Significant Career Lesson from a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade
Meng's most significant career lesson is the importance of building a wide network, "always get multiple perspectives," reaching out to individuals across all levels, from direct supervisors to executives, for mentorship and advice. This proactive networking strategy accelerated their career progression, resulting in two promotions within three years and providing invaluable support throughout their ten-year tenure.
Networking, Mentorship, Career Development, Communication, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Meng Qi
Business Solutions Architect
Avanade
Georgia Tech, 2014
UCLA FEMBA
Engineering - Industrial
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Technology
Consulting
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Build a strong professional network across all levels of your organization, from direct supervisors to executives. Don't hesitate to reach out for mentorship and advice; many professionals want to help you succeed.
2. Actively seek out multiple perspectives when tackling problems or making decisions. This will lead to more robust solutions and better career choices.
3. Career advancement is often accelerated by building relationships and having advocates within your company. Mentorship and networking are invaluable for career growth.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proved to be very significant throughout your career?
The lesson I've learned, and it's been very significant, is to always get multiple perspectives. Make sure you build your network within the company, not just with your direct boss.
Have a good relationship with your direct boss, but also with people around them, you know, your boss's peers. Don't be afraid to reach out to director or executive-level people. Set up a mentorship call, a one-on-one call, just to talk through problems.
It's funny. I've been in my role for 10 years, and I've started playing more of a career advisor role. I'm on the other side of the table now, and I think students need to understand that we all want to help you because we were there at one point in our careers. We want to make sure you get the support you need and we want to see you succeed.
This isn't just for people your age; it's for people across the entire organization, from the lowest level up to the highest. So, one of the lessons I've learned is don't be afraid to reach out and build that network.
Don't be afraid to speak to someone three or four levels above you and say, "Hey, I'd love your advice. I'd love for us to schedule a one-on-one call to discuss how I'm doing and how I can do better."
Utilize this because it's saved me multiple times in my current organization. Because I built those relationships and made the effort to have those calls, I have so many advocates. It's really accelerated my promotions and my career.
I've been promoted twice in three years because I've been building that network and fostering those relationships. Keeping people in touch with what I'm doing means they're there to help me every step of the way. That's my one lesson: don't be afraid to build your network. Don't be afraid to reach out to people you feel you shouldn't, and just be very open to them.