This month we are featuring Jenna Bowman, Talent Development Administrator at Educe.
What do you do in your day-to-day role?
While each day is different, I spend most of my time focusing on career development opportunities and performance management. Some projects I work on are ongoing and long-term, while other projects are short in duration. Depending on the time of year, I may be managing and analyzing our project-based performance reviews, or I could be researching and designing a training or learning opportunity to fill specific needs we have. Whatever I am working on, I try to provide opportunities for people to grow and develop in order to meet their potential and find fulfillment in their career.
What skills does your current job require? How have you mastered those skills?
I think what is most important for my job is to have an understanding that everyone has inherent potential that should be cultivated and fostered. I think this starts by getting to know others at Educe on an individual level, i.e., understanding what their goals are, what their strengths and areas of improvement are, and what some of their needs may be. I have really enjoyed that process and am excited to continue to build those relationships.
What advice would you give to others working in Educe Group about how to succeed in the organization?
Becoming an expert in any field requires opportunity and time. Focusing on the best ways you can contribute and add value in whatever you are doing will build that expertise. I recommend getting to know the people you work with and taking advantage of as many learning opportunities as you can. It’s important to focus on adding depth and breadth to your capabilities and knowledge and be willing to learn from every experience.
What project/s are you most proud of?
I feel that I am most proud of being given the opportunity to own our project-based, performance review process. I have gotten to see the value of having regular opportunities to give and receive feedback on an ongoing basis and how that can shape a person’s career. Not only can it further deepen a person’s understanding of their strengths and improvement areas, but it also gives people the opportunity to hone the skill of showing appreciation for someone’s work and, at rare times, having difficult conversations.
What do you feel sets us apart from other consulting firms?
Hands down it’s the people and the culture. Despite having a large group of remote employees, people have close-nit relationships. I often see (and have experienced myself) people going out of their way to help one another in big and small ways. People openly and freely share their knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices – all while challenging each other to do their best work. Similarly, no matter the role or job title, everyone has access to our leaders for help, advice, development and endless growth opportunities. To me, these are such important indicators of a strong learning culture and I am grateful to be a part of it.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
In my spare time, I love to read, cook, and (a recent development for me) knit. When coronavirus is not a concern, I typically play in a volleyball and a flag football league. Of course, like most at Educe, I love to travel when I can!
