Sometimes careers take us in directions we never expected. For Jessica Barnett, that path led her to the canmaking industry, where she has quickly found purpose, growth, and community.

Jessica serves as an Electrical Designer at Roeslein & Associates, a role she discovered unexpectedly but one that now feels like the perfect fit. She shares, “I unexpectedly found my way to the canmaking industry, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

What she enjoys most is seeing her designs take shape in the real world. The process of starting with a concept, developing detailed plans, and watching those ideas transform into something tangible keeps her motivated and inspired.

“There’s something incredibly satisfying about starting with a concept, developing the plans, and then watching the final build take shape. It’s rewarding to know that my work plays a part in something tangible and functional.”

When asked about the biggest challenges she's faced so far in her career, Jessica recounts her experience with coordinating across multiple disciplines on a fast-moving project. Frequent changes made it difficult to stay aligned, but she turned the situation into a learning experience. By setting up regular check-ins, improving communication, and using real-time markups to track updates, Jessica and her team reduced rework and built stronger collaboration. She says the experience taught her “the value of proactive coordination and flexibility in design.”

When asked what advice she would give to other women entering the industry, Jessica’s message is clear and encouraging:

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn as much as you can early on. This industry has a lot of knowledge to pick up, and most people are happy to share if you show interest. Don’t be discouraged if you’re one of the few women in the room because your perspective is valuable, and your work matters. Stay curious, be confident in what you bring, and take every opportunity to grow.”

Jessica also credits mentorship as a key part of her development. She points to her manager, Mike Foster, as someone who has continually guided and supported her. His feedback and encouragement have helped her strengthen her technical skills and grow in confidence as she continues to build her career.

Finally, being a member of WICA has given Jessica both inspiration and community. With just a year of experience in the industry, she values the chance to learn from others who have been in the field longer and to see the different paths women have taken.

“To me, it’s about building connections, gaining confidence, and being part of a group that wants to see each other succeed.”

Jessica’s journey shows how mentorship, community, and passion can come together to create a fulfilling career. Her story reflects the kind of growth and support that WICA strives to encourage, reminding us that when women have the tools and connections they need, they can thrive in every part of the canmaking industry.