How Identity Has Influenced a Landscape Designer III's Career at OLIN
Derek's experience highlights the importance of finding a workplace that values authenticity; at a previous firm, a coworker's advice to embrace their identity ("the partners love that it says we're different") contrasted sharply with the pressure to hide aspects of their identity elsewhere. This led Derek to prioritize working at OLIN, a firm with strong DEIB and social justice values, where their identity is celebrated, not just tolerated.
Authenticity, DEIB Initiatives, Workplace Culture, Social Justice, Career Alignment
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Derek Lazo
Landscape Designer III
OLIN
University of Southern California
UC Berkeley, Masters of Landscape Architecture
Environmental & Related Sciences
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Finding companies that celebrate authenticity is crucial for career success. Derek highlights the importance of feeling appreciated for who you are, rather than having to code-switch in a professional setting.
2. Look for companies with strong DEIB statements and a commitment to social justice. Derek's experience at OLIN demonstrates how a company's values can align with an individual's identity and create a supportive work environment.
3. It's challenging to discern company values during interviews, but prioritizing a workplace where you feel celebrated and appreciated is key. Derek emphasizes the importance of finding an environment where your identity is not only accepted but valued, which can be easier said than done during the interview process.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as queer and BIPOC, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
I think these two things are really important: being authentic and feeling like your authentic self is appreciated. It's about finding spaces that celebrate who you are.
When I was working at my previous firm, Surface, I had just graduated and wasn't sure how out I should be. I remember talking to a coworker while wearing nail polish.
I thought I should take it off because I had a client meeting. My coworker asked why, saying the partners loved it because it showed we were different. I had never heard that perspective before.
Finding places that celebrate your authenticity is incredibly helpful. It's hard to separate personal identity from professional life. Hopefully, no one has to code-switch, but it's unfortunate when it happens.
For queer or BIPOC designers, it can be challenging when there's a feeling that certain aspects of identity can't be professional or brought up. Some companies, like Olin, have strong DEIB and Black Lives Matter statements.
For me, social justice is deeply integrated into our projects and company culture. This has been very important.
For anyone with an identity or who is part of a group, it's crucial to ensure the values of your workplace align with your own. It's difficult to fully gauge this during interviews.
Ultimately, it's very important for everyone to go where they feel appreciated and celebrated.