Recently, I’ve been temporarily assigned to coordinate a process that highlights and addresses customer issues at my company. I was not sure how I’d feel in this new assignment but, to my surprise, I’ve enjoyed having this new challenge. Previously, the majority of my tasks included analyzing data, making charts, etc. Although the analytical, data focused work can be fulfilling as people depend on the information that I provide, a change of pace has also been rewarding.
With this temporary assignment, I’m exposed to new issues virtually everyday. I collaborate and meet with new people on an ongoing basis, I lead cross functional meetings, and I have many “irons in the fire” so I’m constantly stimulated. I get to learn about new products/processes, and I’m constantly challenged to find new/creative solutions to everyday issues.
Since college, I’ve been in a number of positions within 3 companies…everything from engineer to product manager to labor estimator. Some of these positions I liked better than others, but as time has progressed, I’ve learned what aspects I enjoyed most in each position that I’ve held. For example, here are a few examples:
Position 1: Engineering intern – freedom to create and manage projects
Position 2: Manufacturing engineer – research, learn & teach; manage project implementation
Project 3: Process engineer – learning new processes, accountability for projects, producing results
Position 4: Industrial engineer – talking/networking with people
Position 5: Labor estimator – ambiguous projects that require creative solutions, negotiable/flexible deadlines
If you notice, these position descriptions do not at all allude to what I learned from the daily activities. A person could assume that I am highly analytical and introverted. However, after getting to know me, it is clear that I am very outgoing, sensitive, and creative.
So when you apply/interview for positions, you should not only ask the routine questions, but try to find out the skills needed to be successful in the job. Of course, this happens after you’ve made a personal inventory of what you’ve most enjoyed in past activities/jobs.
I’m eager to hear your feedback.
Daphne Robinson
www.careercougar.com
