Life takes you on many paths: Focus on Skills not Titles

While I approach my 6th month in a new tech career at Solving IT, I have a lot to reflect on. When I share my story with people they are surprised at the different situations that I have encountered. However, I don’t think that titles or labels make up a person. It’s the skills and how you apply them to your career and most importantly life that makes you a well rounded individual. I want to share a little bit about what I have learned through my various experiences and how I apply them to everything I do.

United States Marine Corps

Two decades ago, my college plans were shifted after the attacks on 9/11 and the U.S. invading Iraq, which led me to instead serve my country. It was an unforgettable experience that brought me all over the world including two tours in Iraq. Here is just a glimpse of the many skills that made me who I am today.

• Adaptability
  As a Marine, there are many situations that require you to plan ahead and have contingency plans when things don’t go according to plan, especially in high pressure situations. The ability to be proactive when challenges arrive and quickly think on my feet has come in handy in my career and in life.
• Diligence
  In the military, we are no strangers to working hard. Waking up early, exercising and bringing on the day even before civilians have woken up to begin their day. There is a sense of pride when it comes to making sure the mission is accomplished even if it means it’s a long day. Working hard and putting maximum effort is just what we do.

English Teacher in Brazil

I lived in São Paulo for almost two years teaching English. Speaking Portuguese 24/7, my introduction into education was a vital experience in life. In addition, I got to check off attending the 2014 World Cup from my bucket list!

• Gratitude
  Brazil is a developing country, but it has its issues like water shortages, favelas (slums) and corruption. I witnessed these issues first hand. There is a huge difference between going on vacation to a country and living like a local. I learned that there are things that I took for granted – in the U.S. there are basic necessities that we don’t have to ever worry about. I feel grateful and have a mindset that I don’t have much to complain about.. because it can always be worse.

High School Social Studies Teacher
With my Masters of Arts in Teaching under my belt, teaching World History & U.S. History to high schoolers challenged me in many aspects of life, and I had tons of fun doing it.

• Patience
  Being able to stay patient in the moment by how you express yourself is critical in the classroom. There are students who need help to get through their questions and weaknesses. Being impatient could make them feel discouraged from seeking your help. There are also students who can be disruptive, and peers and parents who may disagree with you. Being patient while working through all this was an important lesson to life.
• Enthusiasm
  For a subject like history, I know that not many people will be passionate about it like myself. So how do I make topics like that interesting and engaging? It’s by showing enthusiasm and many times that is contagious! Students who see your passion and how hard you work to present the material show you respect and are more willing to listen to you.

Salesforce Business Analyst
Transitioning into a new career in tech has provided ample opportunities for me to apply the skills I’ve acquired in the past.

• Presenting
  When it comes to presentations, for instance, whether it’s delivering a demo to colleagues or assisting clients during testing phases, my knack for clear and concise communication has proven invaluable.

  Being able to stay patient in the moment by how you express yourself is critical in the classroom. There are students who need help to get through their questions and weaknesses. Being impatient could make them feel discouraged from seeking your help. There are also students who can be disruptive, peers and parents who may disagree with you. Being patient while working through all this was an important lesson to life.

• Patience being tested
  Not every aspect of this journey has been a walk in the park. Learning new technologies and troubleshooting problems with only an intermediate level of expertise can be daunting. In such moments, I’ve leaned on my peers for guidance, scoured through online resources like Google and YouTube, striving to visualize solutions. Take, for example, the frustration of encountering errors while importing crucial information, necessitating hours of preparation only to start afresh. Yet, amidst this frustration lies the silver lining: the moment when the puzzle pieces click into place, and the error becomes a lesson learned, propelling me further along the path of mastery.
• Compassion
  Imposter Syndrome, too, has reared its head at times, casting doubt on my abilities and knowledge. Yet, I’ve learned to combat it by cultivating self-confidence, practicing self-compassion, and acknowledging the small victories and praises from peers along the way.

In conclusion, life’s journey has taken me through various twists and turns. But if there’s one thing I’d like to impart, it’s the importance of embracing one’s past experiences and leveraging the unique skills and perspectives they offer. Let your individuality shine, for it is through diversity of thought and experience that workplaces thrive. And to those venturing into the Salesforce ecosystem or pursuing any ambitious goal, remember: while the path may be challenging, your existing skill set will undoubtedly pave the way for success.

Photos shared by Carlos Torres and featured image by Spencer Davis