Sometimes the career path we initially choose is not the path that ultimately leads us to success. If you would\u2019ve told me when I started my career in the early \u201890s that I would be where I am today, I would\u2019ve said you were crazy.<\/p>\n
I was a shy young CAD technician with no college degree. I had just been laid off from the construction industry and was eager for a job in the area I had some training. I had two years of technical training in drafting and design from vocational school and wanted to get into that field. After several interviews, I found the right firm. At the time, the firm leaders weren\u2019t going to hire me because they said, \u201cI couldn\u2019t do the job.\u201d I guess you could say I wasn\u2019t all that shy\u2014or maybe I came out of my shell\u2014because I asked them to just give me a chance to show what I could do.<\/p>\n
Those leaders ultimately gave me that chance and nine years later, I became a firm principal charged with leading the firm\u2019s marketing and business development efforts. I am now the executive VP and COO and also one of the largest shareholders. As a non-degreed, non-technical professional, and leader of an engineering company, what steps did I take to make sure I took the correct fork in the road and head down the right path?<\/p>\n
First, I had to step out of my comfort zone and speak to those I didn\u2019t know. I am very much an introvert. For many years, I was also a very shy person. I hated giving book reports in school because I didn\u2019t want to get up in front of the class and speak. For my career as a firm leader and to be successful, I knew I had to do something that made me uncomfortable. The more I have done it, the more comfortable I\u2019ve gotten.<\/p>\n
Next, I chose a mentor inside the firm that was in a position of leadership I thought I could achieve. He took me under his wing and guided me down the right path. I also chose a few mentors outside the firm. I wanted someone I could share frustrations with and also someone who could provide me with honest feedback.<\/p>\n
Lastly, I joined organizations such as SMPS. I wasn\u2019t just a paying member. For me to get the most out of my membership, I had to serve on boards and committees. This really helped develop my leadership skills (i.e. delegating, listening, speaking), and I was able to transition those back to my firm.<\/p>\n
Whenever we start our career, we often don\u2019t know where it will lead. I hope by sharing my path to success, I have inspired you to look at yours. What steps will you take to make sure you choose the right path when you come to that fork in the road?<\/p>\n
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