Her Story
About Rebecca
Rebecca WarnerSchaefer serves as the Early Careers Lead for Americas at GHD, overseeing the recruitment of approximately 300 early career professionals annually across the United States, Canada, and Chile. In this role, she has focused on establishing a campus relations program that builds early connections with students, recognizing their potential as both future employees and clients. As an active duty military spouse, she has navigated frequent relocations every one and a half to three years while advancing her career in the AEC industry over 12 years. WarnerSchaefer earned her undergraduate degree in social science and completed her MBA from Sam Houston State University while stationed in Peru. She credits her professional achievements to the guidance of mentors who encouraged her confidence and the supportive relationships she has cultivated throughout her journey. She emphasizes the importance of relationships in both her professional and personal life and advises young women entering the industry to persist, trust their support network, and build upon those connections.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors I've had who had faith in me when I didn't have faith in myself and encouraged me to have confidence and go after it. Also the support from relationships I've built.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Have confidence in the space and in the knowledge that I've acquired over the course of my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stick with it. Just continue on the journey, trust and have faith in those individuals that are around you and supporting you. Really back to those relationships and build upon them.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The AI component is both helpful and a challenge. We want to engage students so they trust the process and won't lean only into AI, but utilize it while having confidence to do things without it for things they shouldn't use AI for.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships. Building strong ones and leaning into those individuals that can support you on your journey.
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