23 answers
Ariel
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How did you get to where you are?
How did you get to where you are? Do you like it, was it hard? Did you want to give up? What were the steps you took, how did you set yourself up for success?
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23 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Yes, at times I went through a great amount of adversity to achieve the success that I have in life.
But as John Wooden once said in a poem.
Looking back it seems to me
All the grief that had to be
Left me when the pain was over
Stronger, than I was before
So, yes I always emerged better than when I went into the difficult times.
I always encourage people to become generalists. This means becoming skilled and cross trained in many areas or occupations. This is your best defense against the coming Artificial Intelligence Revolution.
I gained education and training in many different areas. This included security and law enforcement, courts and judiciary, non-profits, writing and publishing, and education, just to name a few.
I went back to school to get this training, volunteered with various organizations, and looked for any certifications or training courses that could help me achieve my goals.
Yes, it took some persistence to build up my resume, but in the long term, it was definitely worth the time and effort.
But as John Wooden once said in a poem.
Looking back it seems to me
All the grief that had to be
Left me when the pain was over
Stronger, than I was before
So, yes I always emerged better than when I went into the difficult times.
I always encourage people to become generalists. This means becoming skilled and cross trained in many areas or occupations. This is your best defense against the coming Artificial Intelligence Revolution.
I gained education and training in many different areas. This included security and law enforcement, courts and judiciary, non-profits, writing and publishing, and education, just to name a few.
I went back to school to get this training, volunteered with various organizations, and looked for any certifications or training courses that could help me achieve my goals.
Yes, it took some persistence to build up my resume, but in the long term, it was definitely worth the time and effort.
Erin Bowar
Inside Sales Associate Director
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Erin’s Answer
"Learn the rules of the game, and then play the game better than anyone else." - Einstein
This has been my favorite quote that I have used throughout my professional career. I moved through my current employer very early in my career because of 2 things: work ethic and emotional intelligence. The work ethic part means that when I was at work, I worked. I was the one that asked questions, took notes, practiced my craft, constantly talking to those better than me to get best practices and tips and tricks of the trade, had multiple mentors, and always was working towards the next position even if I had just got to a new position. I always had a carrot out in front of me. The emotional intelligence part is critical in today's world because if you meet people where they want to be met, you will achieve more. Whether it be in sales field, your customer understands you better and wants to buy more from you. Whether it be in a medical field, your patient understands what is going on better and trusts you as their doctor. Whether it be in an education field, your students want to listen to what you have to say vs feel like they have to listen to what you have to say. There are multiple areas to emotional intelligence of which all are important, such as self awareness and social awareness. But for myself being strong on most aspects of emotional intelligence as well as aware of my opportunities in some of my gaps of emotional intelligence, has led me to be able to lead teams, collaborate across the company, as well as produce results in multiple roles and channels across my company that previously were not thought possible.
I have had success. But I have never failed. I have only learned. Failure is only a true failure if you fail to take something away from it to make you better and you make the conscious decisions (there is that work ethic again lol) to apply what you have learned to be better. Have I wanted to give up at some point or another? Absolutely. But because I know that my work ethic and my emotional intelligence are some of my strengths, I lean into that to go back to my basics. Ask questions, take notes, talk to the best of the best to try and better myself, talk to my mentors, read the room, strategize and creatively come to a solution that gets me back on track. Work ethic and emotional intelligence has yet to let me down.
My career path has been hard. But I might have to add into my go to work ethics and emotional intelligence tool box, my tenacity. I have been told I am very tenacious. I don't ever give up. It may take me many times to get where I want to be and what I want to accomplish but at the end of the day, I get there. Period. I may or may not have been called stubborn in my day :), but if I am stubborn for all the right reasons, open to feedback, open to coaching, open to improvement, and embrace the change as it happens daily, I know that I will succeed.
Hopefully this helped!
This has been my favorite quote that I have used throughout my professional career. I moved through my current employer very early in my career because of 2 things: work ethic and emotional intelligence. The work ethic part means that when I was at work, I worked. I was the one that asked questions, took notes, practiced my craft, constantly talking to those better than me to get best practices and tips and tricks of the trade, had multiple mentors, and always was working towards the next position even if I had just got to a new position. I always had a carrot out in front of me. The emotional intelligence part is critical in today's world because if you meet people where they want to be met, you will achieve more. Whether it be in sales field, your customer understands you better and wants to buy more from you. Whether it be in a medical field, your patient understands what is going on better and trusts you as their doctor. Whether it be in an education field, your students want to listen to what you have to say vs feel like they have to listen to what you have to say. There are multiple areas to emotional intelligence of which all are important, such as self awareness and social awareness. But for myself being strong on most aspects of emotional intelligence as well as aware of my opportunities in some of my gaps of emotional intelligence, has led me to be able to lead teams, collaborate across the company, as well as produce results in multiple roles and channels across my company that previously were not thought possible.
I have had success. But I have never failed. I have only learned. Failure is only a true failure if you fail to take something away from it to make you better and you make the conscious decisions (there is that work ethic again lol) to apply what you have learned to be better. Have I wanted to give up at some point or another? Absolutely. But because I know that my work ethic and my emotional intelligence are some of my strengths, I lean into that to go back to my basics. Ask questions, take notes, talk to the best of the best to try and better myself, talk to my mentors, read the room, strategize and creatively come to a solution that gets me back on track. Work ethic and emotional intelligence has yet to let me down.
My career path has been hard. But I might have to add into my go to work ethics and emotional intelligence tool box, my tenacity. I have been told I am very tenacious. I don't ever give up. It may take me many times to get where I want to be and what I want to accomplish but at the end of the day, I get there. Period. I may or may not have been called stubborn in my day :), but if I am stubborn for all the right reasons, open to feedback, open to coaching, open to improvement, and embrace the change as it happens daily, I know that I will succeed.
Hopefully this helped!
Angela Cox
Consulting Program Partner Advisor
84
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Angela’s Answer
My journey to get to where I am today had a lot to do with the support and love I had from family and friends. With that said, I did work hard and also had a lot of ups and downs. I struggled with my grades in high school. I was able to pull through and got into a state university. College was not easy for me. I was failing a few courses at one point. I decided to take 6 months off of school and work in the real world. This was very helpful for me. I went back to school after those 6 months and was much more successful and graduated. I really believe in listening to your feelings and taking well thought out risks. I'm not a "risk taker" necessarily but if I hadn't taken the risk of working full time in a tough setting, I don't think I would've ended my time college with success. I've been out of college for 10 years now and I talk about that time in my life because it was so important to make me who I am today.
Good luck with everything!
Good luck with everything!
Daniel Brennan
84
Answers
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
I think my biggest tip is always do your best on the things that are easy enough to control. Anything that relatively easily can be done at a 100% clip, is something worth doing at a level of perfection. Whether that's having perfect attendance, never missing an assignment or always doing the extra credit, i always made sure to get a 100% on the areas of class i could control. That translated to college and then into the real world, where i make sure i always complete 100% of my performance reviews, never miss a deadline and always do the little things like complete my trainings and do my timecard on time to make sure all the little things that go into your raise and promotion review are as best as they can be.
Angel Varbev
3
Answers
Sofia, Bulgaria
Updated
Angel’s Answer
When i needed to choose education, i didn't have anything in mind that's why i decide that should be something not that concrete. I've learned economy and information technology. When i start my First job, i decide that technical is more interesting then business related positions.
Many colleagues decide the opposite. Everything after that depends of your desire to learn and improve yourself. I always do my job with same passion no matter if it sounds stupid or even not important. That's shows the others that they can relay on you. When next mini task or job came these people will know that you will give everything to deliver quality and you will not give up before have the job done.
HPE volunteering team
Many colleagues decide the opposite. Everything after that depends of your desire to learn and improve yourself. I always do my job with same passion no matter if it sounds stupid or even not important. That's shows the others that they can relay on you. When next mini task or job came these people will know that you will give everything to deliver quality and you will not give up before have the job done.
HPE volunteering team
Ervin Walker
Lead Project Manager / Release Train Engineer
6
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Ervin’s Answer
1. I worked hard in High School to graduate in the top of my class.
2. I picked a school (Engineering) that matched my profile
3. I worked hard in school and graduated in top of my class
4. I got a good job in Engineering where I worked for 15 yearz
5. I got my MBA and began to do more management of engineering.
2. I picked a school (Engineering) that matched my profile
3. I worked hard in school and graduated in top of my class
4. I got a good job in Engineering where I worked for 15 yearz
5. I got my MBA and began to do more management of engineering.
Gavin D. Hall
Consulting
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gavin D.’s Answer
I got to where I am by hard work, moments of complete focus and having help along the way.
I was not always the best student but I had goals so set goals early and often.
- In High school my goal was to major in computer science so i researched colleges with good computer science programs and aimed for those
- In college, my goal was to have a good job. So I focused on my internships and attending every career fair possible / meeting with recruiters
- I wanted to become a consultant so I had to study and take interview after interview to get one offer
I am simplifying the journey because there was a lot of discouragement and heartbreak along the way. But I truly believe if you set goasl for yourself, focus and lean on help when given (also ask for help!), be a nice person (!), you can go far.
I was not always the best student but I had goals so set goals early and often.
- In High school my goal was to major in computer science so i researched colleges with good computer science programs and aimed for those
- In college, my goal was to have a good job. So I focused on my internships and attending every career fair possible / meeting with recruiters
- I wanted to become a consultant so I had to study and take interview after interview to get one offer
I am simplifying the journey because there was a lot of discouragement and heartbreak along the way. But I truly believe if you set goasl for yourself, focus and lean on help when given (also ask for help!), be a nice person (!), you can go far.
Lydia Parziale
Project Manager
4
Answers
Fishkill, New York
Updated
Lydia’s Answer
Embarking on the scenic path, I pursued majors in business and psychology, fueled by a desire to deeply comprehend a business from its roots to its pinnacle. Fresh out of college, my first genuine employment was on a 2nd shift manufacturing line, a humble yet enlightening start. Progressing from there, I embraced the challenge of a computer programmer aptitude test and transitioned into the fascinating realm of database administration. My quest for knowledge led me to earn an MBA in technology management, and I explored various roles within my organization, steadily ascending the corporate ladder.
Remember, the pursuit of knowledge and exploration should never cease - even when you've discovered what seems to be your ideal job. Always allocate a few hours each week to delve into something new that piques your interest!
Remember, the pursuit of knowledge and exploration should never cease - even when you've discovered what seems to be your ideal job. Always allocate a few hours each week to delve into something new that piques your interest!
Olivia McDonnell
Consulting
23
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Steps that I took to lay a solid foundation for my career:
1) Throughout your career you will come across sponsors or mentors. Mentors will help you gain needed skills (both hard skills and soft skills) and sponsors will advocate for you when you’re not in the room to advocate for yourself. Both will be impactful throughout your career. The way you build a relationship with either is learning what is important to them and figuring out a way to add value.
2) Get coffee with everyone on your team and the functions which operate around your team. This is applicable both when you’re looking for a job and when you have one. Ask genuine questions related to their role. Also ask if there is anyone else they would recommend you reach out to for another coffee chat. Send thank you notes and follow up promptly if there are follow up items from the meeting. If appropriate, ask if there is anything that you can do to be of assistance to them. I’ve never found a job without getting coffee with someone first. Even if something isn’t available for you now, keep them updated so you remain top of mind. That means sending them articles that might be of interest to their role, an update on your own life, or a quick note wishing them a happy (insert holiday name) note. This helps so you aren’t only reaching out to them when you need something, and you are adding value to their career. It also helps outside of your everyday tasks. This means that when someone on your team needs information, you might not have the answer, but you’ll know who to go to for the answer.
3) Never rely on one source of income. It becomes mentally taxing thinking that your life is dependent someone else’s ability to advocate for you.
Do I like it and was it hard:
I do like my role. I’ve been very fortunate to generally enjoy working with the teams and clients that I’ve been around. There have been times in my career that I wanted to give up and I consider it a success if the number of days I wanted to quit is less than the number of days I’ve enjoyed my job. It’s ok if things get hard and if you want to quit. I’ve learned there is an art to knowing when you should move on. However, don’t see those days as failures. They are opportunities for you to discover what excites you and how to pursue that excitement long term.
1) Throughout your career you will come across sponsors or mentors. Mentors will help you gain needed skills (both hard skills and soft skills) and sponsors will advocate for you when you’re not in the room to advocate for yourself. Both will be impactful throughout your career. The way you build a relationship with either is learning what is important to them and figuring out a way to add value.
2) Get coffee with everyone on your team and the functions which operate around your team. This is applicable both when you’re looking for a job and when you have one. Ask genuine questions related to their role. Also ask if there is anyone else they would recommend you reach out to for another coffee chat. Send thank you notes and follow up promptly if there are follow up items from the meeting. If appropriate, ask if there is anything that you can do to be of assistance to them. I’ve never found a job without getting coffee with someone first. Even if something isn’t available for you now, keep them updated so you remain top of mind. That means sending them articles that might be of interest to their role, an update on your own life, or a quick note wishing them a happy (insert holiday name) note. This helps so you aren’t only reaching out to them when you need something, and you are adding value to their career. It also helps outside of your everyday tasks. This means that when someone on your team needs information, you might not have the answer, but you’ll know who to go to for the answer.
3) Never rely on one source of income. It becomes mentally taxing thinking that your life is dependent someone else’s ability to advocate for you.
Do I like it and was it hard:
I do like my role. I’ve been very fortunate to generally enjoy working with the teams and clients that I’ve been around. There have been times in my career that I wanted to give up and I consider it a success if the number of days I wanted to quit is less than the number of days I’ve enjoyed my job. It’s ok if things get hard and if you want to quit. I’ve learned there is an art to knowing when you should move on. However, don’t see those days as failures. They are opportunities for you to discover what excites you and how to pursue that excitement long term.
Matt Green
Management consultant
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Ariel!
This is a great question and one that I would encourage you to continuously reflect on. I have talked about this exact topic with friends, family, and colleagues over the past 15 years and have determined that life is just "tough" but at the same time is filled with so many things to look forward to. Just a few notes below that I continuously remind myself on my journey:
1. You are in charge of your own success - Many people will place blame on other people or assign responsibility for their setbacks. I would encourage you to refrain from this. Take ownership of tough life situations and develop a deliberate path and set of activities to succeed.
2. Continuously invest in yourself - Education and upskilling are an unbelievable way to pivot a career or to continue to learn and develop in your current role. If you ever feel stuck, invest in yourself.
3. Don't be afraid of change - It will feel scary and difficult to change roles or move across the country, but when things feel uncomfortable you are learning, developing, and advancing yourself. Without taking risk you will end up becoming stagnant and not get to where you want to be
4. Hunt the good in every situation - Life will throw many tough situations your way, but rather than dwelling on the bad experiences, hunt the good in each situation. It may be difficult to work a night shift but maybe its that you get more leadership or development opportunities. You might have to move across the country and away from family for a role, but you get to experience a new culture and meet new people.
5. Find a mentor and support network: It is important to confide and bounce professional ideas off of someone. This may be someone from your family, previous employer, or someone you look up to and trust. Having someone to discuss career advice and encourages you to take the next step makes it feel more comfortable!
This is a great question and one that I would encourage you to continuously reflect on. I have talked about this exact topic with friends, family, and colleagues over the past 15 years and have determined that life is just "tough" but at the same time is filled with so many things to look forward to. Just a few notes below that I continuously remind myself on my journey:
1. You are in charge of your own success - Many people will place blame on other people or assign responsibility for their setbacks. I would encourage you to refrain from this. Take ownership of tough life situations and develop a deliberate path and set of activities to succeed.
2. Continuously invest in yourself - Education and upskilling are an unbelievable way to pivot a career or to continue to learn and develop in your current role. If you ever feel stuck, invest in yourself.
3. Don't be afraid of change - It will feel scary and difficult to change roles or move across the country, but when things feel uncomfortable you are learning, developing, and advancing yourself. Without taking risk you will end up becoming stagnant and not get to where you want to be
4. Hunt the good in every situation - Life will throw many tough situations your way, but rather than dwelling on the bad experiences, hunt the good in each situation. It may be difficult to work a night shift but maybe its that you get more leadership or development opportunities. You might have to move across the country and away from family for a role, but you get to experience a new culture and meet new people.
5. Find a mentor and support network: It is important to confide and bounce professional ideas off of someone. This may be someone from your family, previous employer, or someone you look up to and trust. Having someone to discuss career advice and encourages you to take the next step makes it feel more comfortable!
Stephan Beek
Marketing
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Stephan’s Answer
Begin by crafting a plan. Identify what you enjoy and what you excel at. This will guide you towards your path. Keep an open mind, welcoming different and fresh ideas. Recognize your current position--what are your strong points and areas of improvement? Be receptive to alterations in your plans. Don't hesitate to make adjustments. As a young individual, no choice is wrong. You gain knowledge from your experiences and grow from them. It's crucial to take the first step and learn as you progress. Plan and set goals, but remain flexible to changes, reassess your position, and adapt accordingly.
Life and career paths may appear challenging right now, but view each situation as a chance to learn. Don't abandon something you're passionate about. Success might not be immediate, but with hard work, you might just discover what you've been seeking.
Success is a personal concept. You determine what success means to you. Is it a job title, a passion for what you do, or the knowledge that you're making a difference? Success can stem from curiosity, consistency, and a desire to constantly learn. Success is often born from listening more than speaking. You don't have all the answers. Embrace assistance and stay humble.
Life and career paths may appear challenging right now, but view each situation as a chance to learn. Don't abandon something you're passionate about. Success might not be immediate, but with hard work, you might just discover what you've been seeking.
Success is a personal concept. You determine what success means to you. Is it a job title, a passion for what you do, or the knowledge that you're making a difference? Success can stem from curiosity, consistency, and a desire to constantly learn. Success is often born from listening more than speaking. You don't have all the answers. Embrace assistance and stay humble.
Elana Schuman
Project Manager
2
Answers
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Updated
Elana’s Answer
Thank you for your inquiry! I vividly remember the uncertainty I felt when I first embarked on my college journey. I initially thought accounting was my calling, as the first course was a breeze. However, the subsequent accounting classes proved to be a challenge - it's a fantastic profession, just not my cup of tea. This led me to explore other options within the business school.
Then, I stumbled upon a new field known as Computer Information Systems. My experience with technology was limited to emailing, but I decided to give it a shot. Despite skepticism from my peers, especially given the field's male dominance, I found myself thriving and genuinely enjoying the work.
The takeaway from my story is simple - don't be afraid to experiment and find what truly resonates with you!
My career has been a rewarding journey. I began as a developer and through constant learning and growth, I transitioned into project management.
Yes, it can be tough at times. But remember, your dedication and hard work will undoubtedly yield fruitful results. Best of luck on your journey!
Then, I stumbled upon a new field known as Computer Information Systems. My experience with technology was limited to emailing, but I decided to give it a shot. Despite skepticism from my peers, especially given the field's male dominance, I found myself thriving and genuinely enjoying the work.
The takeaway from my story is simple - don't be afraid to experiment and find what truly resonates with you!
My career has been a rewarding journey. I began as a developer and through constant learning and growth, I transitioned into project management.
Yes, it can be tough at times. But remember, your dedication and hard work will undoubtedly yield fruitful results. Best of luck on your journey!
K P
Cloud computing
1
Answer
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
K’s Answer
I'd like to kick off by expressing my gratitude for where I am today and the opportunities that have come my way. It's a blessing I don't take for granted. It's easy to overlook the good times when we're bogged down by the bad, but let's not forget to celebrate our victories, big and small.
Here are some principles that have guided me on my journey:
Determination, adaptability, hard work, and an unquenchable thirst for learning have been my guiding lights.
Milestones:
The first time you make a decision and bear its consequences, you'll find yourself stronger and more confident. Every task you undertake in life is a stepping stone, and staying connected to this idea is crucial.
Learning:
Learning is a lifelong commitment to personal growth. To stay relevant and competitive in life's game, you must have a constant desire to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Support along the way:
Don't forget to acknowledge those who've supported and inspired you along the way, be it mentors, family, friends, or colleagues. Their guidance and your collaboration have brought you to where you are today. Don't hesitate to say, "Thank you for being part of my journey and helping me." This humility can propel you beyond your ego and towards greater growth!
Obstacles:
Obstacles and setbacks are inevitable. Brace yourself for the unexpected and be ready to act when these moments arise. Remember, you're the only one who can overcome your challenges and turn obstacles into stepping stones towards a better you.
Adaptability:
Embrace change and be ready to pivot when necessary. Stay open to new opportunities and experiences. After all, change is the only constant in life.
Persistence:
Persistence and resilience are key in achieving your goals. Even when faced with rejection or failure, keep pushing forward.
Goals:
Setting goals can ignite new behaviors, guide your focus, and sustain your momentum. Goals can also foster a sense of self-mastery. Remember, you can't manage what you can't measure, and you can't improve what you don't manage. Goal setting can help you do all this and more.
In conclusion, I hope these insights prove helpful on your journey. I'm grateful for the chance to inspire and support others in their pursuits. When it's your turn, remember to pay it forward by helping others reach their goals.
Here are some principles that have guided me on my journey:
Determination, adaptability, hard work, and an unquenchable thirst for learning have been my guiding lights.
Milestones:
The first time you make a decision and bear its consequences, you'll find yourself stronger and more confident. Every task you undertake in life is a stepping stone, and staying connected to this idea is crucial.
Learning:
Learning is a lifelong commitment to personal growth. To stay relevant and competitive in life's game, you must have a constant desire to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Support along the way:
Don't forget to acknowledge those who've supported and inspired you along the way, be it mentors, family, friends, or colleagues. Their guidance and your collaboration have brought you to where you are today. Don't hesitate to say, "Thank you for being part of my journey and helping me." This humility can propel you beyond your ego and towards greater growth!
Obstacles:
Obstacles and setbacks are inevitable. Brace yourself for the unexpected and be ready to act when these moments arise. Remember, you're the only one who can overcome your challenges and turn obstacles into stepping stones towards a better you.
Adaptability:
Embrace change and be ready to pivot when necessary. Stay open to new opportunities and experiences. After all, change is the only constant in life.
Persistence:
Persistence and resilience are key in achieving your goals. Even when faced with rejection or failure, keep pushing forward.
Goals:
Setting goals can ignite new behaviors, guide your focus, and sustain your momentum. Goals can also foster a sense of self-mastery. Remember, you can't manage what you can't measure, and you can't improve what you don't manage. Goal setting can help you do all this and more.
In conclusion, I hope these insights prove helpful on your journey. I'm grateful for the chance to inspire and support others in their pursuits. When it's your turn, remember to pay it forward by helping others reach their goals.
Edwin Anthony Joseph
Principal IT-Cloud Architect
10
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Edwin Anthony’s Answer
"Written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE":
• Always bear in mind that you are the sole architect of your career and its advancement.
• Outline your immediate and future career objectives, and strive diligently to attain them.
• Maintain an optimistic outlook and continually acquire new and pertinent skills.
• Heed the feedback you receive and make a concerted effort to improve based on it.
• Pursue your passion and areas of interest that invigorate you and keep you energized!
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-career-coach
• Always bear in mind that you are the sole architect of your career and its advancement.
• Outline your immediate and future career objectives, and strive diligently to attain them.
• Maintain an optimistic outlook and continually acquire new and pertinent skills.
• Heed the feedback you receive and make a concerted effort to improve based on it.
• Pursue your passion and areas of interest that invigorate you and keep you energized!
Edwin Anthony recommends the following next steps:
Mei Abellon-Baniqued
Consultant
19
Answers
Philippines
Updated
Mei’s Answer
If there's one thing I will add to the responses already provided here, it's never underestimate the value of MENTORING.
I wouldn't be where I am right now if not for mentors who generously shared their time and expertise to guide me and champion for me. I have multiple mentors from various parts of the organization and I value the time I spend with them as they give me different perspectives and points of view of life and work. I also learn about career opportunities from them. I recommend that you find mentors too who can help you navigate through life.
Moreover, don't forget to pay it forward. Mentor others -- take people under your wing and share your time and expertise too. All of us has something to contribute!
I wish you the best Ariel!
I wouldn't be where I am right now if not for mentors who generously shared their time and expertise to guide me and champion for me. I have multiple mentors from various parts of the organization and I value the time I spend with them as they give me different perspectives and points of view of life and work. I also learn about career opportunities from them. I recommend that you find mentors too who can help you navigate through life.
Moreover, don't forget to pay it forward. Mentor others -- take people under your wing and share your time and expertise too. All of us has something to contribute!
I wish you the best Ariel!
Michael Denari
IT
3
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Work hard
Align how you can support the problem spaces your manager is focused on
Multiply your impact through helping others around you to be more successful
Align how you can support the problem spaces your manager is focused on
Multiply your impact through helping others around you to be more successful
Eric Chekemian
Sales
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Ariel,
Everyone has their own journey and I can promise you that how you think it is going to work out it wont. That is not a good thing or a bad thing just reality. My career has taken twists and turns but if I could go back I would not change anything about my career because it brought me to the point where I am now. I have a BS in comp sci, 2 Masters degrees from outstanding universities and work for a wonderful company that values me as an employee. I have taken risks that have and have not paid off and I have cut my teeth doing grunt work but in the end it was the path for me. Don't be afraid to go the extra mile and take the risk when you can.
Best,
Eric
Everyone has their own journey and I can promise you that how you think it is going to work out it wont. That is not a good thing or a bad thing just reality. My career has taken twists and turns but if I could go back I would not change anything about my career because it brought me to the point where I am now. I have a BS in comp sci, 2 Masters degrees from outstanding universities and work for a wonderful company that values me as an employee. I have taken risks that have and have not paid off and I have cut my teeth doing grunt work but in the end it was the path for me. Don't be afraid to go the extra mile and take the risk when you can.
Best,
Eric
Sofia Massabie
1
Answer
Guadalajara
Updated
Sofia’s Answer
Short answer is stay focus and be the best at what you do.
Sometimes the activity you do in Dayli basis is not what you want to do forever, so focus on who you want to be and work towards it.
No, it wasn't easy, I would have listened to people with experience and learn from their mistakes.
Sometimes the activity you do in Dayli basis is not what you want to do forever, so focus on who you want to be and work towards it.
No, it wasn't easy, I would have listened to people with experience and learn from their mistakes.
Mary Ann Higgs
Communications, Training, and People Development
33
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Ariel, I love this question. Everyone's path is different and the world keeps changing adding new opportunities along the way. For me, I never thought I would have a 'career' and therefore, didn't set out with a job goal in mind. I figured it out along the way. Below, I'm going to try to answer each of your questions:
1. How did I get where I am? - It started with school. While in school, I focused on my studies and learned the things they wanted me to learn (reading, writing, math, science, etc.). But the other thing that I learned was how I learned. What I mean by that is different people learn differently. Some learn by doing, some learn by watching, some learn by just reading about something, and some it's a combination of all. As a naturally curious individual, I've always been interested in how something is done and why it's done that way. So, when I was learning, I ask a lot of questions to understand and because I understood the how and the why, I could easily apply what I had learned in the real world. After college, my first job was mostly to get a paycheck and get some experience. I worked in the buying offices at Macy's. I learned how things worked in an office. I learned a lot of new skills. And, I got a discount on everything I bought at Macy's. This was really important as I needed to buy clothes for work. After I had some experience, I changed jobs and went to work for the American Heart Association. My manager saw that I had a lot of different skills and gave me opportunity to try new things. This gave me more skills that I could apply to future jobs. After that, I worked for the California State Assembly as a field representative for a politician, then a company that makes eye doctor equipment, next the Clorox Company, then Cisco Systems, and now Splunk. I even ran my own business as a Life Coach for a time. As you can see from my story, my path was not a straight line.
2. Do I like it, was it hard? - Today, I work in a tech company where most of my work is focused on helping people be successful in their jobs. A big part of my job is preparing people for changes like new computer systems or new processes to follow. In order to do this, I need to understand and be able to explain to others what's happening, why it's happening, and how it is going to impact people. Remember when I said that I was naturally curious and always want to know the how and why of things? Well, this job puts that natural curiosity to good use. Sometimes it can be hard because sometimes, I need to tell people things they would rather not hear. And sometimes, I need to persuade people to do things in a new way when they are ok doing it the old way. While this can be a bit hard at times, it's also an opportunity for me to get creative and come up with new and fun ways to get people excited about things. Even though it can be hard sometimes, I get to meet new people all the time, I'm constantly learning new things (which I really like), and I get to help people be good at their jobs. I like what I do, and I really like the people I work with.
3. Did you want to give up? What were the steps you took, how did you set yourself up for success? - As I stated before, I didn't really have a 'career' in mind and I've been making it up as I go along. So, there were times when I did want to give up. But that was mostly because I didn't know where I was going. In order to get myself refocused on moving forward, I would take time to evaluate what I liked about a particular job and what I would rather not do again in a future job. (Part of learning what you want to do is learning what you definitely don't want to do). I then used some different career learning tools to identify what skills I was good at, things like communication, interpersonal skills, analysis, etc. And once I had the list of things I was good at, I put a check mark next to the things I actually liked doing. And then, I took the list of things I actually liked doing and I picked the top 3 things, the things I liked most. What that told me was that I was good at these 3 things AND I liked doing them. So, I should look for jobs where I got to do those 3 things every day. Picking jobs where I get to do my favorite things everyday is a big part of being successful. The other thing that helps me to be successful is knowing myself and what is important to me. I want to work for a company that approaches the world in the same way I do. I want to work for a company where everyone is accepted and can be who they are. And I want to work for a company that is trying to make the world and people's lives better. So, I look for companies that match my beliefs. Things like, do they care about climate change and are they trying to do something about it? Do they treat people fairly (fair pay, fair job opportunities, etc) regardless of whether they are male/female/nonbinary/LGBTQ? Things like that.
I know that was a lot of information. As you step out into the workforce, remember that you can always change your mind and try new things. The world is always changing and new jobs are always being created. (When I was in school, skateboarding on a half-pipe was not a job. Now, people train for that). As long as you know how you learn, you can learn new things quickly. As long as you stay curious, you will find new opportunities. And with every job, you will acquire new skills that can be applied to a different job. Hope this helps.
Check your local library for "What Color is Your Parachute?" by Richard Bolles. There are some exercises in that book that can help you identify what kinds of things you like to do and how they can be applied to different jobs.
1. How did I get where I am? - It started with school. While in school, I focused on my studies and learned the things they wanted me to learn (reading, writing, math, science, etc.). But the other thing that I learned was how I learned. What I mean by that is different people learn differently. Some learn by doing, some learn by watching, some learn by just reading about something, and some it's a combination of all. As a naturally curious individual, I've always been interested in how something is done and why it's done that way. So, when I was learning, I ask a lot of questions to understand and because I understood the how and the why, I could easily apply what I had learned in the real world. After college, my first job was mostly to get a paycheck and get some experience. I worked in the buying offices at Macy's. I learned how things worked in an office. I learned a lot of new skills. And, I got a discount on everything I bought at Macy's. This was really important as I needed to buy clothes for work. After I had some experience, I changed jobs and went to work for the American Heart Association. My manager saw that I had a lot of different skills and gave me opportunity to try new things. This gave me more skills that I could apply to future jobs. After that, I worked for the California State Assembly as a field representative for a politician, then a company that makes eye doctor equipment, next the Clorox Company, then Cisco Systems, and now Splunk. I even ran my own business as a Life Coach for a time. As you can see from my story, my path was not a straight line.
2. Do I like it, was it hard? - Today, I work in a tech company where most of my work is focused on helping people be successful in their jobs. A big part of my job is preparing people for changes like new computer systems or new processes to follow. In order to do this, I need to understand and be able to explain to others what's happening, why it's happening, and how it is going to impact people. Remember when I said that I was naturally curious and always want to know the how and why of things? Well, this job puts that natural curiosity to good use. Sometimes it can be hard because sometimes, I need to tell people things they would rather not hear. And sometimes, I need to persuade people to do things in a new way when they are ok doing it the old way. While this can be a bit hard at times, it's also an opportunity for me to get creative and come up with new and fun ways to get people excited about things. Even though it can be hard sometimes, I get to meet new people all the time, I'm constantly learning new things (which I really like), and I get to help people be good at their jobs. I like what I do, and I really like the people I work with.
3. Did you want to give up? What were the steps you took, how did you set yourself up for success? - As I stated before, I didn't really have a 'career' in mind and I've been making it up as I go along. So, there were times when I did want to give up. But that was mostly because I didn't know where I was going. In order to get myself refocused on moving forward, I would take time to evaluate what I liked about a particular job and what I would rather not do again in a future job. (Part of learning what you want to do is learning what you definitely don't want to do). I then used some different career learning tools to identify what skills I was good at, things like communication, interpersonal skills, analysis, etc. And once I had the list of things I was good at, I put a check mark next to the things I actually liked doing. And then, I took the list of things I actually liked doing and I picked the top 3 things, the things I liked most. What that told me was that I was good at these 3 things AND I liked doing them. So, I should look for jobs where I got to do those 3 things every day. Picking jobs where I get to do my favorite things everyday is a big part of being successful. The other thing that helps me to be successful is knowing myself and what is important to me. I want to work for a company that approaches the world in the same way I do. I want to work for a company where everyone is accepted and can be who they are. And I want to work for a company that is trying to make the world and people's lives better. So, I look for companies that match my beliefs. Things like, do they care about climate change and are they trying to do something about it? Do they treat people fairly (fair pay, fair job opportunities, etc) regardless of whether they are male/female/nonbinary/LGBTQ? Things like that.
I know that was a lot of information. As you step out into the workforce, remember that you can always change your mind and try new things. The world is always changing and new jobs are always being created. (When I was in school, skateboarding on a half-pipe was not a job. Now, people train for that). As long as you know how you learn, you can learn new things quickly. As long as you stay curious, you will find new opportunities. And with every job, you will acquire new skills that can be applied to a different job. Hope this helps.
Mary Ann recommends the following next steps:
Shani Burnett
Contract Manager
5
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Shani’s Answer
Back in high school, I always had this dream of becoming an attorney, but it wasn't necessarily my immediate goal at the time. I wasn't the kind of person to take the shortest route to my dreams. When I headed off to college, I found myself in a bit of a quandary. Yes, I still had that attorney dream, but what if I changed my mind along the way? What if I wanted to explore other interests? That's when my mom gave me some valuable advice. She suggested that I pursue a degree in something I was genuinely interested in, even if it had nothing to do with the legal field. After all, you can go to law school with just about any bachelor's degree. So, I put some serious thought into it and realized that I had a deep interest in business. That's what led me to business school, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
When I graduated with my BBA (that's a Bachelor of Business Administration), I entered the workforce for a while. It wasn't until later that I decided to return to school for my graduate degrees—an MBA (Master of Business Administration) and an MEB (Master of Energy Business). Finally, I pursued my JD (Juris Doctorate) to become a lawyer. By the time I reached law school, I was older and had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do with my law degree. I was confident that I wanted my law degree to complement my two master's degrees, and I knew exactly which field of law I wanted to specialize in.
Before law school, I had worked in the legal field as a litigation paralegal, and I had also been part of legal teams as a contract manager dealing with transactional matters working for corporations in their legal departments. My prior experience gave me a practical understanding of what it would be like to practice law. Thanks to my business degrees, I had the opportunity to work with prestigious law firms and gain experience in various legal areas, including medical malpractice, product liability, mass torts, bankruptcy, real estate, real property, oil and gas, and technology.
It was within the field of technology that I found my true passion, where I could marry my love for both business and law. This field offered opportunities in both areas, which was incredibly exciting.
The big question you need to ask yourself is, "What do you want to do?" Do you have a dream that you're not quite ready to pursue just yet, and you'd like to explore other interests along the way? I say go for it. Your time is not wasted if what you're doing ultimately benefits your long-term dreams and goals.
I've pursued a journey that includes a BBA, MBA, MEB, and currently, I'm working on my JD. This path has allowed me to make valuable professional and educational connections that have played a significant role in shaping my professional identity. These connections wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't taken the path I did.
My advice to you is to sit down and create a goal chart. It's okay to have more than one goal. Once you have that plan in place, follow it. Even if life takes you in unexpected directions, you can always get back on track and pick up where you left off. That's how you accomplish what you set out to achieve.
When I graduated with my BBA (that's a Bachelor of Business Administration), I entered the workforce for a while. It wasn't until later that I decided to return to school for my graduate degrees—an MBA (Master of Business Administration) and an MEB (Master of Energy Business). Finally, I pursued my JD (Juris Doctorate) to become a lawyer. By the time I reached law school, I was older and had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do with my law degree. I was confident that I wanted my law degree to complement my two master's degrees, and I knew exactly which field of law I wanted to specialize in.
Before law school, I had worked in the legal field as a litigation paralegal, and I had also been part of legal teams as a contract manager dealing with transactional matters working for corporations in their legal departments. My prior experience gave me a practical understanding of what it would be like to practice law. Thanks to my business degrees, I had the opportunity to work with prestigious law firms and gain experience in various legal areas, including medical malpractice, product liability, mass torts, bankruptcy, real estate, real property, oil and gas, and technology.
It was within the field of technology that I found my true passion, where I could marry my love for both business and law. This field offered opportunities in both areas, which was incredibly exciting.
The big question you need to ask yourself is, "What do you want to do?" Do you have a dream that you're not quite ready to pursue just yet, and you'd like to explore other interests along the way? I say go for it. Your time is not wasted if what you're doing ultimately benefits your long-term dreams and goals.
I've pursued a journey that includes a BBA, MBA, MEB, and currently, I'm working on my JD. This path has allowed me to make valuable professional and educational connections that have played a significant role in shaping my professional identity. These connections wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't taken the path I did.
My advice to you is to sit down and create a goal chart. It's okay to have more than one goal. Once you have that plan in place, follow it. Even if life takes you in unexpected directions, you can always get back on track and pick up where you left off. That's how you accomplish what you set out to achieve.
Marina Claps
Marketing
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Marina’s Answer
It takes time, effort, patience, and resilience to be able to grow within the corporate world. My advice to you is to make sure that you always take failures as learnings and that you do not feel discouraged even if things don’t go the way you wish they would.
Creating a strong network will help you connect with the right people, and that will also help you navigate your professional journey.
I went to the University of Houston and majored in business management, and minored in sales, then decided to do something that would challenge me in my skills and future and interview for a couple of industries. Out of all, I found technology to be exciting, challenging, and always learning something new, and I decided to join HPE. I am also a mentor for mentees and I love that as part of my role.
From Marti:
I started at HP after completing a degree in Advertising. My first job out of college was in Direct Marketing. I attended career fairs hosted by the University with local employers. It was not my dream job but it helped me get my foot in the door at what I hoped would be a great place to work. Shortly after joining, our business was merged with the channel partner business, and my role was discontinued. I was offered the opportunity to work in customer support at a new support center in Boise Idaho. I accepted the opportunity and moved with my family from California to Idaho. I learned all about HP Printers, fax machines, copiers, scanners, networking devices and so much more. A few years later, I took an engineer role in Atlanta, GA. Again I relocated with my family for this new role. Several roles later I
From Darby:
When I graduated high school, I wanted to be an engineer. Once I got to the more advanced classes and had a better idea of what my day-to-day looked like, I knew I would not be happy as an engineer. It took me being honest with myself to get to where I am today. I graduated with a degree in Human Resources and ended up getting a job in sales when I graduated. This took resilience!
When something did not work out for me, I kept going. When people told me that I didn’t have the skills to do what I dreamed of doing, I believed in myself.
So I got to where I am today by believing in myself and knowing my value as an employee. When something didn’t work out, I was it as a stepping stone to the next level. When I started a new job, I gave it my all. Even if I’m not the best at my work, no one can say that I don’t give 110%! No one has their life planned out completely. Take it day by day and give it your best shot!
Creating a strong network will help you connect with the right people, and that will also help you navigate your professional journey.
I went to the University of Houston and majored in business management, and minored in sales, then decided to do something that would challenge me in my skills and future and interview for a couple of industries. Out of all, I found technology to be exciting, challenging, and always learning something new, and I decided to join HPE. I am also a mentor for mentees and I love that as part of my role.
From Marti:
I started at HP after completing a degree in Advertising. My first job out of college was in Direct Marketing. I attended career fairs hosted by the University with local employers. It was not my dream job but it helped me get my foot in the door at what I hoped would be a great place to work. Shortly after joining, our business was merged with the channel partner business, and my role was discontinued. I was offered the opportunity to work in customer support at a new support center in Boise Idaho. I accepted the opportunity and moved with my family from California to Idaho. I learned all about HP Printers, fax machines, copiers, scanners, networking devices and so much more. A few years later, I took an engineer role in Atlanta, GA. Again I relocated with my family for this new role. Several roles later I
From Darby:
When I graduated high school, I wanted to be an engineer. Once I got to the more advanced classes and had a better idea of what my day-to-day looked like, I knew I would not be happy as an engineer. It took me being honest with myself to get to where I am today. I graduated with a degree in Human Resources and ended up getting a job in sales when I graduated. This took resilience!
When something did not work out for me, I kept going. When people told me that I didn’t have the skills to do what I dreamed of doing, I believed in myself.
So I got to where I am today by believing in myself and knowing my value as an employee. When something didn’t work out, I was it as a stepping stone to the next level. When I started a new job, I gave it my all. Even if I’m not the best at my work, no one can say that I don’t give 110%! No one has their life planned out completely. Take it day by day and give it your best shot!
Patti Montefusco
Sales
7
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Patti’s Answer
Hi,
I started as a young girl as a cheerleader, then worked for McDonald's and was a team lead. I have had various jobs like data entry, office manager, purchasing, training, sales. I noticed the theme was in leadership and giving. I am now in sales and I look at processess/proceedures and figure ways to make them easier for anyone using them. I am a creative person and so that comes naturally to me. I love what I do and I get the opportunity to meet people and impact their lives. The key to sales is to listen more than talk, be honest and find a solution for their problems.
Good luck!
I started as a young girl as a cheerleader, then worked for McDonald's and was a team lead. I have had various jobs like data entry, office manager, purchasing, training, sales. I noticed the theme was in leadership and giving. I am now in sales and I look at processess/proceedures and figure ways to make them easier for anyone using them. I am a creative person and so that comes naturally to me. I love what I do and I get the opportunity to meet people and impact their lives. The key to sales is to listen more than talk, be honest and find a solution for their problems.
Good luck!
Manoubia Boukhris
4
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Manoubia’s Answer
from my side , i start working on the customer communication even i study finance and i appreciate it so i continue to train myself and working on the customer satisfaction