Kimberly Wilson

I attribute my success to my genuine desire to help others and see them progress. I love being that person who gives people the push they need, that background support to help them reach their potential. I've always believed in staying focused, doing the work, and being open to correction and constructive feedback. My old director Lee Scheely taught me the importance of taking courses to better my career path, and that advice stuck with me - I'm still doing trainings and progressing even in the same position. I also believe strongly in networking and putting myself out there. Lee would fly me out to our San Antonio office and tell me that even if I didn't understand why at the time, networking helps your career tremendously. She'd say to be present, be personable, let people know your name and put your face out there, because you never know when someone might remember you for an opportunity. I've learned that if you apply yourself, promote yourself, and network, you can move up. The opportunity is there - you just have to take it. And most importantly, I believe your name and reputation are all you have. My mom always said respect takes you further in life, sometimes more than a degree, and I stand by that.

The best career advice I ever received came from my old director, Lee Scheely. She taught me two critical things that have shaped my entire career. First, she always encouraged us to take courses to better our work career and our path with the job, telling us to keep developing ourselves even when we're in the same position. That advice stuck with me, and I'm still taking trainings every year - I just completed the Excel Frontline Leadership training a couple months ago. Second, she taught me about the power of networking. She would fly me out to our San Antonio office, and I'd wonder why I had to go. She told me that I didn't realize how much networking helps your career. She said even if people go out for something to eat afterwards and have drinks, just be there, be in the atmosphere, let them know your name, put your face out there, and be personable. She said you never know - they may have a position open and remember that young lady Kim who's very spunky and upbeat. People will remember you if you're memorable, and you can move up that way as well. That advice about continuous learning and networking has been invaluable to my success.

Keep your head up, young girl. This day and age is changing, and people feel it's a male-dominating industry, but we have proven in current times that that's not always the case. Women are just as strong, just as educated, just as hardworking as men. It's nothing you can't do. You are your only limit. You can go beyond the sky - there's a whole space out there. Anything you want to do, you can do if you apply yourself and promote yourself. Networking is a big thing - put yourself out there, be personable, let people know your name and put your face out there. Even if you're at a work event and people go out afterwards, just be there in the atmosphere. You don't have to drink, just get the cup and be present. Let them see your face because people will remember you if you're memorable. You never know - they may have a position open and remember you. Keep your head up, be positive, always network, because it will pay off eventually. If you come in and stay focused, take the training in, and allow correction and constructive feedback when something's not right, you can definitely progress. The potential is there, the leadership team is wonderful, they see things in you that you may not see in yourself, and they'll develop you. The opportunity is definitely there - you just have to take it.

The opportunities in my field are tremendous for young professionals coming in. We have levels 1, 2, and 3, and all levels allow you to get a merit increase with different job duties as you progress. If you stay focused, do the work, take the training in, and allow constructive feedback when something's not right, you can definitely progress quickly. I've seen it happen - I had three 22-year-olds come in new on my team, and you should see them now. They're Rep 3s. One girl, Alyssa, became a Rep 3 within a year and a half. I myself came in as a Rep 1, worked hard, did what I needed to do, and didn't even go through levels 2 and 3 - I became a supervisor. The leadership team is wonderful and they see things in you that you may not see in yourself. They'll develop you through mentorship and encourage you to take courses to better your career path. We have books, trainings, core courses, and LMSs available. Some are required, some aren't, but you can just look them up and sign up for courses. I take trainings every year - last year I completed three, and I just finished the Excel Frontline Leadership training a couple months ago. The potential is definitely there - you just have to take the opportunity because it's there. As for challenges, I wouldn't really call them challenges. The main thing is learning people's love language and how they operate and receive things. Everyone's different - some people like vocal acknowledgment, others prefer emails and written shout-outs. Once you learn that, you can go so much further with people.

Integrity is definitely at the top - that goes everywhere in my life. You want people to be able to trust you, and in order to get anything or build a rapport with a person, you have to build trust. That applies outside of work, at work with my employees, and when collaborating with other departments. You have to show empathy, put your best foot forward, and be positive. I'm always the person who wants somebody to be happier when they left me than when they came to me. I want to be that person that puts people in a good spot, in a good position, because you never know what people go through or what life is doing to them. You don't know what they go home to or what the office life is for them, so I want the experience with me to be a good one. I believe in being personable, being positive, and putting out good. It'll always come back - it may not come today or tomorrow, but the universe sees you and it'll circle back around. Your name is all you got. If you have a good reputation, that will carry you. My mom always said respect takes you further in life, sometimes more than a degree in some circumstances, but respect will definitely carry you in life, and I do stand by that. These are my personal beliefs both in and outside the office.