Krystan Cockeram
Krystan Cockeram is an experienced professional in engineering and sales, currently serving as an Inside Sales Representative at Michigan Rubber Products. With over a decade of experience in CAD design, quality engineering, and service design, Krystan brings a unique blend of technical expertise and customer-focused skills to her role. She has developed a strong foundation in manufacturing, continuous improvement, and quality systems, leveraging certifications from FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to enhance her professional capabilities.
Krystan began her career in the electrical and utility sector as a draftsman while earning an Associate of Science in CAD Drafting and Design Technology from Baker College in 2014. Over the years, she gained extensive experience in substation and transmission design, progressing into design management roles at Metro Engineering Solutions, where she oversees six design teams working on projects for Consumers Energy. Her work emphasizes Make Ready Engineering and Low Voltage Distribution Design, and she is recognized for her detail-oriented, values-driven approach that prioritizes honesty, integrity, and teamwork.
Passionate about supporting women in engineering and technical fields, Krystan actively mentors and encourages female professionals, highlighting the strengths women bring in attention to detail and logical problem-solving. In addition to her professional achievements, she is committed to her local community, contributing to veterans’ programs, helping establish a farmers’ market for a nonprofit, and serving as a guardian for Mid-Michigan Flight, assisting veterans in visiting monuments in Washington, D.C. Her career reflects a combination of technical excellence, leadership, and community engagement.
• Corporate Quality Management System
• 3rd Party Audit
• 3CPR
• Basic Problem Solving Tools
• 3 Legged 5 Why
• Baker College- B.B.A.
• Baker College- A.S.
• Volunteers w/local veterans association
• Guardian for Mid-Michigan flight taking veterans to see their monuments in DC
• Donates eggs from hobby farm to local veterans organization
• Helped set up farmer's market for local veterans non-profit organization
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say that it's my adaptability, my work ethic, and my ability to be part of a team. Those three things have really been the foundation of everything I've accomplished. Being able to adapt to different situations and challenges, working hard, and knowing how to collaborate effectively with others has made all the difference in my career progression from draftsman to design manager.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was just don't give up, that it does get easier. You just need to make space for yourself. This advice has stayed with me throughout my career, especially in a male-dominated field where you constantly have to prove yourself. It reminded me that the challenges I face aren't permanent and that persistence pays off.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself. Don't let others' opinions impact how you see yourself. Others' opinions of you are none of your business. You work to beat yourself every day. You're going to get used to making people uncomfortable, and that doesn't mean that you're a bitch. When you have something to say and you stand your ground, the fact that that makes people uncomfortable is not your problem, it's their problem. You need to understand that you're always going to have to work harder than your male counterparts just to get a seat at the table, but don't let that discourage you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's still good old boys clubs around, and there always will be, and there's still pay inequity. I just have to say that yes, people say that it's equal now, but it really isn't. That is going to be a struggle. You're always going to have to work harder than your male counterparts. The reality is that even though we've made progress, true equality hasn't been achieved yet in this field. There are weeks where I'm just over dealing with men who can't make hard decisions, and that's part of the ongoing challenge of working in a male-dominated industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say honesty, integrity, ethics, and just being a good human. These values guide everything I do, both in my professional life managing design teams and in my personal life with my family and community work. It's really about treating people right and doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. You wouldn't think that it would be so hard, but these fundamental values are what I try to live by every day.