door of the company; I've never felt any different to my male counterparts, in my experience being a woman isn’t a disadvantage at all.