The No. 1 Thing You Need to Do If You Want to Revolutionize Your Long-Standing Career

Proving yourself at work can feel challenging for anyone who's given an intimidating task or responsibility. There’s the pressure to perform well and exceed expectations, deadlines tick-tocking over our heads, and an endless amount of input from the worst critic of them all — ourselves.

But it’s under this kind of pressure that PMO Director Laura Klinck achieves her utmost success. At Siemens Digital Industries Software, a global powerhouse that produces energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies, Klinck is surrounded by a community who supports her in performing at her highest potential.

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The best advice she’s ever received? “Be brave and take on additional challenges, assignments and roles that are uncomfortable to you” — which is probably why she took on a role outside her comfort zone at the company and crushed it. Along the same vein, the abundance of opportunities to learn and grow at Siemens allow her to seize even more challenges, sharpening her expertise, widening her skillset and raising her self-esteem.

We spoke to Klinck about her 15-year-long career track at Siemens and her secrets to success throughout her evolution — here’s what she had to say.

How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously?

I’ve been in my current role for three years and with Siemens for 15. Prior to this role, I held positions at the company as a program manager, a technical services manager and an implementation consultant. I was also an engineer in the automotive industry, before I started working at Siemens, using Siemen’s tools to design and engineer vehicle interiors and seating.

What’s the most unique or interesting aspect of your job or company? 

The diverse clients and team members that I get to collaborate with are what make my role interesting. In my role, I have a chance to work with people from many different backgrounds, experiences, industries, & unique customers like NASA, Disney and General Motors, for example. I enjoy traveling, and at Siemens I have the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally to support our teams and clients around the world.

What’s something you think most people (perhaps even current employees) don’t know about your company that you think they should? 

We really care about our people and our customers! So much so that our team feels like a second family; we lean on each other to ensure the success of the business and we work to achieve milestones together.

 What about outside of work?

I’m passionate about the need to have more women in business leadership, especially in tech. To support this passion, I volunteer at schools to bring STEM closer to young people. At Siemens, we have company programs that support the community & allow us to bring our experiences to students.

I also like to golf, garden and create works of art. When I’m not enjoying any of those hobbies, you can probably find me planning and hosting events (parties, charities, etc.) since I enjoy bringing people together to have fun, learn from one another and make lifetime memories.

What’s the one career move you’ve made that you’re most proud of?

I once volunteered to take on a bigger assignment than I had ever worked on in the past. My leader trusted me and supported me taking the role on. The project posed a great challenge to me, both personally and professionally, but it was also a big success for the company. So much so that it allowed me to move into a leadership position.  

What’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are looking for jobs right now?

Think of yourself as the lead sales person for your career – regardless of your current role or experience. Identify your strengths (including your soft skills, like communication and organization or planning) and communicate them with confidence. 

What’s the most memorable piece of career advice you’ve received?

Be brave and take on additional challenges, assignments and roles that are uncomfortable to you; those are the moments when you can grow the most. No one is thinking more about your career than you — and honestly, no one should be.

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