Significant Career Lesson from a Director of Finance at Paramount
A significant career lesson for this Director of Finance is that career progression is "not going to be linear," requiring consistent effort and the development of key relationships through proactive networking. Success also demands "a thick skin" and a willingness to "work harder than a lot of people around you."
Career Development, Networking, Resilience, Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tim Gardner
Director of Finance
Paramount
University of Scranton 2008
UCLA EMBA Class of 2023
Finance
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Finance
Video Highlights
1. Building strong internal relationships is crucial for career advancement. Networking and informational interviews are invaluable.
2. Career progression is rarely linear; expect peaks and valleys and maintain consistent effort.
3. Develop a thick skin and self-confidence to navigate career challenges successfully. Hard work and dedication are essential for standing out and rising in your field
Transcript
What lesson has proven significant in your career?
It's long, it's not going to be linear. Frankly, there will be times where it's going to be arguments. So, the longer that you stay within a company, the more valuable you become to that company.
Just expect having to put in plenty of time to learn the business and know that your career is not going to be linear. There will be peaks and valleys to it. You just have to continue to put in a consistent level of effort.
On another note, develop relationships with key individuals who can help propel your career. Reach out to people internally and ask if you can speak one-on-one with them. People love to talk about themselves, so take advantage of that. Just reach out to people within the business, and you'd be surprised at the connections you build because of that.
A thick skin is critical. Again, to the first point, you will go through many ups and downs within your career. So, stay confident in yourself; that is critical. Always stay confident in your ability.
Frankly, you need to have hustle. You need to find a balance between work and relaxation, but you also really need to work harder than a lot of people around you. That's how you rise. People see that; people see when you work hard.