HOW I ACHIEVED MY GOALS DESPITE CHALLENGES: MY EXPERIENCE AS A ATLASSIAN CONSULTANT
I have been working in the automotive industry for over seven years, specializing in Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence. My journey began in 2015 as a Jira administrator at a joint venture between two major automotive companies, where I gained valuable experience and expertise in the industry.
In 2017, I joined a consultancy firm that is an AWS and Atlassian Platinum Solution Partner as a Atlassian consultant. Since then, I have worked with various automotive manufacturers to provide guidance on the selection and implementation of Atlassian products, with the goal of improving processes and methods within the organization. As an Atlassian consultant, I have also provided support and guidance on best practices for using the tools, and have developed strong communication and consulting skills.
Pros and Cons of Business Trips
Before the coronavirus, I traveled a lot as an Atlassian consultant within Germany. While my employer was already oriented towards remote work before the pandemic, my business trips were specifically requested by our customers, as they were not yet comfortable with remote work before the pandemic.
Despite the initial challenges of packing and organizing my trips, adapting to different schedules and customer requirements, and finding accommodations in different cities, I eventually developed a routine and got used to the business trips. While they could still be hectic at times, I learned how to efficiently pack and plan my trips, and I became more comfortable with adjusting to different schedules and customer requirements. Finding accommodations also became easier as I learned which hotels and chains worked best for me. While business trips could still be tiring, I found that I was able to handle them better as I gained more experience and developed a routine.
The opportunity to see new places and meet new people was always exciting, and I loved learning about different industries and organizations. Plus, the chance to develop my skills and experience new things was always a big draw for me. However, being away from home and my family and friends for extended periods of time could be tough. But despite these challenges, I always felt that the benefits of traveling as a consultant outweighed the drawbacks.
Despite facing criticism from my personal network at the beginning of my career, I remained determined and am now extremely satisfied with my career choice. The variety of projects and clients I work with make my job both interesting and challenging. While the workload can be demanding at times, I enjoy my job and feel supported by my employer. My employer values respectful, human, and authentic behavior in the workplace and is understanding of my personal situation.
A combination of various factors has influenced my career development, including my experiences as someone with cystic fibrosis. Despite facing challenges in my professional journey, I have remained determined to succeed and have not let my condition hold me back. In fact, I have written two articles about my experiences with CF and as a Digital Nomad, which you can read:
I am currently in a senior business consultant role where I have taken on additional responsibilities beyond just working with Atlassian tools. I also have the responsibility of managing a team and am in charge of a key account. However, my background as an Atlassian consultant has been invaluable in helping me to understand the needs of my clients and provide effective solutions that meet their specific needs. I believe that the following four principles are crucial for career success: expertise, empathy and flexibility to adapt to changing health situations, resilience that should be regularly checked and balanced with work demands, and transparent communication with your employer.
Delving into more detail on each of these principles
Expertise: To succeed in any career, it’s important to have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in your field. This means constantly learning and staying up to date on the latest developments and technologies. In the Atlassian ecosystem, for example, you can enhance your expertise by participating in professional development opportunities such as Atlassian University courses or certified training programs. You can also stay informed by reading industry publications, learning about the latest features and best practices for using Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence, and networking with peers and joining online communities like the Atlassian Community.
Empathy and Flexibility: Having the ability to understand and relate to others is crucial in any career, but it’s especially important in a consulting role where you’re working with a variety of clients and team members. Empathy helps you understand and address the needs and concerns of others, while flexibility enables you to adapt to changing circumstances and find solutions that work for everyone. For instance, if a client is struggling with a particular issue, being able to understand their perspective and come up with a customized solution that addresses their needs can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges is essential in any career, but especially in high-stress environments like consulting. It’s important to regularly check in with yourself to ensure that you’re able to handle the demands of your work and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This may involve setting boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking support when needed.
Transparent Communication: Clear, open communication with your employer and team members is crucial for success in any career. It enables you to express your needs and concerns, get feedback and support, and work together effectively towards shared goals. For example, if you’re struggling with a particular project or have personal issues that may impact your work, being upfront and honest about it can help you get the support you need and prevent misunderstandings or conflicts down the road.
Overall, by focusing on these principles and continually improving in these areas, you can set yourself up for success in your career.
As I embark on a new chapter in my career as an account lead, I am excited to use my expertise and experience to help my company and clients succeed. In fact, I have informally been working in this role since 2022, and am grateful to my company for giving me the opportunity to officially take on this position.
I have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in the automotive and Atlassian industries, and have gained extensive experience managing large projects involving tools, methods, and processes. In my previous roles as an Atlassian expert and senior business consultant, I have also had the opportunity to lead teams and manage people. I believe that these experiences have prepared me well for this new challenge, and I am confident in my abilities to make a positive impact in this role.
I am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in this dynamic industry and to see how we will achieve success in 2023. I am excited to be a part of the team and contribute to our growth and success.
