12 things I wish I knew at the beginning of my career

October marks my tenth year in the AEC industry. If you had told this marketing gal out of college that she would be promoting construction, she probably would have laughed. She was certain she would be selling products or working for a big retail company. However, it’s been quite a wonderful career and I get to go to a job I love every day with people who make me better, challenge me, empower me, and encourage me to be innovative and grow. People that desire good for me.

What I love about this industry is its focus on service. Service to our clients. Service to our teammates. Service to our communities.

Of course, the main focus is the building aspect. Building infrastructure to connect people. Building facilities that bring people together or save lives. Building basic necessities to help our communities that are lacking. Building relationships to further our impact.

We build hope.

I think that is what sets this industry apart and why it’s proved a good fit for me. We aren’t selling products or materials that encourage want. We provide services to unite people and build hope.

As I reflect on my career journey the past 10 years, a few themes stood out. Here are a few things I wish I knew when I started my career:

1. Don’t be afraid to take the job that doesn’t look glamorous. It could be a stepping stone or gateway to your next role.

2. Relationships will be the most important part of your job. Devote the extra time here early in your career. Go out of the way to go to the event, get a beer, talk to your coworker in the hallway, etc. to build the relationships. Your success will depend on it.

3. Surround yourself with leaders who empower you and challenge you. If you do not have leaders that do this, consider if you’re in the right place.

4. Set goals! For yourself, for your team, for your company, etc. List out the steps you will take to actually achieve them and revisit them often. This may seem obvious but is overlooked far too often.

5. Advocate for yourself. Speak up. Make sure others know your desires and goals. Ask to be a part of a team or lead a mission. Share your idea for improvement. Ask for the raise. Be vocal.

6. Be humble. Admit when you’ve messed up or are wrong. You may only be privy to a small portion of the puzzle.

7. Money is not everything! Your health, stress levels, and balance are more important.

8. Create boundaries! Write them down. Pin them where you can see them. Be adamant in what lines can or cannot be bent (to others AND yourself).

9. If you are no longer learning or growing, it’s likely time to move on.

10. Relationships are the key to shifting change successfully. I can’t stress enough how important these are if you want to become a change-leader.

11. Write a personal mission statement. What do you truly desire to accomplish in your life? How does your career fit in?

12. Be genuine. Don’t get caught up in people pleasing, it won’t take you far. Stay true to your values, even when it’s against the grain.

My roles have shifted and shaped me over the last 10 years, but as I became more confident and genuine in myself and as a daughter of Christ, I know I have shifted and shaped the roles too. Keeping hold of my Christian values and sharing them unreservedly at work has helped me to grow and succeed. It has helped me to build trust, become more reliable, and be a good teammate while still keeping the priority on my life outside of work.

I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses the next 10 years of my career to shape me!