5 Strategies for Crafting a Long and Meaningful Professional Journey

Having a plan for personal career growth is important, but staying flexible and embracing new opportunities can allow your path to take meaningful turns.  

“Not everything is going to work out as you hoped,” said Brett Brenize, PE, CCM, senior director of the Integration Management Office. “For example, I had planned to take over for a division director when he retired, but I was not given that position. For a short while, I felt passed over, but then I was given the opportunity to grow the Fairfax office and start construction operations in Virginia and North Carolina. If I had allowed my perception of losing my next career move to overwhelm me, I might have missed an even better opportunity.”

Jennifer Spinosi, GISP, planner/specialist, shared how actively pursuing skill development and evolving roles contributes to career development: “I started as an intern, which gave me a good level of foundational work experience, and recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the firm’s Emerging Leaders Program. While I still focus primarily on the technical side, my role has expanded to include project management and active involvement in pursuits, which has added a new layer to my skill set.” 

Finding a firm with a strong company culture and values that align with personal goals can greatly influence career satisfaction. For example, if you value a career of lifelong learning, look for how a firm’s benefits and programs show that value in action. You can evaluate the culture by speaking to current employees, reviewing benefits and corporate initiatives, and asking questions during the interview process.

“My journey with the firm started as a client nearly 20 years ago,” said Andrew Gillespie, PE, PEng, executive vice president and executive director of public transit. “As a former chief engineering officer and chief engineer at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), I knew the legacy firm GFT was one of the best consulting firms in the business. So, when I decided that it was time to change for both my family and my career, there was only one firm that fit me. It was ‘the company culture’ that led me here. The firm is truly invested in the growth and well-being of its employees.”

Prioritizing personal commitments while meeting professional expectations is critical for long-term success. In a supportive network of meaningful relationships, hobbies and interests outside of work can reduce stress and increase creativity.

Spinosi says she appreciates the flexibility and work-life balance at GFT, as it allows her to pursue her interests and maintain a healthy balance between her personal life and career aspirations: “The emphasis on flexibility has been clear: as long as I’m meeting my goals and completing my work, I have the freedom to adjust my schedule as needed. I appreciate that flexibility and trust.”

Brenize agreed: “I have had my fair share of travel for work, but the firm has allowed me to be very flexible with my schedule. I was able to make it to nearly every game, musical, and other activities my kids were doing. I am very thankful that the firm allowed me to serve clients and make time for my family a priority, too.”

Seeking out mentorship early and learning from experienced colleagues can accelerate career development.

“I personally believe that the best mentor/mentee relationships take time to build and are often started by the mentee. Find people a few years senior to you and look at what they have done to advance their career. Ask them about their lessons learned,” Brenize advised.

Spinosi also pointed to industry associations and technical communities as critical learning tools: “Working with the GIS Technical Community network across the company has not only refined my technical skills but also allowed me to understand broader company objectives and contribute to shared goals.” 

Collaborative work brings unique perspectives, strengthens problem-solving abilities, and broadens expertise. When surveyed in early 2024, over 90% of GFT employees reported that we work well as a team.

Gillespie credits collaboration as a key factor in the growth of our Canadian presence: “All the early wins were instrumental in our growth in Toronto, including some major programs. Fast forward nine years later, and we are now closing in on 200 employees in Canada, and our client base has expanded to dozens of new clients. This success was a result of the close collaboration across all the business groups, geographies, and sectors represented in our firm.”

It’s a thrilling time to be part of the AEC sector and our firm, when there is great opportunity to transform the communities we serve through infrastructure. Spinosi shared: “I am excited about the potential opportunities on the horizon—it feels like a chance to take on fresh challenges, learn from diverse perspectives, and perhaps explore new career pathways that I didn’t know existed before.”

By offering resources, mentorship, and a culture that values personal and professional growth, we help our team members build dynamic, rewarding career journeys. Explore our open positions here and here.