Significant Career Lesson From a Project Coordinator at GreenerU
Madeline, a Project Coordinator at GreenerU, emphasizes two key career lessons: proactive critical thinking, exemplified by anticipating needs and "going the extra mile" to add value, such as tailoring reports to specific client needs; and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring consistency in formatting and style to elevate the quality of work. These skills, Madeline suggests, are valuable differentiators in a professional setting.
Project Management, Communication, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Proactive
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Madeline Rawson
Project Coordinator
GreenerU
Williams College
n/a
Environmental & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Consulting & Related Professional Services
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Be proactive and go the extra mile: Think critically about your tasks and anticipate needs before they are explicitly stated. For example, in researching a program for a client, proactively include relevant details like client-specific pricing instead of just raw data.
2. Prioritize attention to detail: Carefully review your work before submission, paying close attention to formatting, style, and instructions. Even small details like following a requested format (e.g., list vs. paragraph) significantly impact the perceived quality of your work.
3. Develop strong critical thinking skills: Analyze tasks to identify what is needed, even if not explicitly asked. This proactive approach can differentiate you from others and add significant value, setting you apart in your career.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I was thinking about this and I came up with two related but distinct points. The first is to be proactive. Think critically about the tasks you're given and go the extra mile to do them well. People will really appreciate that.
For example, let's say you're asked to research a program your company is considering recommending to a client. When you create that report or memo, relate the program to your client within your research. Even small things, like writing out the price your client would pay based on their demographics and enrollment, can be helpful.
Rather than just copying and pasting the entire pricing structure, you cut out noise for your superior and your client, making your work more valuable. Many people don't take these proactive steps, and I think it's something that can really differentiate you from others at your company or other candidates.
Being able to think critically, see what is needed even if it's not explicitly stated, and doing it can set you apart. While you might sometimes do extra work that wasn't necessary, if you can work efficiently and provide that extra value, you will stand out.
Related to this, but different, is attention to detail. Really look carefully at what you're doing, especially before submitting it to someone. This is really critical.
An example would be if someone gives you a past report and says, "Here's the raw information for this client and a sample report from a previous client. Create a report with this new data." Carefully look at that sample report to make sure you're mimicking the style of language, the voice, and the formatting. I've asked people to make a list and sent an example, and even small things like writing a paragraph instead of an actual numbered list happen. It seems simple, but it's 100% something that makes your work quality seem much higher without a ton of extra effort on your part. I think that's definitely well worth the reward.