What an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Technology Industry
Alexander, a Manager of Automation Engineering at Walmart, emphasizes the importance of asking questions, stating that "the smartest people are the ones asking questions," a lesson learned through experience and overcoming initial hesitation. This proactive approach, even if met with a simple "no," prevents later regret and unlocks opportunities for improvement and collaboration.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Overcoming Challenges, Asking Questions, Industry Realities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alexander Claiborne
Manager, Automation Engineering
Walmart
University of California, Santa Barbara
N/A
Environmental & Related Sciences
Automotive & Auto Parts, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Asking questions is crucial for learning and career advancement. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions, even if you feel intimidated or fear appearing uninformed; most people appreciate it.
2. Actively engage and seek to understand the reasoning behind processes and decisions. Questioning assumptions can lead to improved approaches and better outcomes.
3. It's important to not take things at face value and be proactive in seeking further information. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and suggest alternative solutions.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I would say asking questions. That's something I've had a hard time with in the past, and it took me a long time into my career to figure out that the smartest people are the ones asking questions. It can be intimidating, and you can have that feeling of imposter syndrome, like, "Hey, is this a question I should be asking?"
But it's been a very rare event when somebody asks a question and people don't respond well to it. Usually, that's just because it's something that had already been discussed a minute or two prior, and somebody wasn't really paying attention.
If you have a question, it's very likely somebody else in the room also has that question or would like more information on it. Maybe it was something that was kind of grazed over, and you can say, "Hey, hold on, can we go back? Can we talk about that a little bit more?"
I wish that was something someone told me a while ago. I feel like I kind of took things at face value and said, "Okay, that is what it is, let's get moving on it." A lot of times, it's like, "Hey, why are we doing it this way?" or "Is there a reason for this certain approach?" Does that allow room for trying to think of something differently? If so, who can we pull in to advise on this?
Asking those sorts of questions really opens up a lot of opportunity for everybody. The worst thing somebody can say is, "No," or maybe just answer your question, and that's what it is. But at least you then know and won't go to bed at night thinking, "Oh man, what if I had asked that?"
Just try to ask questions, be engaged, and that will open up a lot of doors.