Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 24
Looking at your growth so far, which skills
have made the biggest difference for you,
and why?
The skill that has made the biggest difference for me is being detail
oriented. As the builds become more complex, there are just more
and more elements to manage, and small things can have a big impact.
I’ve noticed that even in something like reviewing drawing packages,
where you might catch something that just doesn’t look quite right.
In connectivity especially, everything is very precise. If something is
even slightly off, it can cause real issues, so that attention to detail is
really important.
On the non-technical side, leadership and communication have made
a big difference. You’re working with so many different teams, and you
can’t wait for problems to arise. You have to be proactive, reach out
early, and clearly communicate what the issue is and how it can
be solved. Taking that initiative is a big part of the role.
What are some of the biggest obstacles young
people face in starting their careers today?
I’d also say having the drive to keep improving has been important.
It’s easy to get comfortable once you understand something, but I’ve
found it’s important to keep pushing yourself, to ask for more, and to
look for ways to be challenged.
One of the biggest challenges is being in environments where you don’t
necessarily see peers at the same stage as you. You might be one of the
youngest people in the room, so building that sense of connection takes more
effort. You have to be more intentional about how you relate to people and
昀椀nd common ground that isn’t based on age or where you are in your life.
Another challenge is learning how to assert yourself. Early in your career, you
can 昀椀nd yourself in situations where you’re working with very experienced
people across different functions, and sometimes you’re the one expected to
give direction. That can feel uncomfortable, especially when you’re speaking
to people who are much more senior or even closer to your parents’ age.
It’s not something that comes naturally. It’s something you have to actively
work on, 昀椀guring out how to communicate clearly and con昀椀dently, while also
striking the right balance so you’re not overcompensating.
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