Career choices are endless.
Hey there!
I am excited to hear that you are interested in a STEM career! The career choices are endless and the fields are always changing and growing which provide you with the opportunity to continue to learn and grow throughout your career.
If you haven’t selected a particular field of study or definite career path, don’t worry, you will have many opportunities to do that in the future – and – believe it or not your career may take various different paths throughout your journey.
When I began my career, cell phones were a new technology (brick phones were the new portable and car phones were hardwired into the vehicle) and there weren’t very many women in leading roles, today the opportunities are endless! Diversity and inclusion have been a consistent challenge but do not let that deter you from your goals. Stay the course and stand up for what you believe in – yourself. Do not doubt yourself and do not allow others to instill doubt in you.
Personally, I have had experiences ranging from having others use my work product as their own, harassment, and exclusion, none of which has made me lose sight of my goals. I continue to strive and achieve knowing that in doing so I am helping pave the way for the next women of color to stand on my shoulders and rise above. While I have had my share of negativity, I have also had many more positive experiences than negative with my peers and coworkers, so I don’t want to leave you with the impression that it is awful to be in the corporate workplace, but it is not for the faint of heart and it does have challenges.
One piece of advice that I want you to really listen to: find (and keep) a sponsor and a mentor – yes, you do need both! A sponsor is someone who will champion for you and support your career goals within the organization, and your mentor (you should have at least one or two mentors) will help you navigate and make choices throughout your career. Mentors can be inside or outside the organization you work for. Looking back on my career, this is guidance I wish I had been given. I did not know how much of a significant positive impact mentors and sponsors can and do make. Having someone that you can talk to as a sounding board (listening and constructive feedback) and for guidance will help you weather the challenges that you will face. They can help you make better decisions and choices by providing additional perspective and support.
Keep working to achieve your goals and know that there are good and bad aspects to every job – but when you are working because you have an interest in what you are doing – and you are ready to work through the rest – you will have a very successful and rewarding career.
Wishing you continued success,
Lita
Manager – SLED Contract Management
“If you choose a career doing what you love, you will never “work” a day in your life!”
