My journey into the architecture/engineering (A/E) industry is a bit unconventional, but isn’t that the beauty of life? With a background in psychology and art, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind and the power of creative expression. I spent years working in psychology-related fields, such as pharmaceutical research and neuropsychological assessments, but I eventually hit a ceiling — I needed a change.
When I took the plunge and moved to Nashville, it felt like a fresh start. I knew I had a treasure trove of transferable skills just waiting to be unleashed. Rather than jumping straight into an A/E-specific role, I opted for an administrative support position to dip my toes in the water. This choice allowed me to soak up invaluable knowledge about architecture and engineering — and Gresham Smith in particular — without the fear of sinking. I learned everything from industry lingo to the essential differences between a beam and a girder (who knew?).
With my newfound knowledge and experiences, I realized that my real passion lay in recruiting talented professionals to join our dynamic team. I was able to connect the dots between my psychology background — understanding people’s motivations and skills — and the creative and technical demands of architecture and engineering. Now I have the privilege of helping shape the future of our firm by bringing in exceptional practice and support professionals.
As a former certified neuropsychometrist turned A/E enthusiast, I’m here to prove that your career path can be a winding roller coaster, but it can lead to incredible places if you stay open to change.
At Gresham Smith, we believe that diverse experiences enrich our teams and drive creativity. Whether you come from healthcare, research, marketing, project management, or any other field, your skills and experiences matter, even if they don’t align perfectly on your résumé. Embrace your background — it can provide fresh perspectives that set you apart!
Battling Imposter Syndrome
As I embraced this new chapter, I realized I couldn’t ignore my old nemesis: imposter syndrome. You know, that nagging voice that whispers you’re a fraud and don’t belong among the seasoned professionals? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone; studies suggest that nearly 70% of people experience these feelings, especially women, people from underrepresented backgrounds, career changers, and those early in their careers.
Why Imposter Syndrome Happens
Transitioning into a new job or field can trigger feelings of inadequacy for a few reasons:
- New Environment: Joining a different industry exposes you to new processes and language, making it easy to feel unsure of where you fit in.
- Comparison: It’s natural to compare yourself to established professionals and feel inferior in the process.
- Fear of Failure: The pressure to perform can amplify anxieties about falling short of expectations.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Recognizing and addressing these feelings is crucial. Here are some strategies that helped me:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel inadequate; these emotions are normal during transitions. Accept them without judgment.
- Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Replace “I don’t belong here” with “I bring a unique perspective that adds value.”
- Focus on Your Accomplishments: Keep a list of your past successes as a reminder of your capabilities.
- Seek Support: Connect with mentors or peers for encouragement. Sharing your experiences can lighten the load.
- Embrace Learning: View your transition as an opportunity for growth; it’s okay not to have all the answers right away.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize even minor progress, like completing a course or expanding your network.
- Leverage Your Strengths: Identify what you bring to the table and how those strengths can enhance your new role.
- Build Connections: Networking within A/E can provide insights and bolster your confidence.
- Develop a Positive Mindset: Focus on your potential and pursue resources that encourage personal growth.
- Remember Your Value: Your unique experiences are vital assets — reframe your narrative to see your true capabilities.
Translating Past Experience
One way to combat imposter syndrome is to recognize how your past experiences are applicable to the A/E field. Here are some transferable skills:
- Customer Service: Your ability to understand and anticipate client needs is crucial, where relationship-building is key.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with software tools from previous roles can translate well to design tools like AutoCAD or Revit.
- Analytical Skills: Experience with data analysis can enhance your understanding of design requirements and help make data-driven recommendations.
- Creative Problem Solving: Skills in developing innovative solutions in your previous roles will serve you well in creating efficient systems.
Transitioning to new roles, industries or even companies is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. By addressing imposter syndrome and embracing your unique background, you can transform obstacles into stepping stones.
