Corporate Girl Life
I started my career pretty typical, as an assistant. I found the posting through Bentley's alumni network, applied, and landed at JLL after a full day of interviews. That was my first real corporate role and there were a lot of newness to me. It was in the brokerage department which was a bit of a boys' club and a lot of happy hours. There was a lot of work, I spent the majority of my first year working 12-hour days. I was deep into it just trying to learn fast and figure out what I actually wanted out of a career. I did not even know corporate real estate was an industry until I was in it.
I knew early on that I did not want to be in sales but I knew I had skills that were still necessary in the industry. Common sense. Efficiency. Strong analytical skills. So I made connections internally and made the switch over to one on one client support helping manage global transactions for major clients. That's where I actually started to build my career in the typical promotion every x amount of time because I was just hitting every goal sent my way.
After about 7 years at JLL, I received a message from BCG on LinkedIn. I was not looking to leave but was excited about the opportunity. I remember sitting at lunch in Rome, Italy with my husband (boyfriend at time) and receiving the offer letter, perfect reason to continue ordering wine and enjoying the most perfect Italian summer vacation. I grew a lot at BCG and was genuinely happy to be there. I sharpened my strategy skills even more and became more involved in advancing AI into our everyday as a team to become more efficient. Nine years at BCG and it was honestly my plan to continue until I retired. I was on a great team and company. During those nine years I grew immensely not just professionally but personally as well. I would be honest though and there were plenty of times I felt stuck. Growth at BCG was more lateral. You could be doing a great job, crushing your reviews, but the next step wasn't what I was used to or expecting.
Just like my previous job opportunity, I received a LinkedIn message from a company I had not heard of but the role seemed interesting. After interviewing and meeting the team it felt like the correct step for me. After sixteen years, I landed where I am now. I lead corporate real estate globally for a company in life sciences. The work I am doing now is connected to science that is helping save babies, advance reproductive health research and push forward findings that matter to people I may never meet. After such a long time in the industry I am still learning, especially about radioactive instruments and the correct safety protocols in a lab because of the life cycles of certain elements.
It came at the perfect time. I had struggled with my decision to leave BCG, but this opportunity emphasized the cliche "everything happens when it is supposed to happen". I am on a great team, with great people, and doing work I am proud of. Sixteen years is a long time in an industry where sometimes social media is trying to push switching or always looking for something new. I believe in working hard, proving myself, speaking up when I need to, but also setting boundaries. I have young kids and being there for special moments is key for me. I want to be able to afford exotic trips but also be at pick ups when needed. This was not something overnight and it was not "luck". Those 12 hour work days early in my career, those extra classes, certificates, master's, and proving myself got me here.
At the time, we may not see where we are going or where we may end up but I do think setting short term goals and checking in with yourself is key. Don't stay somewhere just for the sake of growing and if you feel stuck, speak up. The economy is tough right now as well and our time is valuable, so don't accept anything less than what's matching the energy you're putting in. Which I guess is true in every aspect of life, and a real reminder to myself to keep that true in other areas.
