What A Construction Project Manager At Los Angeles World Airports Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Construction Industry
Sebastian, a Construction Project Manager, wishes someone had advised them early in their career to "not be in a rush to succeed," emphasizing that success takes time and patience. This advice stems from their personal experience as a first-generation college student, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and realistic expectations for career progression.
Patience, Perseverance, Motivation, Overcoming Challenges, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sebastian Potes
Construction Project Manager
Los Angeles World Airports
USC
MBA UCLA Anderson
Engineering - Civil
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Architecture, Construction & Design
Operations and Project Management
First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Success takes time and doesn't happen overnight.
2. It's okay if you don't see results immediately.
3. Don't rush to succeed; focus on consistent effort and patience.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I love this question. I think it's a great question, and I don't think it's specific to my industry. I believe this is applicable to most industries.
I kind of touched on it earlier in my previous answer. When I first started, I really wanted to prove that I belonged there and deserved a seat at the table. I think talking to my mentors and working with them, that part eventually got resolved.
Perhaps I could have received that advice in one succinct meeting at the beginning of my career. I guess, don't be in a rush to succeed. Success takes time. That was my biggest challenge when I first started.
I just wanted to succeed so badly. I wanted to get promoted and become a project manager. I wish somebody had told me it's going to come. You have a great attitude, you're a hard worker, you show up on time every day, and you give 110%. It's going to come. Just be patient.
I think if somebody had told me that, maybe I still would have been the same, but I wish somebody had told me that in a way that would have stuck in my head.
Coming from a first-generation family to go to college, I was the first one in my family to attend college. So I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to do really well.
If I were to give somebody advice going into the workforce, I'd say, do your best. Try hard. But also learn that success takes time and it's not going to happen overnight. And if you don't see results right away, that's okay.