Women’s History Month Spotlight: For Sands’ Lipika Jensen, Having a Roadmap for Career Expansion Mirrors Her Experience in Business Development - Seite 2
What skills, trainings, mentors or experiences have helped you build a successful career?
"The first thing that comes to mind is hard work. I was 19 when I left Nepal, and when I came to the United States for higher education, I didn't have family nearby. The one thing I knew I could do was work hard, first in school and then in the workplace. So, I would say it's important to have a dream, have the drive, work hard, always be curious and always be learning. The drive to strive and thrive is important.
"Having mentors is also critical. I was very fortunate - when I finished my bachelor's degree, I met a woman who had followed a similar education and career as me. She was very supportive and showed me the path forward. She helped me get my first internship and provided me with guidance as I was switching to architecture. Seeing her do what I was trying to do and her being successful in this path was very inspirational. She was a mentor and a role model.
"At Sands, I have had the opportunity to work under great leaders, and I still think of them at times when I run into challenging situations. I draw on how they would tackle them. Having a role model in your supervisor is another great opportunity - it's important to have people around you who are strong leaders, because you can learn from them just by watching. I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by people who I could learn from and emulate."
What are your ideas for evolving the workplace to better support and empower women?
"Having what I had - role models both within and outside of your company - is helpful for anyone, not just women. I really do believe that when you see someone like you achieving and advancing, it gives you the confidence that you can do it too.
"Having women as role models is so important, and that's why I think EmpowHER, our Team Member resource group for women, is so powerful. We get to hear from women leaders, and that normalizes women in leadership roles. Also, the mentoring through EmpowHER and mentorship in general is critical - we can help women rise in their careers by boosting their confidence and creating an inclusive environment that's free from biases."
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What advice do you have for women or anyone who wants to advance in their careers?
"I would say be yourself. You have to find what works for you, within who you are, and be objective about who you are. Be the best at what you do and strive for excellence. Be curious and learn more skills. These concepts are important for anyone, not just women.