Significant Career Lesson From a Senior Project Manager at John A Martin and Associates
Adena, a senior project manager, identifies "being humble and... saying 'I don't know it'" as the most significant career lesson learned. This approach, coupled with actively "asking the right questions," facilitated continuous learning and growth, a practice Adena still employs daily, emphasizing that expertise in structural engineering is a journey, not a destination.
Communication, Project Management, Problem-Solving, Entry-Level, Learning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Adena Geiger
Sr project manager
John A Martin & Associates
UCLA 2013
UC Berkeley masters of science
Engineering - Civil
Architecture, Construction & Design
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Embrace humility and acknowledge when you don't know something. This is especially important for entry-level positions, and it allows for continuous learning by asking questions and seeking guidance from others.
2. Effective communication is key. Asking the right questions at the right time is crucial for acquiring knowledge and advancing your understanding in the field.
3. Continuous learning is vital. There is always more to learn in structural engineering; never stop asking questions and seeking knowledge from those around you
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
The biggest lesson is being humble and making sure that if you don't know something, you just say you don't know it and learn from people. Being a good communicator, asking the right questions at the right time, is very important.
This is especially true as an entry-level professional. You'll start your internship or entry-level position not knowing a lot of things, and that's okay. Nobody knows everything when they first start.
Being comfortable with not knowing and asking the right questions to further your knowledge is the biggest thing. Keep doing that; I still do it every day. If I don't know something, I say, "Hey, I don't know this."
As I've mentioned before, you're always learning in this field. There will never be a time when you're the expert and know everything in structural engineering. So, get comfortable with asking questions and communicating with the right people.