February Question of the Month - Join the conversation and receive a badge

hetherjenn

I wanted to be a coroner or a medical examiner when I was a kid but didn't want that much schooling. I settled on Anthropology/Archaeology as a major but before I even graduated with my BS I had already turned to the dark side....IT...I was on a project to digitize historic sites and structures, so I taught myself GIS and within a few years I was managing the GIS program for manatee tracking in Florida. I switched to the human side of tech implementations, eventually and focused on strategic design, change management, and business analysis for about 8 years. Four years ago I started working for a cannabis company and now I wrangle new things and put out fires for operations! I get the best of both worlds now and divide my time between floor operations and improving our digital workspace.

Kid: doctor for the dead

Now: legal pot dealer, via a 20 year IT career

TamieKing

Started college as a music major with intent to become a conductor. Realized I wanted to keep music as a passion and not my profession. Becoming a Project Manager was a much better career choice for me.

rwood24

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional fisherman. Roland Martin was my idol. As I grew older, I only wanted to join the Air Force and do something in Technology. The Air Force and Technology dream came true. I still fish, but it's just a hobby. I never imagined one could make upwards of $250k for winning a fishing tournament, I might have taken it more seriously.🤑

Bosakie

I admired secret agents and the cool tools they had. I also thought it was cool to watch those techies in white coats working on computers and thought I wanted to be that techie who was also a secret agent. What do I do now? I am in IT Solutions Delivery and we provide solutions for the company. Our team consists of two business analysts, two developers, and one Power Platform Designer. I also work with the organization on UX/UI design. I still love watching spy movies and love SiFi movies.

Lauren.Traub

When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist or ballerina. Today, I am a Stewardship Specialist where I get to focus on my passions surrounding projects supporting biodiversity, pollinators, and conservation in agriculture. Less water related, but still true to my love of science and plants.

Joanie Velles

As a child, I didn't really aspire to be in any specific role when I grew up. I just wanted to help people. When I got into high school, I determined that I wanted to be a music teacher and/or band director. I went to school for Music Education but ended up working for a local payroll processing company, which kickstarted my career in the payroll software industry. I'm now a Project Manager & HRIS Analyst.

T C

When I was a kid I wanted to be a business man. Very general, but I did not care. I wanted to make money and get things done.

I thought wearing a nice suit and getting things done was everything.

Today, I am a Design Systems Program Manager. I focus on my organization’s people, processes, and technology workflow.

T C

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/417189#Comment_417189

A Real American Hero! GI JOOOOOOEEE!

Janelle

When I was a kid, the first thing I wanted to be was a veterinarian. Then I found out that you have to put some of the animals down, that changed my mind. So then I never really new what I wanted to do until I got into high school and was in a computer programing class. I loved it. But my councilor at school told me I was not smart enough. Haha, look at me now!

Rebeca S.

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/419833#Comment_419833

Look at you now! You're awesome, Janelle 😎

LSAChayoungman

I love this question! When I was a kid, I wanted to either be a famous pop star or a rocket scientist. I rotated between the two quite regularly. My family thought I was destined to become an actress (because of how dramatic I was) or a lawyer (because I could argue my way out of anything). When it was time for college, I rotated between several majors before ending up with two bachelor degrees - one in English Literature and one in Linguistics, with minors in Italian and Sociology. At one point or another I declared the following majors: vocal performance, undeclared science (I wanted to work in astrophysics, which I still love but am sadly not quite smart enough to do for a job), journalism, interior design, Italian. No matter which major I chose, I always swore up and down I would never go into Operations management like my mom but guess where I ended up? I'm now an Operations Director and it turns out I really enjoy it. I started out my career after college working at the front desk of a medical clinic and over time started suggesting operational improvements and kind of ended up in the role without realizing it. I then went to business school and made it official.

It is so interesting reading everyone's stories! Some people have a very clear idea of exactly what they want when they're young; others are like me and take many years to find their niche. Thanks for sharing!

Natalia

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer or a singer. I made it to show choir until high school but I'm glad I never took the path as a lawyer as I can't Imagine being in school for ages! I'm now a project manager for a healthcare system and enjoy staying busy while managing operational improvements and construction transitions.

Ken Armstrong

I always wanted to be a soldier. So I joined the Army and became one. After that I had No Idea what I wanted to be until I found Smartsheet and now Smartsheet is my life lol!

Julia L Rumburg

When I was a child, I used to play with my Barbies and dream of becoming a successful career woman, inspired by my mother's stories and photos of her glamorous lifestyle. Thanks to her and the women who fought for women's rights in the 60s and 70s, I was able to pursue my dream and work for amazing companies.

Today, I work for an incredible start-up where I help facilitate collaboration between people and processes. It brings me joy to create solutions that align people, work, and technology, and I often use Smartsheet as one of my key tools.

rosegarretson

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional musician. Then, as I got older, I discovered technology and web-enabled tools. I love helping people, which is why I also love being a Project Manager. We help people achieve their dreams! How cool is that?