YPN Spotlight: Britteny Balkovec
MHI’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) offers rising professionals in the material handling industry a space to connect, grow, and support one another. Through virtual coffee chats, webinars, events, and more, members gain valuable insights while building lasting professional relationships.
This month, we’re spotlighting Britteny Balkovec, Systems Integration Specialist at Hänel Storage Systems. Britteny joined YPN in February 2023 after her CEO encouraged her to get involved. Since then, she’s become an active participant in the group’s virtual discussions, bringing her passion for technology and innovation to the conversation.
YPN Spotlight Q&A
Britteny Balkovec, Systems Integration Specialist at Hänel Storage Systems
How long have you been a part of YPN?
I joined YPN in February of 2023.
What motivated you to get involved in YPN?
It was my CEO who suggested I join.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved in YPN?
I would tell them to sign up! It is a great way to grow professionally and engage with other people in the material handling industry.
What is special about the material handling industry that gets you excited about your future career?
When I started at Hänel Storage Systems I knew nothing about material handling industry, it was new to me. In my short time in the industry, I have learned just how much it impacts the world, day in and day out. Being as though I travel to customers sites, I can see what these companies do firsthand, it’s very cool. I am excited to see who we will work with in the future.
Which topics—pertaining to our industry—are you especially passionate about and do you think we will all need to focus on in the future?
I have an IT background, so I am always passionate about new technology, hardware, and software. I think in the future we need to focus on AI. I know not everyone is excited about AI, but we need to figure out how to use it to our advantage.
What challenges has YPN faced? How could YPN improve your experience in the future?
A personal challenge for me with YPN is the in-person meetups. These meetups take place at trade shows or MHI specific events. At trade shows I am normally working the booth and unable to attend. The special events such as the yearly meetings, is not something I attend. I would one day like to meet the group in person as I very much enjoy the virtual discussions.
What professional or community accomplishments would you like to highlight?
A professional accomplishment I would like to highlight would be when I won employee of the year back in 2021. I had only been with Hänel Storage Systems for 1.5 years when I won the accomplishment. At the time I was an IT Specialist for the company. I was promoted shortly after winning the award to Systems Integration Specialist, my current position.
Interested in joining YPN?
Connect with Chelsea Liston or visit the YPN website to learn more and take part in the conversations that are shaping the future of the material handling industry!
