I always get a look of shock when I inform people that I studied Criminal Justice in school, but I’m working (and happy) in commercial real estate. They’re polar opposite fields, and going into a career that is so different threw me into uncharted waters. Joining this company in 2012 was my first experience in corporate America and so far it’s been a great one. I was pushed out of my comfort zone, forced to tap back into my customer service skills when I was a service coordinator, and working in project management is making tackle problems from a more practical point of view.
Though my role now primarily consists of managing the financial aspect of numerous multi-million projects, I wear quite a few hats. I’m the go-to tech guru for small things, department admin and all around Girl Friday. I may not use all the skills and knowledge I’ve learned in a classroom over the years in my line of work, but I’m constantly growing and learning new things. In fact, I wanted to share 5 big things I’ve learned these past four years.
It’s perfectly okay to not work in your degree field. If you would’ve asked me in undergrad, or even when I started this gig if I’d make the decision to stay in this field I would’ve given you a firm “no”. What started off as a way to pay bills turned into a passion and that’s perfectly okay. My parents weren’t too thrilled at first, especially since my plan since high school was to work in the organized crime division of the DEA, but they’ve since warmed up to the idea with me going left instead of right. My degree hasn’t ‘gone to waste’, in fact there’s been a few times that my knowledge of our criminal justice system has come in handy.
Be adaptable. This is huge! I started off working as a receptionist for this company and within 8 months I was promoted to facilities service coordinator and in another 10 months I was promoted to project management administrative assistant. My role changed, as did my title and salary, and I’m now project coordinator. I was happy as a receptionist, but I was open to a different role (in a different department) when the position opened up. Which leads me to my next post.
Don’t hide your light under a bushel. I know we sing that line all the time in “This Little Light of Mine”, but it’s true. You don’t have to be egotistical and boastful, but you don’t be afraid to show off your talents. I’m pretty decent when it comes to technology and computers and I’m a fast learner. Those qualities along with my great people skills have helped me progress in a field that was utterly unfamiliar to me in the beginning.
Never stop learning. Whether it’s learning the client’s program, getting project management certified or getting my real estate license, I’ve made the decision to never stop learning. I’m smart, but I don’t know everything. I was blessed with an awesome group of co-workers who care about each other and work towards team improvement as well as self-improvement. I’ve learned so much about this industry and myself over these past few years, and the knowledge I’ve received from my co-workers is truly invaluable.
Work-life balance is key. I might be single with no kids, but I still need to have work-life balance. I don’t care if I’m going home and relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book, I need to be able to do that and not feel the need to constantly be “on”. We recently switched over to laptops instead of desktops, but one of the first things out of my manager’s mouth was “just because you’re able to work all the time now (meaning working at home and in the office) doesn’t mean I want you to”. She knows that we need our breaks and rest in order to give her and the client 150%. I refuse to overwork and burn the candle at both ends, that’s not good for my performance at work nor is it good for my health, so if it’s not an absolute emergency I leave the office work in the office.
What’s so great about the company that I work for is that there’s so many opportunities. I can move accounts, change roles and relocate to different countries all internally. I wish I could say that I knew where I’ll be in the next 5 years, but wherever I land I know I’ll be happy and that I won’t regret my decision to go left instead of right.