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In our member spotlight, Kim McDonough, CPSM, recently sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS. Kim, who\u2019s marketing manager at Reaveley Engineers, is a member of SMPS Utah and has been in the A\/E\/C industry for 25 years. In this spotlight, she shares what she did at work yesterday and how SMPS has helped her career.<\/p>\n
Could you please share some news?<\/strong> I was recently promoted to marketing manager.<\/p>\n How did you decide to have a career in the A\/E\/C industry?<\/strong>\u00a0I fell into it as a receptionist for a large general contractor over 25 years ago, but now I can\u2019t imagine working in another industry.<\/p>\n How has SMPS helped you in your career?<\/strong> Aside from the richness other members add to my life personally, I feel like those relationships, along with educational events, etc., have benefit me far more than education alone ever could. Also, earning my CPSM<\/a> has given me credibility among my peers and technical staff, as well as the confidence that comes with learning and achievement. That confidence extends to my personal life, too.<\/p>\n Could you share a helpful hint with your fellow SMPS members?<\/strong> My passion for learning how to make technology work for me really helps me excel at my job. I\u2019ve taken college-level courses in Excel and InDesign, as well as boot-camp-style courses in Bluebeam and Word, but YouTube has been my go-to source for answers to specific challenges.<\/p>\n What did you do at work yesterday?<\/strong> I attended meetings, including lunch with a new member of SMPS. I also finished producing a brochure for a new market we\u2019re moving into. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to think strategically and to write. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed and wanted to do more of.<\/p>\n What have been the rewards of your career?<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s a thrill to see complicated, high-profile projects completed by the firm you\u2019re working for. I\u2019ve also met so many wonderful people.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the best advice you\u2019ve received regarding your career or working in A\/E\/C?<\/strong>\u00a0Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.<\/p>\n As a CPSM, how has certification benefitted you?<\/strong> Earning my CPSM has given me the confidence to speak with knowledge and authority on matters that affect my company.<\/p>\n Why did you decide to take the CPSM test?<\/strong> I\u2019ve been in the industry a long time, but the pivot to marketing was more recent. There were many aspects of the industry I was well-versed in, but at the same time, I had that uncomfortable, newcomer feeling. My boss had already earned her CPSM and encouraged me to go for it. I didn’t need too much pressure because I thought it would be a terrific way to learn everything I could about the marketing aspects of the industry. I\u2019ve never looked back.<\/p>\n