Significant Career Lesson From A Director Clean Energy Transition At ABS
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kirk learned the importance of defining and regularly reviewing "long-term, midterm, and short-term career goals," a process that ultimately led Kirk back to the marine industry and environmental consulting by prioritizing personal interests over short-term career advancements. This focus on aligning work with long-term aspirations, Kirk suggests, is "critical to… always review and stay focused."
Career Development, Long-Term Career Goals, Self-Discovery, Career Planning, Achieving Goals
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kirk Waltz
Director, Business Development - Clean Energy Transition
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (MS), Rice University (MBA)
Engineering - Civil, Engineering - Environmental
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Understanding and regularly reviewing one's short-term, mid-term, and long-term career goals is crucial for career success.
2. During times of uncertainty (like COVID-19), it's essential to reflect on career goals and ensure alignment with personal interests and values.
3. Focusing on long-term goals and passions, rather than solely chasing short-term opportunities, leads to greater career satisfaction and fulfillment.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career, from an entire career perspective?
One thing I learned very acutely during COVID-19 was the importance of understanding my long-term, midterm, and short-term career goals. It's about monitoring and maintaining those goals and continuing to follow up on a little internal self-discovery. This ensures I'm still on the right path for what I originally intended.
That's what got me back into the marine space and this environmental consulting role. I took the time to reground myself in what I was actually trying to achieve in my career and my life. This was instead of just following the next opportunity that I saw short-term as a solution to get to the next step of a career growth strategy.
Having that long-term goal and focus on specific interests and a real love for what you want to do for a career is critical. I think it's important to always look back, always review, and stay focused on that.