Maria Lopez learned the importance of being adaptable at a very young age, when she immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico at 12 years old and had to learn how to speak English. Little did she know at the time that this skill—along with the ability to communicate in two languages—would help her find success later on.
“Being able to adapt to new and challenging situations has been instrumental to succeeding in both my personal life and professional career,” Lopez says.
Lopez worked for a variety of companies before discovering the rail industry. Today, she’s the VP of sales operations and process improvement at CIT Rail, a division of First Citizens Bank that leases railcars and locomotives to shippers and the railroad industry.
“I ‘fell’ into the industry because I was open-minded to a new opportunity—and my bilingual skills were also an asset,” she says. “In my role, I get to help both internal stakeholders and external customers. I love what I do.”
Here, Lopez talks about what she’s working on now, why someone should consider a career in the rail industry, and the importance of being inquisitive.
What led to your first job at CIT Rail, and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
When I was first approached about the opening at CIT Rail, I was drawn by the fact that they are one of the country’s top railcar lessors. Having spent the last several years at a smaller competitor, I knew CIT Rail had a strong reputation. With CIT Rail, I saw the opportunity for growth at a larger organization. I didn’t know a lot about First Citizens Bank, but I have seen the value they place on employee well-being and the positive culture they’ve fostered since I joined.
What are you responsible for in your role?
I’m currently responsible for implementing new functionality in Salesforce for several departments, especially for the sales team. I also support marketing efforts such as keeping track of industry conferences, sponsorships, and ad campaigns. Most recently I assisted in launching a new CIT Rail LinkedIn page, which was very exciting! My role gives me the opportunity to work on cross-functional projects and leverage different skills.
The rail industry is a unique niche. Why should someone consider a career at CIT Rail?
Rail is a big part of the backbone of our country. It drives the economy and it is a significant factor in our country’s supply chain. It’s rewarding to know that major commodities and consumer products reach their destination seamlessly. Rail moves everything from sand and microchips to cars. Additionally, the rail industry has a changing demographic, which creates a lot of career opportunities.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve always been told to stay inquisitive. Always ask questions and find solutions even when it may not seem necessary. Additionally, keep learning and always look to develop new skills.