Significant career lesson from a Research Scientist at New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
A significant career lesson learned by the Research Scientist was that "you never need to be the smartest one in the room," emphasizing the importance of collaboration and seeking help. This approach, learned from a mentor, involves knowing "who to ask" and when, proving invaluable throughout their career and shared readily with colleagues and trainees.
Collaboration, Mentorship, Problem-Solving, Resourcefulness, Teamwork
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jen McHenry
Research Scientist
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
University of South Florida
Green Mountain College, MSc in Environmental Studies
Environmental & Related Sciences
Energy & Utilities, Government & Public Sector
Operations and Project Management
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Collaboration is key: Don't be afraid to ask for help and leverage the expertise of others.
2. It's okay to not know everything: Focus on identifying the right resources and people to assist you.
3. Mentorship matters: Seek out mentors who can guide and support your growth.
Transcript
Q11: Significant lesson - career
What is one lesson that you've learned that has proven significant in your career?
I was fortunate to have the most wonderful supervisor and mentor when I first started here. The thing she taught me that has stuck with me all these years is that you never need to be the smartest one in the room.
You don't need to know everything. You just need to know who to ask and when to ask for help. You're never in it alone.
We don't need to solve problems by ourselves; we can collaborate with others, and sometimes that's actually the best option. When I'm working with other people or new trainees, I always tell them they don't need to know everything.
It's okay to ask, but it's always helpful to know who to ask. I think that's probably the piece of advice that has stuck with me and has proven very handy.