
"Dedicated, Innovative, Ingenious"
Non-Destructive Test Engineer, Norsk Titanium Hometown: New Boston, NH Age: 27 Education: BS Chemical Engineering, Clarkson University
As an undergraduate at Clarkson University, Elijah Gorton did not one, but two internships at Norsk Titanium in Plattsburgh. The placements were so successful, the company offered him a job to begin immediately after his graduation. Now, three years into his full-time work with the Norwegian company, Elijah is a Product & Materials Engineer and in 2022 he was recognized by Norsk as one of its lead engineers in its U.S. facility.
How does company culture impact you and what do you do to contribute to your company culture? The culture at Norsk and in additive manufacturing is mixed between established traditional industrial knowledge and radically new ideology. I lean towards bridging the gap between the two. I am always willing to try something new to improve or reinvigorate traditional views.
Tell us about your community involvement. My community involvement is centralized around education about the additive manufacturing world. It is one of my greatest pleasures to share the knowledge I have acquired.
What would you do if you have three hours off from work and could not go home? I would grab my fly rod and hit the Saranac! Fishing is a great passion of mine and a grounding reset button. I’ve never regretted stepping into the river and becoming in-tune with nature.
What attracts you to your peer group? My peer group is filled with a range of backgrounds from old to young. Everyone of them has something to offer with a learning experience. Most of the people I surround myself with have some trait that I aspire to have.
What strategies do you use to approach the day? I split my time into two categories: thinking and action. Thinking derives action and action drives thought. You don’t need to know everything to start action. These two pieces are essential to forward progress.
What is something that no one would guess about you? I love watching Disney and Pixar movies. The soundtracks and messaging are immaculate. Lilo & Stitch is a favorite of mine.
What important lesson have you learned in your career? Never be afraid to be wrong, humble when you are and gracious when you are correct. Always keep learning and never accept the answer “Because I said so.”
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken? The biggest risk I have taken is coming to the North Country. I left my entire support system. I have been fortunate enough to create a new support system comprised of my coworkers, fishing buddies, and people in the community. My biggest risk has rewarded me with great success. The North Country is now my home.
How can the North Country improve its Gen IQ? (Gen IQ defined as an ability to lead, market to or innovate with multi-generational workplaces and marketplaces) It is important that companies remain aware of their aging workforce and the knowledge they possess. That knowledge can easily be lost. It is imperative to foster a mentor-minded approach while bringing in young professionals. That allows for the passage of knowledge while allowing the space for new ideas and processes.
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