8 answers
Kamogelo
Student
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
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Tell us about a project or experience that truly ignited your passion and how did it shape your skills
Tell us about a project or experience that truly ignited your passion and how did it shape your skills
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8 answers
Jessica King
HR Manager
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
I worked in retail pretty much my entire career. There was a position open at my job that was completely different from anything I had ever done. I think in my mind the job title (which was operations supervisor) meant that I would be in the office, but I really didn't know what it would all include. I always try to be honest when telling this story, because it was definitely a hard transition. I even thought of giving up for a small window. But instead I took small steps, asked for alot of help, and tried my best. That position was the start of my current career. I completely shifted my focus, and now I am in a new field.
Anthony Cassis
Project Management
2
Answers
Charleston, West Virginia
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Kamogelo, great question!
I've had a career in project management for over 10 years, but the experience that made the biggest impact is still the closure of my first project. At the time I was a member of an IT team, having been promoted out of an entry level position. I was not by title a PM, but got the opportunity to fill the role for this particular project. I often felt confused or out of my depth in the role, but with the help of online forums, tutorials and more experienced co-workers we navigated the project well. The satisfaction of officially closing the project out and having my first PM experience gave me the confidence to adjust my career path. Getting the first one under your belt can be intimidating, but it's a huge rush to finish it, I'm sure similar to the first big sale for Account Executives!
I've had a career in project management for over 10 years, but the experience that made the biggest impact is still the closure of my first project. At the time I was a member of an IT team, having been promoted out of an entry level position. I was not by title a PM, but got the opportunity to fill the role for this particular project. I often felt confused or out of my depth in the role, but with the help of online forums, tutorials and more experienced co-workers we navigated the project well. The satisfaction of officially closing the project out and having my first PM experience gave me the confidence to adjust my career path. Getting the first one under your belt can be intimidating, but it's a huge rush to finish it, I'm sure similar to the first big sale for Account Executives!
Holly Sutton, PMP
Project Manager
1
Answer
Hackensack, New Jersey
Updated
Holly’s Answer
When I started working as a company manager, I knew that I wanted to work in theatre, but my talent was on the business/organizational side.
I am guessing most of the people reading this don't know what a company manager does on a show. We are the day to day representative for the producer and general managers on a commercial (for profit) production. The role differs a bit in a not for profit theatre. My day started at the office working with contracts and union reports, running the payroll, managing ticket requests from the company or industry people, handling workers comp claims and lots of filing. My day typically ended at the theatre checking in with the cast and crew and signing off on the box office statement for the performance.
So, getting back to telling you about a project that ignited my passion and shaped my skills. Fast forward 20+ years when I realized that what I loved about my job is that I get to clear the way for creative people to do their best work by taking care of all of those administrative details that are so important, but not what actors, designers and directors want to spend their days doing. Now I am a project manager and I get to do that same thing for subject matter experts in different industries.
Learn about the vast ecosystem of people who contribute to the Broadway community here - https://playbill.com/broadway-community-project
I am guessing most of the people reading this don't know what a company manager does on a show. We are the day to day representative for the producer and general managers on a commercial (for profit) production. The role differs a bit in a not for profit theatre. My day started at the office working with contracts and union reports, running the payroll, managing ticket requests from the company or industry people, handling workers comp claims and lots of filing. My day typically ended at the theatre checking in with the cast and crew and signing off on the box office statement for the performance.
So, getting back to telling you about a project that ignited my passion and shaped my skills. Fast forward 20+ years when I realized that what I loved about my job is that I get to clear the way for creative people to do their best work by taking care of all of those administrative details that are so important, but not what actors, designers and directors want to spend their days doing. Now I am a project manager and I get to do that same thing for subject matter experts in different industries.
Holly recommends the following next steps:
Mary Ann Higgs
Communications, Training, and People Development
31
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
When I was relatively early in my career (only 3 years in the workplace), I was working for the American Heart Association and we were going to be moving to a new building and we were remodeling that building in preparation for the move. My VP and my manager came to me and asked me to manage the remodel and the actual move. They said, "We know you've never done anything like this, but we believe you have the skills and ability to do this." And, they were right.
It was a lot of learning on the job. I spent time with the architect to help design the space for the way we would work. I was involved in picking the colors, desks, workstations and even the art on the walls. I had to think about what kinds of meeting rooms we would need. Small meeting rooms when only 4 people would be meeting and a large space when we would have 200 people on site for an event. I had to think about storage for materials and supplies. And then, as we made decisions, I needed to envision how people would actually use the space. Things like how would the person who is only 5'2" tall be able to reach the supplies stored in cabinets that were mounted to the wall above a counter.
This project caused me to use my creativity to help design the space and problem solving skills to make the space easily usable for the way we wanted to work. I learned a lot about myself and how much I knew and how to learn things quickly.
The project was a success and when we moved to the new space, people very easily and quickly adjusted to working in the new building.
It was a lot of learning on the job. I spent time with the architect to help design the space for the way we would work. I was involved in picking the colors, desks, workstations and even the art on the walls. I had to think about what kinds of meeting rooms we would need. Small meeting rooms when only 4 people would be meeting and a large space when we would have 200 people on site for an event. I had to think about storage for materials and supplies. And then, as we made decisions, I needed to envision how people would actually use the space. Things like how would the person who is only 5'2" tall be able to reach the supplies stored in cabinets that were mounted to the wall above a counter.
This project caused me to use my creativity to help design the space and problem solving skills to make the space easily usable for the way we wanted to work. I learned a lot about myself and how much I knew and how to learn things quickly.
The project was a success and when we moved to the new space, people very easily and quickly adjusted to working in the new building.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
344
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
I spent 30 years working at a for-profit company where I had a variety of positions that I truly enjoyed. During that time I also volunteered to lead a team which came up with volunteer activities for employees. I found that was my favorite team and realized the amount of gratification I received from doing that was invaluable. I made connections with contacts at various nonprofits.
So before approaching my 30th anniversary, I reached out to the founder of one of those organizations and took on the position of Executive Director. In my daughter's words, I was "following my heart." The next 12 years were about giving back and making life better for others which was easy to be passionate about. Now I'm retired and able to volunteer for quite a variety of nonprofits doing things I've never done before such as assisting a kindergarten teacher, being a mentor to someone in prison, serving on the board to help provide college scholarships for students in South Sudan, serving meals to the homeless and writing articles.
I found it was easy to be passionate about things that touch the lives of others.
With every good wish.
So before approaching my 30th anniversary, I reached out to the founder of one of those organizations and took on the position of Executive Director. In my daughter's words, I was "following my heart." The next 12 years were about giving back and making life better for others which was easy to be passionate about. Now I'm retired and able to volunteer for quite a variety of nonprofits doing things I've never done before such as assisting a kindergarten teacher, being a mentor to someone in prison, serving on the board to help provide college scholarships for students in South Sudan, serving meals to the homeless and writing articles.
I found it was easy to be passionate about things that touch the lives of others.
With every good wish.
Ma. Victoria Gularte
Interior Designer
3
Answers
Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay
Updated
Ma. Victoria’s Answer
What an excellent question!
In the previous year, I embarked on a monumental project alongside my associate for a towering structure in our city. This venture, known as Bahia Towers, was a multifaceted endeavor involving a fashion brand's retail outlet, their administrative offices, and a charming tea salon for afternoon relaxation. The Bahia Towers project was an incredible learning experience, encompassing a wide range of executive tasks and design elements, all of which needed careful coordination to bring the vision to life. It demanded countless hours of diligent work and unwavering commitment to meet the clients' expectations and to conceive a project that my partner and I found both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Bahia Towers rekindled my passion for design, prompting me to contemplate materials, orchestrate tasks, conduct client meetings, and spend long nights refining and fabricating spaces. I was constantly mindful of the memories that would be created in the space we were crafting, and this thought provided the motivation to persevere, to leave a lasting impression on anyone who would visit this building.
The scale of the project was instrumental in honing my skills. Can you picture undertaking a project of this magnitude in just a few months? It's a daunting yet exhilarating thought! Despite numerous setbacks, they served as stepping stones for my personal and professional growth.
The project necessitated extensive research into showcase design, determining the most effective way to display clothes, and how I could contribute to the business's expansion and success. It was crucial to design offices that were not only conducive to work but also exuded a sense of fun and tranquility, in line with the brand's ethos.
Bahia Towers holds a special place in my heart, ranking among my favorite projects! Given the chance, I would eagerly relive the experience, time and time again!
In the previous year, I embarked on a monumental project alongside my associate for a towering structure in our city. This venture, known as Bahia Towers, was a multifaceted endeavor involving a fashion brand's retail outlet, their administrative offices, and a charming tea salon for afternoon relaxation. The Bahia Towers project was an incredible learning experience, encompassing a wide range of executive tasks and design elements, all of which needed careful coordination to bring the vision to life. It demanded countless hours of diligent work and unwavering commitment to meet the clients' expectations and to conceive a project that my partner and I found both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Bahia Towers rekindled my passion for design, prompting me to contemplate materials, orchestrate tasks, conduct client meetings, and spend long nights refining and fabricating spaces. I was constantly mindful of the memories that would be created in the space we were crafting, and this thought provided the motivation to persevere, to leave a lasting impression on anyone who would visit this building.
The scale of the project was instrumental in honing my skills. Can you picture undertaking a project of this magnitude in just a few months? It's a daunting yet exhilarating thought! Despite numerous setbacks, they served as stepping stones for my personal and professional growth.
The project necessitated extensive research into showcase design, determining the most effective way to display clothes, and how I could contribute to the business's expansion and success. It was crucial to design offices that were not only conducive to work but also exuded a sense of fun and tranquility, in line with the brand's ethos.
Bahia Towers holds a special place in my heart, ranking among my favorite projects! Given the chance, I would eagerly relive the experience, time and time again!
Robert Austin
Cyber Security
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I was at the helm of a project that brought together various security solutions across our company. These diverse solutions had previously resulted in an uneven security stance for our business, causing headaches for numerous employees. By merging our technologies, we were able to cut costs, enhance security, boost reliability, and smooth out the relationship between our business operations and security measures. This project demanded that I grow personally in areas such as project coordination and management, building cross-functional teams, and improving technology skills. The final outcome was gratifying for me, the team, and the entire business.
Nina Smith
Creative Director
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nina’s Answer
Hi there!
When I started working in an advertising agency in New York, I was getting coffee's, selling my bosses old toys on ebay, and generally taking on any task around the office they would give me. One day I was finally allowed to contribute a small line of copy to a print ad for The American Natural History Museum. About a month later, I saw the ad in the wild when I got off the subway and the rush and joy it gave me (even though I had done such a small part of it) made me realize that I was super passionate about advertising and marketing. I immediately rushed out and purchased books from all the great advertising gurus and everything I read connected with me and got me excited to learn more.
Whatever difficulty I have in the job, it never dulls my passion or interest in the actual work I'm making. That's how I know it's a true passion.
When I started working in an advertising agency in New York, I was getting coffee's, selling my bosses old toys on ebay, and generally taking on any task around the office they would give me. One day I was finally allowed to contribute a small line of copy to a print ad for The American Natural History Museum. About a month later, I saw the ad in the wild when I got off the subway and the rush and joy it gave me (even though I had done such a small part of it) made me realize that I was super passionate about advertising and marketing. I immediately rushed out and purchased books from all the great advertising gurus and everything I read connected with me and got me excited to learn more.
Whatever difficulty I have in the job, it never dulls my passion or interest in the actual work I'm making. That's how I know it's a true passion.