Significant Career Lesson From A Project Director At Education Non-Profit
Lidia, a Project Director III, learned that "never underestimating yourself" is crucial for career success. This realization, born from overcoming initial shyness and pushing past comfort zones in various roles, ultimately propelled their advancement from a teaching assistant to a director, demonstrating the power of self-belief and embracing challenges.
Overcoming Challenges, Confidence, Project Management, Communication, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lidia Alfaro Chavez
Project Director III, Upward Bound
Education Non-Profit
UCLA, 2014
Pepperdine University, MA Social Entrepreneurship & Change, 2017
Anthropology, Sociology
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Overcome self-doubt and step outside your comfort zone to achieve career goals.
2. Recognize your capabilities and potential even when facing challenges.
3. Embrace opportunities for growth and development to advance in your career.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
"Never underestimate yourself. I'm a bit of an introverted person, and I started college as a very shy person.
Getting out of my comfort zone to recruit students or keep them engaged in a class I was TA for, or a group I mentored, was a big challenge. I wasn't sure I could do it, but I worked to get past that hurdle and didn't let myself continue to underestimate myself.
When I entered the full-time world in this industry, working as a project coordinator, assistant, manager, and finally a director, I really learned to get out of my comfort zone. I recognized that while I might have some growth to do in any role, it doesn't mean I don't belong there.
Underestimating yourself is never the way to go. You never know what you're capable of until you jump in and get your feet wet."