Persistent Career

I applied for a job I didn’t know if I wanted and I didn’t get it…

Careers are tough! I have had 3 now at the young age of 26. I have my Petroleum Engineering Degree and started out in my field for a little under two years. After several rounds of layoffs, my position was cut. When I was laid off, I did a lot of contemplating about what I liked, what I was good at, etc. I figured out I was good at logistics coordination, anticipating needs, etc. But at this time I didn’t have a name for that role.

In major dogpaddling energy, I jumped into a position with Amazon that was more Project Management. It was very chaotic and I was traveling weekly to a different site all over the country. I learned so much about what I did and didnt like in a very short order (I also met a couple of my very best friends). I spent 9 months doing that and was burned TF out.

Bringing us up to today, I am an engineer for a large Ag company. Since I graduated college 4 years ago, I have been traveling and now is no different. I spend 250+ nights out of a hotel every year. I love it and I hate it.

One of my 2023 goals is to get a Project Management role. I want to work remotely for the company I already work for and utilize the skills I am really good at.

So to work on this goal I have a.) connected with the manager of that team, b.) took on a side project at my company to gain experience, c.) been mentored by that manager, d.) completed the Google Project Management Certification on Coursera, e.) applied for a current opening at my company. And I didn’t get the role. I am hoping for something bigger and better. This open role wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, but it still is hard.

I tell you all this to tell you you’re not alone. Success is not linear. Setbacks are normal. Overcoming challenges are part of the human experience. Social media makes it seem like everyone knows whats going on, but they dont. Work hard and trust the process.

Here’s how I am working hard and trusting the process:

1.) continuing to be mentored by the team manager
2.) talking through openings
3.) considering getting my PMP certification
4.) working on my interviewing skills
5.) working with my HR team
6.) looking at other project managers

Here’s the thing about a persistence project. You gotta be persistent. Most things in my life have taken a long time and a bunch of work. Here I am, showing up day in and day out. Do it too. Its worth it.

Much Love,
Lexi