Sixteen years ago today, I began my journey at SAP. I have enjoyed finding my path through many roles, titles, and teams. 16 things I have learned along the way:
1. I am a geek at heart.
2. People make companies. Company culture can change.
3. Change is inevitable; you might as well learn how to adapt.
4. Networking is vital, no matter what role and level.
5. Always be bold and ask someone for help or advice.
6. Be a mentor. Have a mentor.
7. Colleagues come, and colleagues go, but some colleagues become lifelong friends along the way. Treasure them. And always support them.
8. Show your value and expertise, even if leadership “sometimes” doesn’t appreciate or respect your knowledge.
9. There will be good days and some overworked, hard days. You will get through both.
10. Appreciate the great bosses along the way. Learn from them. Understand bad bosses along the way. Learn from them, too.
11. Reach out and check on your colleagues/friends. Work is not everything. Everyone has something going on behind the scenes.
12. Learning is continuous. Never stop growing.
13. Find a role that brings out the best in you.
14. You are not defined by your role. You will have jobs that you climb the corporate ladder and jobs that make you fall. You aren’t in control most of the time.
15. Sometimes you are just an ID on a spreadsheet, don’t take it personally. It isn’t you.
16. Find your happiness! Life is too short.
I look forward to what the next 16 years will bring! And thank you to SAP & the many colleagues and friends I met along the way. I am grateful.
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