Her Story
About Dr. Sandra
Sandra Smyth serves as an MES implementation consultant with a focus on IT-regulated industries. She began her professional journey in 1998 and has built expertise in bridging the gap between operational realities and complex IT solutions, ensuring projects progress effectively from concept to completion. Her educational background includes assistant engineering studies and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Universidad del Palle in Colombia, followed by a doctoral degree from Purdue University, along with around eight international certifications including three from PMI. In addition to her consulting work, Sandra contributes to the profession as a board member of the PMI Space Coast chapter, where she has served as Director of Certification since last year, and participates in the chapter's volunteer efforts and charitable activities. She attributes her success to a deep passion for her work, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the drive to stay current with emerging technologies while maintaining strong critical thinking and communication skills. Sandra values respect in all interactions, emphasizing the importance of listening and giving others the dignity to express their views.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Sandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I am very passionate and really enjoy what I do. I always give it all and take something from every opportunity because I want to learn. I describe myself as always a student. My drive is to stay up to date so I don't wake up one morning and know that whatever I'm doing is not valid anymore.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
We have to make things happen. If that's your task, if that's in your heart, whatever it is, the reason why you're approaching something, you have to make it happen. Then from there you have to find the answers. There are always problems but no matter what you have to make things happen.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Many other women before have been able to do it so she will do it too if she wants it she will make it happen. She needs to love it and put her hat on it. It's technical stuff so they shouldn't be intimidated. Many people before or many other women before have cleared the path a little bit and they should be part of it to keep going and keep opening that path.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
We are going through a transition state with all the emerging technologies. The pieces of the game are being moved and we need to be alert. There are going to be a lot of opportunities but we have to be prepared on not losing the focus on training our critical thinking skills, our communication skills, being a good human being. We need to go back to basics.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect is most important. Being able to listen to what the other person is trying to communicate without thinking that you have all the answers. Give them the dignity to express themselves knowing there is something behind that because they want to give a message.
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